Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo[/caption] Most people will, at some point in their lifetime, be involved in an auto accident. The most common types of car accident are rear-end collisions, in which one car runs into the car in front of it. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, rear-end collisions account for 29 percent of all vehicle accidents. The NHTSA found in a 2007 study that drivers involved in rear-end crashes were “routinely engaged in activities that divert their attention from the forward roadway while driving,” and 64 percent of those involved in rear-end crashes were not looking at the road when the accident occurred. Side-impact collisions, or T-bone crashes, are also a common type of car accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2009, side-impact crashes accounted for 27 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in this country. Side-impact collisions are particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles have less space to absorb the impact and protect passengers. Additionally, according to a survey conducted by CarInsurance.com looking at 42,000 vehicle collisions between September 1, 2011 to February 5, 2013, the following are the most common ways vehicles were damaged:
- Struck another car: 22.7%
- Another car struck me: 22.2%
- Single-car accident: 7.9%
- Act of nature: 5.8%
- Struck parked car or tree: 5.4%
- Car struck while parked: 5.0%
- Debris or other non-accident damage (such as hitting a pothole): 2.9%
- Vandalism: 2.4%
- Struck animal: 2.4%
- Windshield or glass: 2.2%
- Theft of car/theft of parts: 1.5%
- Hit a pedestrian: 0.4%
In order to minimize the risk of auto accidents, drivers should remember the following safety precautions:
- Always avoid texting, emailing, talking on a cell phone, or other forms of distracted driving.
- Use preventive driving techniques, such asusing turn signals before switching lanes.
- Prepare for long road trips by checking the vehicle’s battery, tire treat, windshield wipers, washer fluid levels, and antifreeze.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Never drink and drive.
- Watch for pedestrians.
- Drive slow in construction zones.
If you were injured in a car crash or other personal injury accident, you should contact an injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your accident claim is handled appropriately. Most personal injury lawyers work under a contingency fee arrangement, which means that you don’t pay unless you win. Contact the Chicago accident attorneys at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish at (888) 325-7299 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your auto accident claim. Source:
- 5 Common Causes of Car Accidents – and How to Avoid Them (Allstate, 2/5/14)
- Which Types of Car Accidents Are Most Common? ( Wall Street Journal, 2/13/13)
Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
