Sunshine State drivers get into an average of 1,083 crashes each day. However, you may not be aware that there are several types of car accidents. Each type of accident can lead to different injuries. 

This article discusses the various types of motor vehicle accidents that happen in Florida, including the primary causes of each type of accident and ways to prevent them. It also explains how a Crestview personal injury lawyer can help after an accident. 

Types of Car Accidents: Statistics, Causes, and Injuries

Experts group two-vehicle crashes based on where each vehicle collided with the other. The four most common crash types are rear-end, sideswipe, angle, and head-on collisions. 

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics in this section come from the National Safety Council’s car accident data

Sideswipes

A sideswipe accident happens when the side of one car brushes against the side of another. This typically occurs when a driver changes lanes improperly, changes lanes without checking their blind spot, distractedly drifts into another lane, or starts weaving in and out of moving traffic. Because of how they occur, sideswipes are sometimes called lane change or “glancing blow” accidents.

Sideswipes are common (23% of all accidents) but are less likely than other kinds of accidents to result in injury or death. However, they can cause soft tissue injuries, fractures to the ribs or arms, or serious head injuries. 

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision happens when the front of one car hits another car’s back. Rear-end collisions are just over 40 percent of all crashes, making them the most common type of accident. Rear-end crashes account for nearly 40 percent of all accident injuries. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 87% of rear-end collisions are caused by distracted driving. Tailgating, speeding, and aggressive driving are other common causes. However, non-driver factors such as brake failure and poor visibility can also play a role. 

Because the sudden jolt of a rear-end collision can jerk the neck back and forth, whiplash is likely the most frequent injury in rear-end crashes. Concussions, back injuries, and other head and neck injuries are also common. 

Angle (T-Bone) Crashes

Angle crashes, also called T-bone, broadside, or side-impact collisions, happen when the front of one car hits the side of another. Broadsides are commonly caused by running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way, speeding, and distracted driving. 

At 32.3 percent of all accidents, angle crashes are the second most common type of car accident. Unfortunately, they are the most likely of all accidents to lead to injury or death. While carmakers have added safety features to the front and rear of their vehicles, the sides often lack adequate protection. As such, well over 40 percent of T-bone crashes result in injury or death. Common injuries in angle crashes include concussions, skull fractures, and injuries to the ribs, lungs, pelvis, and legs. 

Head-On Collisions 

Head-on collisions occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the front of another vehicle. Head-on collisions are the least common type of accident, making up just over four percent of all crashes. However, head-on collisions are responsible for nearly 30 percent of all accident fatalities, making these accidents quite dangerous.

Two common causes of head-on collisions are improper passing and driving against the flow of traffic. However, over 60 percent of all wrong-way drivers are under the influence, making intoxication a secondary cause. Drowsiness and distraction are also factors. 

How to Prevent Common Types of Car Accidents

Each type of car accident carries serious risks. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent each type of accident. 

Sideswipes 

Since sideswipes often occur during lane changes, changing lanes safely is the most effective way to prevent them. Always check your mirrors (and double-check your blind spot) before changing lanes. Also, make sure to use your turn signal and avoid weaving in and out of traffic. 

Rear-end Collisions 

Rear-end collisions usually happen because one car is following another too closely. To avoid this, always maintain a safe following distance. (Increase this distance during bad weather conditions.) To avoid being involved in a crash, avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Also, be sure to keep your brake lights and turn signals in good working condition. 

Angle Crashes 

T-bone crashes have a variety of causes. As such, drivers must take more steps to prevent them. Drivers should 

  • Always obey traffic signs and signals
  • Always yield the right of way to other drivers when required
  • Check the intersection multiple times (by looking left, right, then left again) before entering
  • Use headlights starting at dusk (or anytime you engage your wipers) to increase your visibility to other vehicles 

Head-on Collisions 

While head-on collisions are highly dangerous, fortunately, they are also easily avoidable. Pass carefully on two-lane roads. (Never attempt to pass when the signs or lane markers say it is not permitted.) To prevent wrong-way driving, avoid driving while intoxicated or extremely tired. 

Can I Sue for My Car Accident Injuries in Florida?

Yes. Florida is a no-fault state. This means that your auto policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is your first option. However, if you suffered a permanent injury or the cost of your injuries exceeds your PIP coverage, Florida law allows you to sue the other driver. 

To win your lawsuit, you (and your Fort Walton car accident lawyer) will have to prove that the other driver was negligent.  Negligence is proven when a person can prove that they were injured and can also show that the other driver had a responsibility to follow a particular rule, they did not follow that rule, and their failure was a cause of your injury. 

If you can prove negligence, you’ll be entitled to damages – money you’re your accident-related costs and injuries. Damages can cover financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages. They can also address non-economic harms, such as pain and suffering. Your Niceville car accident lawyer can tell you more about which damages are appropriate in your case. 

Get Help After a Florida Car Accident 

If you’ve been in any type of car accident, you have legal rights. If you need help protecting these rights after a car accident, contact Powell, Powell & Powell. Our family-owned firm understands how an accident injury can upend your life. We have the experience necessary to fight for you and get the compensation you need to secure your future. To learn more about how our Crestview personal injury lawyers can help you, call us at 850-682-2757 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.