Top 5 Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Understanding the major vehicle collision types can help victims of car accidents and their personal injury lawyers discern liability for auto accident damages.

Summary

• Distinguishing types of car accidents can help reduce the risk of a vehicle collision and determine who was at fault.
• Rear-end collisions, one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents, are usually caused by distracted drivers following the car in front of them too closely.
• Typically, T-bone collisions happen at intersections; the occupants of the car that sustains the impact are generally more likely to suffer serious injuries.
• Although head-on crashes are one of the rarest types of auto accidents, they tend to be more deadly.
• Rollover accidents can inflict catastrophic injuries when the vehicle overturns.
• Dense traffic and poor weather often contribute to multi-vehicle pile-ups, which can complicate assigning liability.

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There are a number of ways to describe a car accident, such as whether it involved a drunk driver, if it caused a fatality, how many vehicles were involved, or where the collision occurred. However, one of the most useful ways to describe a crash is to classify it under one of the major types of car accidents.

By identifying which of the most common types of auto accidents your case aligns with, your personal injury attorney can gain insight into how the crash unfolded and who is at fault. From there, they can determine who is liable for your damages.

If you’re ever hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, please don’t hesitate to contact the Jones Law Group through our online form or call (727) 571-1333. We’ll work hard to protect your rights after a Florida car accident and help you get every dollar you deserve.

5 Different Types of Car Accidents in Florida

There were nearly 400,000 motor vehicle accidents on Florida roads in 2022. These crashes resulted in more than 250,000 injuries and, tragically, more than 3,000 deaths. Nearly 17% of those fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver was impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

Therefore, the fatalities from the other 83% of those car accidents are attributable to other causes, such as distracted driving or speeding. In addition to addressing negligent driving behaviors, an important part of reducing car accident injuries and fatalities is understanding how the most common types of auto accidents unfold.

The different types of car accidents fall into one of the five categories below. Knowing how these wrecks happen could help you avoid one.

1. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accidents, accounting for 29% of all crashes on average according to an NHTSA study on rear-end crashes. They occur when one vehicle collides into the back of another. Typically, one vehicle is stationary or moving slowly during the collision.

These accidents frequently occur due to various factors, including the following:

• Distracted driving is where the driver’s attention is diverted from the road by texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio. 
• Sudden stops by the vehicle in front may happen because of traffic congestion or an unexpected obstacle. 
• Tailgating, or following too closely, increases the risk of rear-end collisions, as does driving in slippery road conditions.

A rear-end crash can result in a range of injuries, with whiplash being common. Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly jerks forward and backward upon impact, straining the neck’s ligaments and muscles.

Motorists and passengers may also experience head injuries, especially if they strike the steering wheel or dashboard. In severe types of motor vehicle accidents, they can experience debilitating spinal cord injuries.

Determining fault in rear-end collisions is often straightforward, as investigators typically consider the driver who rear-ended another vehicle at fault. However, liability disputes can arise.

For example, if evidence suggests the driver of the front vehicle made a sudden, unexpected stop without reasonable cause. Insurance companies and legal proceedings may be needed to resolve disputes in such cases.

2. Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions

Side-impact collisions, or T-bone accidents, happen when one vehicle collides into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents can be hazardous due to the limited side impact protection.

These collisions often result from running red lights or stop signs, where one driver fails to yield the right-of-way. Failed yield attempts at intersections, particularly when drivers dispute who had the right-of-way, can lead to these accidents.

Injuries resulting from T-bone accidents can be severe. The impact often occurs directly at the occupant’s door, leading to head and chest injuries. Occupants may sustain pelvic fractures due to the side impact’s force, and internal injuries can result from the rapid deceleration and impact.

Many factors will determine fault in a side-impact crash. These include traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and the actions of the involved drivers. Attorneys often use eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction experts to assign blame.

3. Head-On Collisions

This devastating accident occurs when two vehicles collide front-to-front, with the fronts of both vehicles absorbing the impact. As for the causes of head-on collisions, they often result from wrong-way driving, where a driver enters a road against traffic flow.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another common cause in these types of motor vehicle accidents, as is loss of vehicle control, especially on slippery roads. Head-on collisions typically lead to catastrophic injuries and tragedies.

Nearly 6,000 people died in head-on crashes in the U.S. in 2021. Occupants may sustain severe head injuries from the force of the collision, including traumatic brain injuries. Broken bones and internal injuries are common, and fatalities are more likely due to the high forces involved.

Fault in head-on collisions is typically assigned to the driver who crosses into oncoming traffic. Legal consequences for these types of car accidents can be severe, including criminal charges in cases of impaired driving. Proving liability usually relies on evidence such as eyewitness accounts, skid marks, and accident reconstruction.

4. Vehicle Rollovers

Vehicle rollovers occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. These accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the potential for ejection and rollover-induced injuries.

