Types of Car Accidents

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), front-to-rear collisions were most common in 2023 and account for the highest number of injuries on roads across the state. This means that you likely want to be on the lookout for behaviors that contribute to causing rear-end accidents. Although not every incident can be avoided, driving defensively is helpful in sidestepping some of the most severe types of car accidents.

What Types of Accidents Are Most Common?

According to IDOT, the four most common types of crashes in 2023 were:

1. Rear-end collisions: Typically, the result of following another vehicle too closely or distracted driving, rear-end accidents can cause significant damage to both vehicles as well as the occupants. Common injuries include whiplash and muscle strains, but can be as severe as being ejected from the vehicle.
2. T-bone accidents: Also called “side-impact crashes,” T-bone accidents typically occur when one vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle while turning and hits the side of the other vehicle. This is a common type of accident when an individual chooses to run a red light or stop sign, and it can lead to whiplash, strains, sprains, broken bones, and even punctures and internal bleeding if the impact is severe enough.
3. Sideswipe in the same direction: If a driver tries to change lanes too quickly without regard for other nearby vehicles, it is possible that the vehicles will collide or brush against each other. While this may sound minor, imagine one vehicle pushing the other off the road or into oncoming traffic, or imagine bumping each other at a high rate of speed. Spinal cord and neck injuries, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding are all possible in this type of accident.
4. Striking a parked car or fixed object: Single-vehicle accidents may sound minor, but they can produce equally significant injuries such as punctures, broken bones, spine and neck injuries, as well as arm and leg injuries. Imagine driving your car into a brick wall at a high rate of speed. It is equivalent to striking a pole or tree while driving.

What Are the Biggest Reasons for Accidents?

Just like there are common types of accidents, there are common reasons for accidents.

For instance, one of the most common is distracted driving. Whether texting, chatting with passengers, fiddling with dashboard instruments, eating, or simply daydreaming, there are a number of reasons a driver may not be completely focused on the road in front of them. Meanwhile, those who claim to be in a hurry may be speeding or driving recklessly in an attempt to make up time. And there are also those who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol despite the fact that it is illegal. Equally as dangerous are those who choose to drive while tired, such as truck drivers with tight schedules and demands to meet.

No matter the circumstances, the results can be catastrophic.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

If you become involved in a car accident, there are several types of damages that you may choose to pursue from a negligent driver, including:

• Lost wages: If you are forced to stay home and recuperate from injuries sustained in an accident caused by another driver, you are eligible for compensation.
• Medical bills: If you require medical attention, physical therapy, doctor appointments, or hospital visits, your bills may be covered by the negligent driver.
• Property damage: If your vehicle sustains damage and requires work to make it operable, you may be able to collect your out-of-pocket expenses from the at-fault party.
• Wrongful death: If a car accident causes the death of a loved one, the surviving family members could be entitled to compensation.

Get Assistance From the Edwardsville Car Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm

With so many ways to be involved in an accident, there is an equal number of ways to make sure your financial interests are covered if you are a victim of one of these situations. Talk to the Edwardsville car accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm for professional guidance. Call 618-277-3644 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we proudly serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.