7 Types of Vehicle Accidents and How They Affect Personal Injury Claims


You’d think that owning a car in today’s world would be a great convenience. But the unfortunate reality is that being able to drive comes with its own set of risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the first nine months of 2021 showed an estimated 12% increase in fatalities, up from the 28,325 fatalities projected for the same period for 2020. About 31,720 people died in crashes during the period. 


The projections were released before the federal government introduced its first National Roadway Safety Strategy, meant to address the current crisis concerning severe injuries and fatalities on the roads and highways.


That’s why it’s so important for drivers (and passengers) to understand the different kinds of car accidents and how they can affect personal injury claims. 


Knowing what these dangerous scenarios may involve can help you stay safe on the road, reduce your risk of being in an accident, and make it easier to recover if you do get into a crash. 


1. Distracted Driving

Accidents that involve distracted driving represent some of the most common types of accidents on the road. These distractions can range from eating while driving, fiddling with the radio, texting, or even adjusting a seat. 


In some instances, distractions may not allow for enough reaction time. In these cases, rear-end collisions or head-on car crashes often result. Even if you’re super careful, you can get severely injured. If the other driver is at fault and was distracted, you may be able to lodge a claim against their insurance company. A  car accident lawyer can help you with your claim.


2. Road Rage Accidents

Road rage accidents happen when another driver gets angry at another driver. More often than not, the driver is usually under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). 


However, even sober drivers can engage in road rage and escalate a situation to dangerous levels. Road rage accidents can include everything from a verbal altercation to a physical fight or even a deadly shooting. 


Unfortunately, these types of accidents are not uncommon. Science Direct reports that some of the accidents resulted from the illegal use of high beams at night.


3. Faulty Equipment Accidents

Faulty equipment accidents usually happen to commercial drivers who are driving large trucks. This often occurs when there is a defect in the vehicle’s equipment. 


Faulty equipment accidents are dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death. While these accidents happen often, they are not always the fault of the driver. If a truck’s engine malfunctions, the driver may not be able to stop the vehicle in time. Therefore, these claims often are directed to a manufacturer as automotive defects in personal injury claims.


4. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speed and reckless driving frequently lead to accidents and are the most common reason for crashes. These types of cases are common examples of negligence claims.


5. Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when a car or semi-truck loses control and rolls onto its side or roof. These types of accidents usually occur at high speeds or on slick or narrow roadways. Rollover accidents are very dangerous, especially for passengers. 


Most rollovers result in two types of injuries: internal bleeding and head injuries. Rollovers frequently happen when the car is going too fast for the road conditions. If you are involved in a rollover accident and believe that it was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.


6. Wet Roadway Accidents

Wet roadway accidents happen when the road is rain-slick or during times of flooding. They may also occur during the winter when the highway is covered in snow or ice. During these times, it's not uncommon for at-fault motorists to drive faster than what is safe.


7. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents may happen when a driver fails to recognize a pedestrian as they cross the road. In some cases, a driver may fall asleep and accidentally hit a pedestrian. They often occur, as well,  if the driver is distracted by the phone. Poor lighting conditions also lead to accident claims.


Schedule an Appointment with  New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer Now

The above crash scenarios all have the potential to cause serious injuries or death. If you are involved in an accident, it's important to be careful and follow the proper steps when it comes to filing a claim. To begin the process, contact an experienced New Mexico car accident lawyer. Learn more about your rights by contacting [email protected] now.





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