Rollovers can happen during sharp turns at high speeds, especially if the driver loses control of the vehicle. Tire blowouts, which can lead to sudden changes in vehicle stability, are another common cause. SUVs are more prone to rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity.

Drivers and passengers are at risk of head and neck injuries, especially if the roof collapses. Crushed limbs can occur if the rollover compromises the vehicle’s structure. Fatalities are also possible due to the violent nature of the accident.

Rollover accidents may involve product liability issues if a defect in the vehicle’s design or stability contributed to the rollover. Establishing fault may require an auto accident attorney to do thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the accident.

5. Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Multi-vehicle pile-ups involve three or more vehicles colliding in a chaotic chain reaction, often in a high-traffic area or due to poor visibility.

These accidents can occur due to various factors, including poor visibility in heavy thunderstorms, slippery roads, and chain reactions triggered by other collisions. One initial collision can set off a domino effect as other vehicles become involved.

Injuries in pile-ups can vary widely due to the chaotic nature of the accident. Some occupants may sustain minor injuries, while others may experience severe injuries depending on the force of the impacts and the number of vehicles involved.

The sheer amount of debris in a confined space can make it more difficult for first responders to reach trapped or injured victims in these types of car accidents. Consequently, accident victims may face longer recoveries due to complications from delayed treatment.

Determining fault in multi-vehicle pile-ups can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Legal proceedings can involve numerous insurance claims, disputes, and expert testimony to reconstruct the sequence of events accurately.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Car Accident

To reduce the risk of car accidents, drivers should keep the following in mind:

• Practice defensive driving techniques: Defensive driving involves staying alert, maintaining a safe following distance, and anticipating the actions of other drivers. This proactive approach helps drivers respond effectively to potential hazards.
• Prioritize vehicle maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that critical components such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems are in good working condition. Routine maintenance checks can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures.
• Stay updated with weather and road conditions: Being aware of current weather conditions and road hazards is essential. Adjusting driving behavior to account for adverse weather conditions and avoiding driving during severe weather events whenever possible can reduce the risk of accidents.

Even if you follow these guidelines, it may be impossible to avoid the main types of car accidents. Our auto accident attorneys have handled personal injury claims involving all vehicle collision types. We can help you demonstrate that the other driver’s reckless actions were responsible for your injuries.

Contact Jones Law Group if You’re Involved in a Car Accident in Florida

You’ll need skilled legal help if you suffer an injury in a car wreck caused by another driver’s negligence. The Jones Law Group is ready to provide that help.

Our team of personal injury lawyers understands the nuances of each of the major types of car accidents, local laws that could impact your claim, and how to effectively stand up to insurance companies.

We have a reputation for exceptional service that we aim to maintain by treating each client as a priority, regardless of the size of their case. For personalized, expert legal advice, discuss your case with a Jones Law Group car accident lawyer.

Please call (727) 571-1333 or use our online form for a free case review. Whether you need a St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, Largo, or Madeira Beach car accident lawyer, our team has your case covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which types of auto accidents have the highest fatality rates?

Technically, angle crashes resulted in the greatest number of fatalities out of crashes involving two or more motor vehicles. According to NSC data, they represented 32.5% of all crashes with two or more motor vehicles in 2022, but 46.2% of fatal collisions involving multiple vehicles. 

Notably, head-on collisions comprised only 4.4% of crashes, but 27.6% of fatal accidents, making them one of the deadliest vehicle collision types. Out of the other types of car accidents, rear-end collisions had the next highest number of fatalities. 

Despite representing 40.8% of all crashes involving multiple vehicles, rear-end collisions were only responsible for 17.9% of fatal crashes. Side-swipes were the least lethal types of auto accidents, accounting for 22.2% of crashes but only 8.3% of fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Can drivers share liability in each of the types of car accidents?

In theory, it would be possible for more than one driver to be at-fault in each of the different types of motor vehicle accidents. However, shared liability is less common in certain types of auto accidents, such as rear-end collisions and head-on crashes. 

Unless the driver in front was braking-checking, failed to signal, or was operating a vehicle without functioning brake lights, the following driver will likely shoulder 100% of the fault in a rear-end accident. 

With head-on collisions, generally one driver is fully liable because they drove the wrong way down a street or highway. The second driver may bear some responsibility if they were speeding or somehow made the crash more serious than it already was.

Which vehicle collision types are more dangerous, crashes involving a single car or multiple vehicles?

Collisions involving more than one vehicle resulted in 19,600 fatalities and an estimated 4,060,000 injuries in 2022. In contrast, types of single vehicle accidents involving a collision with an object or a non-collision event caused 15,600 deaths and 790,000 injuries. 

However, just because multi-car crashes account for significantly more injuries and fatalities between these two types of car accidents does not mean that single-vehicle crashes are minor. Case in point, IIHS car accident fatality data shows 1,688 people died in rollover auto accidents without hitting another vehicle beforehand.