The Most Common Types of Serious Auto Accidents
Our car accident law firm deals with a variety of incidents. Several common types of accidents often result in serious injuries for the parties involved.
These are some of the cases we deal with most frequently.
REAR-END ACCIDENTS
A rear-end accident occurs when a driver collides with the vehicle in front of them. These types of accidents can range from minor to extremely severe, depending on the speed at which the vehicles are moving and the exact circumstances under which the accident occurs.
In most instances, the driver of the vehicle that rear-ends the other car is at fault, with these types of collisions often occurring because a driver was following too closely or was not paying attention. However, if the driver of the vehicle that gets rear-ended was reversing at the time of the collision, it’s possible that the driver could be found responsible for the accident.
Local attorneys who have offices in the area might be the best choice for your case as they are also familiar with the nuances of local laws. Finding the best auto accident lawyer near you should be a top priority after an accident.
T-BONE ACCIDENTS
Also known as side-impact collisions, a “T-bone” occurs when the side of a car is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. These broadside collisions can often result in severe injuries for both parties.
If an accident occurs under certain circumstances, any of the drivers in a T-bone collision might be at fault. The drivers may disagree as to who had the right of way. Therefore, you should hire the best auto crash law firm in California for the most effective litigation.
SIDESWIPE COLLISIONS [ALSO KNOWN AS SIDE-SWIPE CRASHES]
A sideswipe accident is when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, typically while both cars are traveling in the same direction. Common causes of sideswipe accidents are drivers failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes and drivers in parked vehicles re-entering moving traffic without first ensuring the lane is clear.
At low speeds, sideswipe collisions may only result in cosmetic damage, but at high speeds, the injuries can often be significant and severe.
HEAD-ON COLLISIONS
Head-on accidents occur when two vehicles collide directly with each other while going in opposite directions. Even at modest speeds, head-on collisions can result in severe injuries or death.
SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES
Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can be the result of a collision with a stationary object or of veering off the motorway. These accidents can occur due to driver error resulting from factors such as intoxication or fatigue or can happen as the result of external factors like unsafe road conditions or inclement weather.
Obtaining a proper settlement for a single-vehicle crash is our specialty as the best accident lawyers.
ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS [ALSO KNOWN AS ROLL-OVER ACCIDENTS]
A rollover accident occurs when one of the vehicles is overturned as a result of either a collision or departure from the roadway. Rollover accidents are typically severe, resulting in substantial injuries and possibly death.
HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS
Hit-and-run accidents can be any type of accident in which one of the drivers involved in the collision decides to flee the scene. Hit and runs are defined by the driver leaving the scene of the accident without providing contact information and can result in a ticket (at a minimum) and possibly criminal charges.
You have a choice to find the best “car accident lawyers near me”. But no matter who you choose, call GJEL to see if we’re a good fit. We will help you every step of the way.
Statistics About Car Accidents in California
Motor vehicle accidents are all too common. According to Traffic Safety Facts released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 6.3 million police-reported crashes last year.
Those collisions resulted in 2.44 million people being injured on America’s roads. Many of which were due to negligence. Our California-based car crash lawyers are working around the clock because of this fact.
Here are some other alarming statistics about automotive accidents in the United States and California:
- 35,092 people lost their lives nationwide last year as the result of a vehicular accident
- Almost half (48%) of all fatally injured vehicle occupants were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident (2015)
- 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve alcohol (2015)
- California had 4,382 drivers involved in fatal accidents during 2015
- 955 of California’s fatal accidents occurred while the driver was speeding
- 914 of California’s fatal accidents occurred while the driver was intoxicated
(Sources: National Traffic Stats, CA Traffic Stats)
Common Injuries in a Car Accident
Car accidents are among the greatest causes of personal injury in the United States. Over 5.6 million car accidents occurred in the United States in 2012, with over 30,000 ensuing fatalities and 1.6 million serious injuries reported. While automobile manufacturers continue to implement life-saving features in new vehicles, injuries due to vehicle collisions remain a serious risk to American motorists.
Our car crash attorneys deal with multiple cases every day. Below, we’ll examine a few of the most frequent automobile injuries that occur, and what to do if you or a loved one are ever injured in a car accident.
1. SPINAL INJURIES
While not the only neck injury a vehicular collision can cause, one of the most common injuries is commonly referred to as “Whiplash.” Whiplash occurs when an impacted vehicle causes the victim’s head to be thrown forward, backward, or to the side; the velocity of this action can inflict severe strain on the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back.
While most cases of whiplash resolve themselves with time, some can be permanently disabling. Additionally, the trauma of a vehicular collision can cause various forms of damage to the soft tissues of the upper and lower back, and in serious cases, can even lead to disc herniation or associated skeletal trauma. In these cases, a long recovery period is common, and may frequently require treatment through surgery, physical therapy, and/or long-term pain management.
