A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye and can be caused by any number of different factors, including driver negligence, poorly designed roadways and vehicle defects. In any case where someone else is responsible for the conditions or behaviors that caused an accident, you may have legal recourse.
To learn more about your rights after a car accident or about how to hold a responsible third party liable, call Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Common Types of Auto Accidents
Whether a crash occurred in a passenger car, truck, bus, van or another type of vehicle, all crashes can be broadly divided into different types of accidents. While the types of car crashes on this list may be called by different names, essentially all car accidents can be classified as one of these types. They include:
- Rear-end collisions – A rear-end collision generally occurs when a vehicle hits the back of a vehicle in front. Usually, the driver in the rear is presumed to be at fault in these types of collisions since drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance that will allow them to stop before hitting the car in front. However, there may be times when the driver in the front bears some responsibility.
- Sideswipe collisions – When two vehicles are moving in the same direction alongside each other, and one vehicle makes an improper turn or changes lanes without checking to see if there is a car beside him or her, a sideswipe collision may occur. In these types of collisions, one or more vehicles are hit from the side. The driver who made the illegal turn, such as a left-hand turn from the right lane, or who veered out of the lane, is usually responsible for a sideswipe collision.
- Encroachment – Encroachment occurs when two vehicles are next to each other and one vehicle doesn’t stay on course, instead encroaching into the lane next to him or her. For example, if a driver under-turns, he may hit the car that is making a turn next to him. Encroachment accidents are very similar to sideswipe collisions.
- Opposite-direction sideswipe – This type of collision occurs when two cars are going opposite directions but one or more crosses a divided median or center line and hits the other car.
- A right-angle collision – A right-angle collision occurs when two cars are approaching from different angles and cross paths. For example, one vehicle may be going straight and the other going right or left. A right-angle collision is often called a T-bone collision, broadside accident or a side-impact collision. Typically, this type of accident results if one vehicle doesn’t yield when it is supposed to, such as when a driver runs a red light.
- Head-on/opposite-direction collision – When two cars are going opposite directions and strike each other from the front, this can be an extremely dangerous type of car accident. These types of accidents often result from a driver’s falling asleep behind the wheel or otherwise being distracted and crossing over a double centerline or a median into oncoming traffic. Going the wrong way on a divided highway can also cause a head-on collision.
- Parked vehicle crashes or collisions with fixed objects – These types of accidents happen when a driver hits a non-moving vehicle or object, often because the driver wasn’t paying attention or loses control. Because there is only one driver involved, that driver is usually responsible for the accident unless there were road conditions, auto defects or other factors that made a crash inevitable.
- Left turn or U-turn crash – Typically, these types of crashes occur when two cars are approaching each other from opposite directions and one tries to make a U-turn without noticing the other approaching vehicle.
- Backing-up accidents – A backing-up accident can occur in a variety of situations, such as when a driver is exiting a driveway or a parking space.
- Animal accidents – An animal accident happens when a vehicle strikes an animal. The most common type of animal accident is a collision with a deer.
- Pedestrian accidents or bicycle accidents – Pedestrian and bicycle accidents occur when a driver hits a pedestrian or a bike rider. These types of accidents may be the fault of either the driver of the vehicle or the person walking or biking, depending on who wasn’t paying attention and how the accident happened.
Other types of accidents include roll-over accidents, crashes involving vehicles and trains, and crashes due to potholes or road debris.
Contact Our South Carolina Auto Accident Lawyers Today
The type of car crash you have can make a major impact on your legal rights after the accident. If another driver is at fault, or partially at fault, for causing your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses.
To learn more about your rights after a car accident or about how your accident type can affect your ability to make an auto accident claim, contact Joye Law Firm today. Our experienced auto accident lawyers have nearly 250 years of combined experience representing clients throughout South Carolina, including those in Myrtle Beach, Florence, Richland County, Orangeburg, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and the Horry County communities of Conway and North Myrtle Beach.
Call Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 or fill out our online case evaluation form.
