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The types of auto accidents may be classified by the vehicle type or collision type. Types of vehicle accidents include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- SUV accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
Some of these accident types can be especially dangerous, such as truck accidents. A lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need after an accident.
Other Classifications For Vehicle Accidents
You can also classify types of auto accidents by the type of collision involved. These classifications include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact collisions
- Rollover accidents
Other classifications include hit-and-run accidents and drunk driving accidents. “Hit-and-run collision” doesn’t describe a collision type, however, but the aftermath of the accident. “Drunk driving accident” doesn’t describe the collision, either—instead, it suggests a potential cause of the accident.
Additionally, pedestrian accidents can refer to auto accidents where a vehicle strikes a pedestrian.
Which Accident Types Are Most Dangerous?
The National Safety Council (NSC) examines the relative danger of accident types. It categorizes accidents by the way that vehicles strike one another and found that:
- Angle collisions (such as a T-bone accident) cause the highest number of deaths
- Head-on collisions cause the second-most deaths
- Rear-end collisions cause the third-most deaths
- Sideswipe collisions cause the fewest deaths
Though there are fewer head-on collision deaths than angle collision deaths, this may be due to the greater instance of angle collisions on the roads. On a case-by case basis, head-on collisions can be particularly deadly.
It is important to consider that these figures tell you which accidents cause the most deaths total. They do not tell whether you’re more likely to suffer serious injuries in a specific type of accident, however.
The NSC also notes that single-vehicle accidents are also dangerous. These are accidents where a vehicle strikes a fixed object, pedestrian, or rolls over without striking anything.
Some Vehicles Are More Dangerous Than Others
Vehicle type also matters when considering the dangers of accidents. For instance, truck accidents can be especially dangerous by nature.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that large trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than smaller vehicles. This weight differential matters when two vehicles collide. In general, the heavier the vehicle, the greater its capacity to cause harm.
Other factors may affect the severity of any vehicle accident, such as:
- The speed of colliding vehicles
- Whether safety mechanisms like airbags and seatbelts functioned properly
- The angle of colliding vehicles
- The placement of occupants within a vehicle
Any motor vehicle accident can be dangerous. However, certain vehicle conditions mean some are more dangerous than others.
What Should Victims of Auto Accidents Do After Their Collision?
Your safety is most important after an auto accident. If you haven’t already sought medical treatment, do so as soon as possible. Accident victims may have serious injuries that they’re not aware of. Seeking medical attention is the only way to protect yourself from further bodily harm.
Contacting a personal injury lawyer serving your area may be your second priority. The person who caused your accident may have put your life at risk. They may have already caused serious harm, including but not limited to injuries—and you could bring a case to hold them accountable.
A lawyer will review your case. They may then seek fair coverage for your losses.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do For Auto Accident Victims?
A personal injury lawyer seeks compensation for their client. They may also help you arrange medical care and temporary transportation. Their primary role, though, is completing a lawsuit or insurance claim.
Your lawyer may:
- Determine liability for your auto accident: A motorist who caused your collision may be liable. Others – an auto manufacturer, employer, or government body – may also be liable. Liability varies in each case.
- Gather evidence documenting your accident: Witness accounts, physical evidence, photographs of your vehicle, a police report, and video footage may all be relevant.
- Complete case-related tasks: Your lawyer will handle the daily responsibilities of your case. This includes completing paperwork, filing your case, making phone calls, and making appearances on your behalf.
- Document your losses: Auto accidents cause serious losses. Your lawyer will identify your losses, determine their cost, and seek proof of each loss.
- Negotiate a settlement or go to trial: Your lawyer may first seek a settlement, then consider filing a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer is an advisor and voice of reason through a complex legal process. They have the legal knowledge and experience to help you through a difficult time. Your lawyer may seek coverage for:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost income
- Lost earning power
- Pain and suffering
- Losses from a wrongful death
Your lawyer will also protect your rights from insurance companies and other attorneys.
How Do You Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer For An Auto Accident?
You should seek a law firm that:
- Provides positive testimonials from former clients
- Has secured financial recoveries for other clients and will show you the case results¹
- Has thorough experience with auto accident cases
- Is attentive and responsive during the consultation process
- Makes you feel comfortable as a potential client
Choosing a law firm is a significant decision. You should work with a firm that will fight for the recovery you deserve.
Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Today About Your Auto Accident
We have more than 40 years’ experience and results under our belts. Our team will handle your case from start to finish. Just focus on getting better and leave the rest to us.
Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers today at (888) 612-7001 to discuss your case.