Every year, over 40,000 fatal car accidents happen in the US, and another 2 million drivers experience permanent injuries. Even if you’re the most careful driver, there’s a chance these things can happen to you.
You don’t even have to be a driver either! As a passenger or pedestrian, a vehicle can strike you in various situations. Do you know what to do if that happens?
If not, then read on to find out how you should handle different types of car accidents.
Head-on Collisions
This is the most dangerous type of car accident since the resulting impact comes from both vehicles’ speeds. Head-on collisions often cause serious injuries, if not death.
The good news is that most often, who’s at fault is crystal clear, as they were driving in the wrong direction.
For all types of car crashes, you should pull over if possible, assess everyone, and call 911 for medical help. Between those involved and witnesses, exchange information, such as names, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, and insurance policy numbers.
Contact your insurance company immediately and don’t admit fault, even if you’re responsible for the crash.
Rear Ends
Rear-ends collisions are more common but aren’t as bad as head-on collisions since the speeds of both cars cancel each other out. However, the person in the front vehicle usually suffers from whiplash, as the crash isn’t expected.
The fault is usually easy to tell since the rear driver either wasn’t paying attention or wasn’t driving responsibly.
Chain Reactions
Chain reaction accidents can cause a domino effect. You might rear-end the vehicle in front of you, even though you were at a complete stop.
Truth be told, you should always leave enough room between cars so if a chain reaction does occur, you won’t hit the one in front of you. But if it’s multiple collisions leading to your rear-end, then there’s nothing you can really do.
Typically, the person who caused the chain reaction takes most of the responsibility. The farther up you go, the less responsibility each driver has.
Hit and Runs
Hit and runs can be difficult to deal with, especially if you didn’t even see the car in the first place. For example, you might come back from shopping to find that your vehicles dented in and scratched up. Or maybe the offender fleed so quickly that you didn’t get a clear look at their license plate.
Call 911 and write down as many details as you can remember, then give them over to the police. You should also contact your insurance company so they can tell you the next steps.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
If your car accident is complicated, or the other party or insurance company is being difficult, you should call a car accident lawyer like Lipton Law. They have experience with auto accident injuries and can help fight for your rights. That way, you’ll get fair compensation if you’re due some.
Be Prepared for the Various Types of Car Accidents
It can be scary to be in one, but if you know the types of car accidents and what to do beforehand, it’ll be easier to handle a crash.
Make sure you check that everyone’s ok and get immediate medical attention if needed. Exchange information, contact your insurance company, and consult with a lawyer if you need additional help.
Now that you know what to do after a car accident, why not keep browsing our blog page for more helpful tips?