SPINAL INJURIES WARRANT COMPENSATION
Severe spinal injuries are also, unfortunately, one of the most costly automobile injuries to treat. Extensive trauma to the spine can result in paralysis, both partial or total, as well as death. In some cases, spinal cord injury cannot be fully corrected, resulting in permanent disability. This can result in an inability to work, care for oneself, or engage in normal activities.
In cases of whiplash and trauma after a collision, be sure to contact lawyers for car accidents who can assist you in pursuing compensation.
2. BRAIN AND HEAD TRAUMA
17.3 percent of all TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury) in the United States are caused by car accidents. Traumatic Brain Injury can occur when a rapid movement of the skull causes the brain to impact the hard surface of the skull; because our brains rest freely within the skull, rather than in a fixed position, a traumatic event can cause enough impact to damage the soft tissues of the brain. Traumatic Brain Injury can result in bruising, swelling, or bleeding of the brain, as well as several other severe conditions such as skull fracture. While many victims may suffer immediate unconsciousness or other visible symptoms, Traumatic Brain Injuries can also be difficult to diagnose; many sufferers do not encounter symptoms of the damage until much later.
HEAD TRAUMA WARRANTS COMPENSATION
Emergency care is essential in the case of a Traumatic Brain Injury, and in many circumstances, may require extensive follow-up treatment, including brain imaging diagnostics such as a CT (Computer Tomography) scan or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Serious neurological injuries can cause substantial impairment to the victim’s cognitive functioning, and in severe cases, may require extensive or even lifetime rehabilitation.
The treatment of brain damage can be extremely expensive and dangerous for the victim. We recommend contacting a car crash law firm for help with damages for rehabilitation and treatment (damage claims).
3. BROKEN BONES
The upper and lower limbs are particularly susceptible to injury in the event of an automobile accident and typically require both emergency and follow-up treatment. Broken bones are at a high risk for infection, and in serious cases, may require physical therapy and/or surgical techniques to fully repair the function of the injured limb. In the most severe accidents, trauma to the limbs can result in loss of the limb, causing substantial impairment to one’s quality of life and ability to engage in everyday tasks and responsibilities.
[Remember: If you’re injured in an accident don’t settle for just any Car accident attorneys in California. Hire the firm with the experience to maximize your case value. – GJEL]
BONE TRAUMA WARRANTS COMPENSATION
Minor breaks, sprains, or spurs are also common in automobile accidents. While these injuries are not typically complex to treat, some may require an extensive period of healing and rehabilitation to restore function in the injured area.
Injuries such as fractures, broken bones, and dislocations create trauma to the bones, which requires money and time to heal. These are subject to compensation with the help of a reputable attorney. GJEL has been consistently rated some of the best auto accident attorneys throughout all of California.
4. FACIAL INJURIES
Facial injuries can range from minor, such as bruises, scrapes, or cuts, to more severe, including fractures, deep lacerations, burns, or dental/jaw damage. Lacerations, such as deep cuts, scrapes, or punctures into the underlying skin, are frequently encountered even in minor car accidents, as the soft tissues of the face are particularly susceptible to trauma from impact with parts of the vehicle’s interior, thrown objects such as personal items or broken glass, or in severe cases, punctures from related injuries such as broken bones or other sharp objects.
Damage to the facial bones is also not uncommon and can range from cosmetic damage to debilitating injury (such as a broken jaw). In some cases, victims may require reconstructive (cosmetic) surgery to restore the proper look and/or function to the face. While some injuries, such as a broken nose, are relatively simple to treat, complex injuries like jaw dislocation can require extremely long periods of treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.
It can be expensive to undergo cosmetic surgery. Our leading auto collision lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURIES
Regardless of physical injury following a car accident, many victims can suffer from one or more associated psychological symptoms associated with the event. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), for example, is a common disorder often requiring the treatment of a professional following a car accident; victims with PTSD may suffer severe distress resulting from the traumatic event, whether short-lived or requiring several years of treatment to obtain a full return to normal thought processes.
Associated disorders resulting from a car accident can also include anxiety, whether a generalized state of unease or acute, severe panic attacks, and/or depression, whether due to the trauma of the event or the ensuing recovery. Since these damages can be life long you must contact an attorney for your auto accident as soon as possible.
EMOTIONAL TRAUMA WARRANT COMPENSATION
Treating psychological injuries can be difficult, and may require therapy with a licensed professional, medication, and/or a long period of rehabilitation to return to one’s normal mental state. In some cases, victims may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress resulting from the car accident.
Our auto injury lawyers fight for the compensation victims deserve.
California Car Accident Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a collection of articles that will help you take the proper steps following a car crash in CA. If you have been involved in an auto accident in California we invite you to contact us for a free case review.
