Getting involved in a car accident can leave you with severe, life-altering injuries. Protect your rights to fair compensation by consulting expert Corpus Christi car accident lawyers. At The Burkett Law Firm, we have a stellar track record in handling a thousand personal injury cases in the past forty years that have recovered over fifty million dollars for our clients. Contact us online or call us at 361-223-6870 for a free consultation today.
What Are the Types of Car Accidents?
There are several types of car accidents based on the number of cars involved and the site of impact:
Single Car Accidents
This accident involves only one vehicle, such as collisions with animals, collisions with fallen debris, run-off-road collisions, and rollovers.
Side-Impact Collisions
Also known as broadside or T-bone collisions, this type is where the side of one or more vehicles is struck. The severity of the damage will depend on where the impact happened. They frequently occur at intersections, parking lots, and areas where two vehicles pass on a roadway.
Rear-End Collisions
This collision happens when a vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it and accounts for approximately a quarter of all collisions. Drivers who do not maintain a responsible distance are the biggest factor in these collisions, as maneuvers like tailgating and panic stops will not allow for enough reaction time for a safe stop.
Head-On Collisions
This accident involves two vehicles that hit each other in opposite directions on the front end. These are often highly fatal, and so constant vigilance by being aware of traffic signs, street conditions, and staying in your lane is important.
Vehicle Rollovers
This is a complex and violent type of accident that is reflective of the interaction between the driver, the vehicle, and the environment. Factors include the speed and type of the vehicle, road and weather conditions, and the driver’s behavior (e.g. alcohol consumption).
What Causes Car Accidents?
To prevent future accidents, avoid common causes of car accidents, including:
Drunk Driving
In Texas, drunk drivers injure or kill someone in a crash about every 20 minutes. Alcohol dulls the senses and makes for dangerous drivers on the road.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Suddenly changing, weaving, or drifting from lane to lane leads to many deadly car accidents. Unsafe lane changes can sideswipe another vehicle or force other vehicles off-road to avoid collision.
Failure To Control Speed
Many drivers exceed the posted speed limits, even during poor traffic or weather conditions. A car going too fast puts every other car on the road at risk, as they can not make a safe stop.
Disregard of Traffic Lights, Signals, or Stop Signs
Traffic signs are meant to control the flow of traffic and make it safe for pedestrians to cross, but there are drivers that disregard them. This leads to fatal crashes at intersections, with the victims often being pedestrians or occupants of other cars.
Wrong-Way Driving
Driving into oncoming traffic can lead to deadly head-on collisions that can be impossible to avoid.
Distractions in Vehicle
Distractions can range from talking to passengers, adjusting car systems, eating, to using a phone. A failure to remain focused on the road prevents quick reaction to any incoming collisions.
Unsafe Passing
Accidents can be caused by passing on the road shoulder, in a construction zone, or on a two-lane road with limited visibility. Only pass cars when there is enough room to do so safely.
Failure To Yield
Right of way is important when entering an intersection, roundabout, or highway. Failure to yield will cause collisions with unsuspecting, responsible drivers.
Unsafe Backing
When backing out of a driveway or a parking lot, always check for other vehicles or pedestrians. In Texas, drivers are not allowed to back out of a shoulder or roadway of a limited-access highway.
Work Zone Accidents
Roadway work zones are highly dangerous, with hazards like narrowed lanes, merging traffic, changes in speed limits, and active heavy equipment. Drivers that do not take proper caution endanger the lives of other drivers and road workers around them.
Faulty Roadway Design Accidents
Poorly-maintained or badly-designed roadways can also lead to accidents. Broken pavements, improper drainage, sharp curves, and missing road markings can all lead to a serious accident.
Defective Vehicle Parts
A driver may not be aware of defects in their vehicle until it is too late. Malfunctioning brakes or steering systems, faulty airbags, easily-ruptured tires, inoperative seat belts, and more can all contribute to making a crash worse than it would have been otherwise.
Get the Assistance of Experienced Corpus Christi Car Accident Lawyers
The average person can expect to be in three to four car accidents during their lifetime. These accidents are often preventable but can lead to serious personal injury and disability. If you or any of your loved ones have been involved in a car accident, you can trust our team to provide personalized legal representation and assistance. Our experienced Corpus Christi car accident lawyers can help you receive the compensation you are entitled to after being injured in an accident with a reckless driver.