While some car accidents are unavoidable, many are the result of distraction or driver error. Knowing the most common reasons for collisions and taking steps to prevent them can make you a safer driver. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident, and are often the result of drivers not allowing enough space between them and the car in front of them. Intersection crashes and side-swipes are often the result of distracted driving, especially because of phones. And finally, reversing collisions are also typically avoidable as long as drivers are paying careful attention. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney quickly so that you can better understand your rights. If you are facing charges or are interested in pursuing legal action, an experienced attorney can help guide you through the process.
Rear-End Collisions
Read-end collisions are the most common reason for car accidents. If a rear-end collision happens at a stop light or stop sign, it can create an impact to several cars all in a row. To avoid rear-end collisions, it’s important to pay attention to the cars around you on the road. In addition, make sure that you keep a safe stopping distance between you and the car in front of you. For example, pick an object in the distance and start counting when the car in front of you passes it until you pass it yourself. At a minimum, it should take you two full seconds to get to the object, and on a highway or in wet conditions, that number should increase.
Intersection Crashes
Intersection crashes are also quite common car accidents. It’s important not to blindly trust that other drivers are paying attention to lights. In fact, it’s unfortunately all-too common for drivers to run red and yellow lights. Before entering an intersection, check that other drivers have safely stopped. If you’re approaching a green light at a high speed, take your foot off of the accelerator and hover it over the brake as you go through the intersection so that you are more prepared to stop in the event that another car mistakenly enters the intersection.
Side-Swipes
Side swipes are one of the types of car accidents that are nearly always avoidable. They often occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots before merging lanes. It’s important to always look with both your side mirrors as well as fully turning your head to check any areas that are difficult to see. Additionally, when on a road with more than two lanes, if you are merging into the center lane, it’s important to check that vehicles from the far lane are not also trying to merge to the same spot as you.
Reversing Collisions
Finally, reversing collisions are also a common reason for car accidents. And another type of crash that can usually be avoided. While back-up cameras can be helpful for checking that you aren’t about to run into a pedestrian or other car, it’s important not to only rely on your camera. You should also look behind you by turning your body fully around when backing so that you can check any blind spots. Many reversing collisions also occur in parking lots where drivers simply aren’t paying close attention. When backing up, put your phone away and check carefully for pedestrians or other vehicles.
Car accidents can create a major headache both legally and financially. Not to mention the danger that they pose. Rear-end accidents are often the result of drivers not paying attention, or not keeping a proper following distance. Similarly, intersection crashes, side-swipes, and reversing collisions are also often avoidable by using defensive driving techniques and avoiding distraction. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Indianapolis, Noblesville, Kokomo or surrounding areas, call Paul Kaushal with Kaushal Law, LLC. They have offices conveniently located across central Indiana and offer free consultations. An experienced attorney can help you handle any legal issues that result from an accident on the road.
