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What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in NY?
Many of the streets in New York are congested, which means that car accidents are common. When most people think of car accidents in the city, they think of minor fender benders. Surprisingly though, serious accidents that result in catastrophic injuries are also common. Read on to learn about the most common types of car accidents in NY. Or, if you’ve recently been injured in a car accident, contact our team at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of injured clients just like you in NYC and the surrounding area. Get the help you need today with a free consultation.
8 of the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in NY
1. Rollovers
Rollover accidents are more common than many people imagine, and they have many contributing factors. Certain vehicle models, such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are more prone to rolling over due to their high center of gravity. Rough or slippery roads, poor weather, and animals or objects on the road can also contribute to rollover accidents. The chances of a rollover accident can also increase when motorists are distracted, impaired by alcohol or drugs, or speeding is involved.
2. Single Vehicle Accidents
Not all collisions on the road involve multiple vehicles. Sometimes, a driver–with or without other passengers–falls asleep, veers off the road, or drives while impaired or distracted. Motorists may also hit an object, such as a post, fence, animal, debris, or a pothole. It is also common for single vehicle accidents to involve bicyclists or pedestrians.
3. Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another. In some instances, these crashes are the result of the front driver coming to a sudden stop. In the majority of rear-end accident cases, the driver that hit someone from behind is usually considered to be at fault. This is because all drivers are expected to leave enough space in front of them to come to a stop safely.
Surprisingly, most rear-end accidents happen when the vehicle in front is already stopped or when both vehicles are moving at slow speeds. Because of this, although rear-end accidents make up 40 percent of car crashes in the United States, only approximately five percent result in fatality.
4. Side Impact Accidents
Also known as T-bone or broadside accidents, side-impact crashes are exactly as their name sounds. These accidents happen in parking lots, intersections, or when one motorist passes another on the roadway. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, side impact accidents make up approximately one-quarter of vehicle passenger deaths. The seriousness of the injuries after a side impact accident will depend on many factors, including where one vehicle hit the other and where the occupant inside the struck car was sitting at the time.
5. Side-Swiping Accidents
Side-swiping accidents may sound similar to side impact crashes, but there are differences between the two. Unlike in a side impact accident, during which two vehicles were traveling in different directions, side-swipe accidents involve two vehicles traveling in the same direction.
In the majority of cases, these crashes occur because one driver was not paying attention, or did not check their blind spots when merging or changing lanes. In some instances, two drivers may try to enter the lane next to them at the same time, resulting in a side-swipe accident. These accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries when the motorists are traveling at high speeds, or the drivers do not react quickly enough.
6. Head-On Collisions
Although head-on collisions are fairly rare, they are one of the most dangerous types of accidents a person could be involved in. According to the NHTSA, ten percent of head-on collisions result in a fatality, even though this type of crash makes up only two percent of overall accidents. This is partly because these accidents typically result in some of the most severe injuries. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations are just some of the most serious injuries seen after a head-on collision. Accident victims often feel the impact of these injuries for the rest of their lives.
Head-on collisions are caused by several different factors. Driving while impaired, distracted, or fatigued are some common causes of head-on collisions. A failure to pay attention to traffic signals or road signs and improper lane changes can also result in a head-on collision. Motorists making left turns in an intersection are another common cause of head-on collisions.
7. Multiple Vehicle Accidents
When three or more vehicles are involved in an accident, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Accident victims can sustain serious injuries when they are hit by just one vehicle. When they are hit by two or more other vehicles, the injuries are almost always some of the worst. When multiple vehicles and drivers are involved, it will also mean that multiple insurance companies will be involved. This can make determining fault and obtaining fair compensation even more challenging.
8. Blind Spot Accidents
All motorists are expected to check their blind spots before they merge or change lanes. Unfortunately, many drivers rely too heavily on their mirrors and think that will be enough to determine if someone is in their blind spot. It rarely is. When drivers do not check their blind spots, they can easily crash into another vehicle and cause a blind spot accident. This single act of negligence is the most common cause of blind spot accidents.
Get the Help You Need Today
Now that you know about the eight most common types of car accidents in NY, we hope this helps you drive a bit more defensively! And remember, if you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, our New York car accident lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. are here to help you claim the full and fair settlement you deserve. If you have any questions, contact us today for a free consultation.