Types of Car Accidents

We Handle All Types of Car Accident Injury Claims in Fort Lauderdale and Throughout Florida

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) reports that there were 401,540 motor vehicle collisions in the state in 2021 alone. There are many different ways that an accident can occur on the road, and while we are behind the wheel, we must stay vigilant in order to anticipate and hopefully avoid these situations. Unfortunately, no amount of defensive driving will ever guarantee that you can avoid collisions. A top car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help.

At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims get real justice and maximum compensation. While no amount of money will ever undo the damage, trauma, and pain of an accident, you should not have to cover the costs of someone else’s actions (or inaction). Our team is standing by, ready to help. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

A Comprehensive Overview of the Different Types of Car Accidents

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end crash often happens when the rear driver fails to notice that the lead driver has come to a stop or has slowed down. This is not always the case, though, because sometimes a lead driver may stop short or have to slam on their brakes, causing an unavoidable crash as the rear driver runs into the back of their vehicle. Regardless of how the crash was caused, the at-fault driver (or, more specifically, their insurance provider) must be held liable for the damages.

 

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision happens when one vehicle crosses the yellow line and strikes an oncoming vehicle straight on. These crashes can be devastating, as the force of impact is greatly increased since both vehicles are often in motion. Fortunately, modern technology has led to significant improvements with head-on safety features, including multiple airbags, safety restraints, shatter-resistant glass, and more. Regardless, these accidents have a high risk of serious injury, and the at-fault driver must be held accountable.

 

Side-Impact Collisions/T-Bone Accident

Also known as broadside collisions, these accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. These accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly for the occupants of the car that was hit. Where do broadside collisions most commonly occur? The Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that the vast majority of side impact/t-bone accidents happen at intersections.

 

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles, either traveling in the same or opposite directions, scrape the sides of each other’s vehicles—hence the term “sideswipe.” These accidents often do not result in high-impact injuries, but they can cause lacerations due to broken glass, serious trauma due to the experience, and may even lead to amputation injuries if a person has an arm out the window on the side of the collision.

 

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Many accidents only involve one vehicle, but this does not mean that the driver of said vehicle is necessarily responsible for the crash. Vehicle defects, unexpected hazards, or maneuvers to avoid making contact with a reckless vehicle can all cause an accident that involves a single car.

 

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately half of all crashes are multi-vehicle collisions. These accidents involve more than two vehicles and often occur on highways or busy roads. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as bad weather, driver distraction, or a chain reaction of collisions.

 

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle rolls over onto its side or roof. They are often caused by driver error, such as taking a turn too quickly or by a vehicle design defect. Rollover accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly if the occupants are not wearing seat belts.

 

Blind Spot Accidents

These accidents occur when a driver fails to see a vehicle in their blind spot and crashes into it while changing lanes. Blind spot accidents can be caused by driver error, such as not checking their blind spot before changing lanes, or by a design flaw in the vehicle. These accidents can result in significant property damage and injuries.

 

Low-Speed Accidents

Low-speed accidents are often associated with busy urban areas, congested highways, or parking lots. While lower-speed crashes are certainly less severe on average, it would be a mistake to think that they are not a big deal. A lower-speed accident can result in serious injuries.

 

Merging Accidents

When a driver changes lanes, they are expected to use a turn signal, check their blind spots, and ensure that the lane they are switching to is free of other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, and other obstacles. While most people safely complete this check each time before changing a lane, others may either fail to do so or may accidentally miss a vehicle in a blind spot. Modern vehicles have technologies such as lane-change assist and blind-spot cameras, but even these helpful tools will not guarantee that you will not be involved in this type of accident.

Types of Drivers in Car Accidents

There are several types of drivers involved in car accidents. Some common types include aggressive drivers, distracted drivers, inexperienced drivers, impaired drivers, and reckless drivers. Aggressive drivers may speed, tailgate, or weave in and out of traffic. Distracted drivers may be texting, eating, or applying makeup while driving. Inexperienced drivers may be unsure how to handle certain situations. Impaired drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reckless drivers may drive erratically or ignore traffic laws. Commercial truckers—including truckers, delivery drivers, and ridesharing drivers—can also cause accidents.

What Should Be Done After a Car Accident?

The immediate aftermath of a serious collision is stressful and downright chaotic. It is normal to have a lot of questions about what comes next. You may be wondering about things like 1) How much can someone sue for a car accident?; 2) When to get an attorney for a car accident; or 3) How much does an accident devalue my car? The right legal advocate can help you address these questions and other pressing issues. In the meantime, here is what should be done after a crash:

• Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary;
• Move the vehicles to a safe location if possible;
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver;
• Report the accident to law enforcement;
• Notify your insurance company; and
• Contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer if you sustained any injuries.

How Can BK Law Firm Help in a Car Accident Case in South Florida?

You do not have to navigate a car accident injury claim on your own. Our firm handles all types of cases. No matter how your crash happened, professional guidance is available. Our attorneys have experience with the most common causes of collisions. At BK Law, we offer free consultations and case evaluations for car accident victims. Through a detailed review of your case, our car accident attorneys will be able to give you a better understanding of how our firm works with car accident victims, such as our contingency fees, our approach to negotiations, and examples of past cases that are similar to your own.

At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are committed to fighting on behalf of our clients while they focus on recovering from their unfortunate and avoidable accidents. We encourage you to call us now or contact us online to learn more about how we can help. Consultations are free and always fully confidential.