With just under 8 million licensed drivers in North Carolina, motor vehicle accidents are a daily risk for many residents. While some collisions are unavoidable, an overwhelming majority of accidents, such as rear-end collisions, are caused by driver inattention, carelessness, or recklessness. Understanding how different types of car accidents happen can help reduce your chances of being involved in one. Sadly, no matter how conscientious of a driver you are, there is no guarantee you won’t be injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. If this is the case, the law entitles you to financial compensation for your losses. Our experienced Outer Banks car accident lawyers can evaluate your potential case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Side-Impact Accidents
Side-impact accidents happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. In one recent year, side-impact accidents made up almost 30% of all fatal car accidents nationwide. These accidents are especially dangerous because the side of a vehicle does not have a lot of room to absorb the impact force and protect the occupants.
One common kind of side-impact accident is a T-bone collision; when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. This type of crash usually occurs when a driver runs a stop sign or red light, and collides with a vehicle that was lawfully in the intersection.
You can prevent side-impact accidents by always checking for oncoming cars even if you have the right of way. Never assume that other drivers are going to obey the law.
Merging Accidents
Merging accidents occur when one vehicle sideswipes another in an area where two lanes merge together. These accidents are typically caused by drivers who merge without checking their blind spots to ensure it is safe to do so.
To avoid merging accidents, always check your blindspots and make sure that your path is clear before attempting to merge. Avoid speeding through areas where other vehicles may need to merge as this gives other drivers less time to notice you.
Rear-End Collisions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a study showing that rear-end collisions are the number one type of motor vehicle accident in the United States, accounting for slightly more than 30% of all motor vehicle collisions. A frequent cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating. This occurs when a driver does not leave enough space between their vehicle and the car in front of them. Another cause is distracted drivers who fail to notice that traffic in front of them has slowed or stopped altogether.
To prevent a rear-end accident, always keep a safe distance back from the car in front of you and avoid distractions, especially in congested or heavily traveled areas.
Head-On Accidents
Head-on collisions are extremely hazardous and often deadly. They often take place at increased speeds that make it hard for the vehicle’s airbags, seat belts, and other safety features to absorb enough of the impact force to protect vehicle occupants from catastrophic injuries.
Although most head-on accidents involve two cars, they can also involve trees, road signs, fences, utility poles, and other stationary objects. These accidents are often caused by wrong-way drivers and drivers under the influence.
Prevent head-on accidents by following all driving laws such as obeying the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and not getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Do You Need an Outer Banks Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were injured by a negligent driver, the skilled Outer Banks car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp are here to help. We have the resources and experience to fully investigate your accident, collect evidence, handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company, and protect your interests in court. Our decades of combined experience practicing personal injury law make it possible for us to secure maximum compensation for our injured clients, like the $200,000 settlement we obtained for a client who sustained a fractured vertebra and a broken hip when he was struck by a drunk driver.
If you would like to meet with a lawyer to discuss your potential claim, you can schedule a free case evaluation by calling (833) 997-1774 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We serve clients across the Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk areas.