There are many common car accidents. If you’re unsure how to avoid a specific accident, read on to discover the common causes and how to avoid them.
Here are a few examples:
- Parked car damage
- Rear-end collisions
- Windshield damage
- Single-vehicle accidents
Fortunately, following a few simple safety tips can make a big difference in how you drive.
Rear-end Collisions
Inattentive and reckless driving are the leading causes of rear-end collisions. To avoid such accidents, avoid distractions and drive hyper-aware. When hyper-aware, you can react quickly if you see someone slamming on their brakes or traffic lights turn red up ahead. On the other hand, if you’re distracted, you might not notice a series of red lights up ahead, and you’ll be in a rear-end collision. Those split seconds can make all the difference in avoiding an accident.
If you’re involved in a rear-end collision, your priority should be seeking medical attention. You can call 911 and summon paramedics. Then, take care of any injuries you might have. If the accident involves a severe accident, you should stay in your car until help arrives. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you can make a claim even if the driver at fault doesn’t have insurance.
Parked Car Damage
Parked cars are at an increased risk of getting hit. While this type of car damage can be difficult to avoid, there are some precautions you can take to prevent it. When parking, stay away from busy intersections and park in the middle of the spot. Doing so will maximize your parking space and prevent you from being hit by another vehicle. You can also park in a garage if possible.
If you can’t avoid parking in busy areas, avoid parking close to:
- Tight turns
- Driveways
- Busy intersections
If the other driver backs out of the parking spot before you can drive by, you must stop your vehicle and wait until the other car has finished backing out before proceeding. Another example of parked car damage is a rear-end collision. This type of collision occurs when a driver is distracted by texting, using the GPS, or fiddling with the radio dial. These distractions can cause you to hit a parked car. Before parking, check the parking lot for other cars and avoid parking too close to one another.
Single-vehicle Accidents
While the drivers in single-vehicle car accidents are often held responsible for the accident, other causes contribute to this type of collision. For instance, the other vehicle’s driver may have failed to maintain on the roadway and hit a deer. While the driver may be held responsible, they may also not be liable for the damages and injuries that occur in the accident. In such cases, the driver should report the situation immediately to the insurance carrier.
Another reason single-vehicle car accidents occur is that one vehicle is not adequately maintained or parked. The driver must avoid parking in unsafe areas and should maintain good visibility. While driving, one should not drive too quickly or too slowly, as this can result in an accident. In the same manner, one should always wear a seat belt. If the driver is distracted or impaired, it could also cause an accident.
Windshield Damage
Car accidents are a top cause of extensive windshield damage. The good news is that you can avoid most of these accidents by practicing good driving habits. Avoid driving while impaired or drowsy. Also, pay attention to your surroundings, including road conditions. Avoid using your phone or engaging in any other distractions while driving.
A head-on collision is the most significant risk of causing windshield damage in a car accident. Various types of impact can cause a windshield to split. In addition, the windshield can also be damaged if you collide with a highway barrier or a pole.
Crashes at Intersections
Although car accidents happen frequently, they can also be avoided. Crashes at intersections can happen for many reasons, including blind spots and dark areas that make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic. However, drivers can use strategies to make their commute safer, including making a complete stop before pulling out of a turn and always looking both ways. Bicyclists, in particular, should also be aware of their surroundings.
Drivers should observe all traffic signs and signals, especially at intersections. They should be mindful of blind spots when turning into traffic and signal their intentions. Drivers should also stay alert, avoid distractions while driving, and be prepared to brake suddenly if necessary. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes at intersections. Always keep your hands on the wheel and follow all traffic laws.
Another major cause of car crashes is the failure to yield the right of way. When you have a green light, the driver turning left has the right of way. Failure to yield to the other driver means they will crash into you. Drivers should avoid distracted driving, making them less aware of traffic signals, pedestrians, and other drivers. Furthermore, drunk drivers are dangerous, as they cannot safely navigate busy intersections.
Parked Vehicle Theft
It can cause a car accident or at least lead to an investigation. This crime is also often the result of general reckless driving, such as cutting across parking spaces or ignoring stop signs. Other common causes of accidents during parking are drivers speeding, leaving valuable items inside, and not locking their windows. Here are some tips to avoid causing an accident due to parked vehicle theft.
Always keep your vehicle locked and secure when parked in a public lot. It’s a common practice for thieves to set up a stake out of the parking lot and watch people leave. Make sure you move valuables out of view before you leave your car, and never park in an area that seems suspicious. If you notice someone trying to take your car, never confront them directly. Instead, report suspicious activity to the attendant or the police.
Backing Collisions
According to the National Safety Council, one out of four-vehicle accidents is caused by improper backing techniques. Moreover, these accidents result in 500 fatalities and 15,000 injuries every year. The cause of these accidents is most often inattentiveness, as operators don’t exercise usual caution before backing out of a space or driveway. Other factors include the vehicle’s design and positioning, poor lighting, and high-traffic areas.
While the auto industry has been working on improving its safety features, such as reverse automatic braking and rear-vision cameras, education facilities are often ill-equipped with such features. Backing collisions are the leading cause of physical damage claims. Other causes of this type of accident include backing too quickly, not checking the mirrors, or overlooking fixed hazards. To avoid backing collisions, knowing what causes them and how to avoid them is essential.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney
Before hiring a car accident attorney or filing a claim yourself, make sure you’ve taken the necessary precautions. If the accident was minor, taking pictures of the scene might be a good idea. If the accident was more serious, however, you may want to remain at the scene and wait for the police to arrive. In addition to taking pictures of the scene, you should exchange contact information with the other driver and gather their insurance policy information. You should also take pictures of your injuries to provide the insurance company with proof of your injuries.
The insurance company will be the first to approach you, so keeping your cool is essential. You don’t want to be the victim of an insurance company’s attempts to trick you into accepting a lowball offer. If you’re ever tempted to accept an insurance company’s lowball offer, refuse to discuss it. Instead, give them basic information about the accident and direct all other communications to your attorney.