Information to Gather after a car accident
Download the Quick Reference Guide
No one gets into their vehicle and expects to be involved in an accident. Car accidents nonetheless happen daily throughout the state of California. In many cases, people involved in car accidents sustain serious injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Even in less serious accidents, victims often experience significant pain and incur thousands of dollars in property damage to their vehicles. Fortunately, when motor vehicle accidents are caused by the negligence of others, victims are often able to recover financial compensation for their losses through a California personal injury claim.
Such recovery does not happen automatically, however, and car accident claims often require a significant amount of evidence to prove negligence and accident-related losses. There are several types of information victims should gather after an accident to preserve potentially important evidence and protect their right to recover.
We recommend discussing the evidence with a car wreck attorney before filing a claim. GJEL Accident Attorneys is a leading California auto accident lawyer firm, providing expert legal representation for individuals involved in car accidents. The most critical information to gather after a collision is discussed below.
Get Information from the Other Driver or Drivers Involved in the Accident
California law requires people who are involved in accidents to exchange information with other drivers. Auto accident attorneys also recommend collecting information from other drivers so that victims can file a claim against the correct party or parties who were at fault.
The kinds of information that should be documented include the following:
- The names of the other drivers involved in the accident;
- Driver’s license numbers;
- The vehicle identification numbers (VIN) of the other vehicles involved;
- The addresses and contact numbers of the other drivers;
- Insurance company and policy information.
It is important to remember that after a car accident, most people are upset, angry, confused, and may even be in significant pain. For this reason, if you can ask the other drivers involved in the accident for this type of information, it is important to remain patient and give them time to regain their bearings after an accident has occurred.
Secure Contact Information from Anyone who may have Witnessed the Accident
It is also important for accident victims to obtain contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident occur. In many cases, drivers can have significantly different accounts of how an accident happened and eyewitness testimony can often help resolve these kinds of disputes.
In addition to talking to people who may have witnessed the accident, victims should also look around and see whether any businesses or homes in the area have surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident taking place. Hand off this potential evidence to your car accident attorney at GJEL.
HOW YOUR AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CAN HELP GATHER EVIDENCE
If cameras do exist, it may be possible to obtain the footage to determine how exactly the accident occurred. Even if a business or homeowner is reluctant to turn over the footage, there are ways in which an experienced car accident attorney can compel the production of evidence relevant to a particular case. Having video footage can serve as concrete evidence of certain acts of negligence and can eliminate discrepancies between witness accounts.
Take Photographic Evidence of the Scene and Aftermath of the Accident
The fact that a majority of adults now carry a phone that is also a digital camera has made documenting the aftermath of an accident significantly easier than it was in the past. If you are physically able, you should take photographs of anything you believe may be relevant to how the accident occurred.
Relevant photographs may include the following:
- The other driver’s vehicle;
- Damage to guardrails or other objects;
- Any roadway hazards you believe may have caused or contributed to your accident;
- The general layout of the roadway where your accident occurred.
Examining photos can not only help piece together what happened but also paint a clearer picture of the collision for a jury should your case go to trial.
Note any Relevant Details Regarding Your Surroundings.
A skilled car wreck attorney will always recommend paying attention to details! While not as high-tech as using a digital camera to gather photographic evidence, anyone involved in an accident should also make notes about specific surroundings they believe may have contributed to how the accident took place.
Examples of the kinds of things worth noting may include;
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident;
- Any observations regarding the other driver or drivers that may be relevant to their mental state at the time of the accident;
- Traffic conditions at the time of the accident;
- Whether there were any traffic signals in the area; and
- The road conditions at the scene.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
After law enforcement arrives on the scene and interviews those involved and those who witnessed the collision, they will enter information into an official police report. The report can not only provide important details but also may include a statement giving the officer’s opinion on who was at fault in the accident. You should obtain the report and ensure it includes an accurate portrayal of what you said. If it does not, you can request to have the report amended.
CONTACT A CALIFORNIA CAR ACCIDENT LAW FIRM TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
After a car accident, you should be focusing on your recovery, not trying to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. The Statute of Limitations in California allows you to file a lawsuit within two years of your injury, don’t hesitate to get the compensation you deserve. The skilled car accident attorneys at GJEL are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of our clients and work tirelessly to ensure each client we represent gets the full and fair value of their claim.
Our car accident law firm has recovered more than $950 million on behalf of our clients and has been successful in over 99 percent of the cases we’ve taken. To schedule a free consultation with one of our California car accident lawyers, call our office today at 866-218-3776 or send us an email through our online contact form. GJEL has been regularly nominated as a top auto accident attorney in California and the USA.
CALIFORNIA CAR ACCIDENT LAW FIRM RESOURCES
Below is a collection of articles that will help you take the proper steps following a car collision in CA. If you have been involved in an auto accident in California, we invite you to contact us for a free case evaluation by our experienced auto accident lawyers. Don’t leave the success of your case up to the internet by searching for a “car accident attorney near me.” Hire the best. Hire GJEL, the top Los Angeles car accident lawyers with years of experience.
