Any car accident has the potential to become devastating for one or more people involved. In this blog, leading Houston car accident lawyer, Richard Paxton, shares three common types of car accidents and ways to avoid them.
Rear-End Collisions
You’re sitting at a stop sign or red light and feel the impact from behind. Or, you’re driving at the speed limit with someone behind you going faster. There may be a light bump or a full-on crash. These are examples of a rear-end collision, when one vehicle crashes into the back of another.
Typically, this accident occurs when the trailing vehicle fails to maintain a safe distance from the one in front. A crash can also happen if the trailing vehicle doesn’t react to the actions of the lead vehicle in time.
The impact causes the lead vehicle to lurch forward while the trailing vehicle suddenly decelerates. The force of the impact varies depending on the speed and weight of the two vehicles. One vehicle sustains damage to the back end, while the front of the other sustains damage from the impact. The lead vehicle may also lurch forward into the rear end of the vehicle in front of it, increasing the scope of the accident. Drivers and passengers thrown by the sudden movement can experience whiplash and other serious injuries.
Many people assume the rear driver is always at fault, but that’s not always true. If the lead driver fails to use signals, stops too short, or brakes suddenly, they may be at least partly at fault.
Driving proactively can help you avoid rear-end collisions. Pay attention to your surroundings, monitor your mirrors, avoid sudden stops, and exercise caution at intersections to avoid being hit by another vehicle. Gradually brake and decelerate and use signals so other drivers understand your next move. When driving behind another car, leave enough space for at least a three-second gap for adequate stopping time.
Intersection Crash
Some intersections can be downright dangerous and are common sites for accidents. Intersections have different traffic streams in motion with the potential for conflicting activity. Uncut foliage and other impediments can block your vision or hide a stop sign. A driver who doesn’t see or ignores traffic signs and lights can cause a crash at an intersection with one or more other vehicles.
Each driver is responsible for obeying traffic laws and exercising caution while driving and crossing an intersection, especially during a left-hand turn. Intersection crashes can include multiple vehicles and cause additional chain reaction accidents when other drivers attempt to avoid the initial crash. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can also be caught in the crash.
To minimize chances of an intersection accident, approach intersections with caution and observe traffic signals and signs. Reduce your speed and yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and other approaching hazards. Houston also has an abundance of “red-light runners,” those who drive through a red light without stopping, so it’s important to continuously scan the area. Drivers must be aware and engage in situational awareness for traffic from all directions, including bicycles and pedestrians.
It’s crucial to follow traffic rules, remain vigilant, and exercise caution when approaching and crossing intersections to reduce the risk of these accidents. Intersection crashes can have serious consequences, so it’s important for all road users to prioritize safety and make responsible decisions while navigating through these areas.
Parking Lot Collision
Driving through a Houston parking lot or garage can be compared to an obstacle course. Tight spaces, oncoming vehicles, and chronic turning left (or right) to get into or out of any Houston building’s parking area are not for the faint of heart. One driver going too fast or not paying attention will cause a parking lot collision.
Backing out of a parking space—either in a surface lot or a garage area—is already dangerous enough. If you can’t see an oncoming vehicle, especially around a curve, a crash can follow. Serious damage and injuries can still happen.
Drivers can avoid parking lot accidents by maintaining slower speeds, yielding to pedestrians and other drivers, using signals, and avoiding distractions. Use your car’s mirrors to help observe the surrounding area before pulling out or driving.
Avoiding Accidents
These 3 common types of car accidents are not unheard of by most Houston drivers. You may have experienced one or even all three. All three types can leave accident victims with broken bones, whiplash, bruises and lacerations, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Driving distracted is one of the top causes of accidents, along with driving intoxicated (DUI/DWI) Bad weather and road conditions also contribute to car accidents. Sudden rainstorms and Houston’s ever-present road construction increase the potential for accidents, even in parking lots.
Car Accident Lawyer in Texas – Paxton Law
At Paxton Law here in Houston, we know the dangers that motorists can encounter in the largest city in Texas. If you have a case, we will review your case and advise you of possible compensation claim. These three common types of car accidents are not always avoidable as most of us realize. If you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether it is a rear end bump, intersection collision, or parking lot crash, you may end up with unexpected and unwanted injuries, medical bills, and long term disabilities. You may lose wages because you have to miss work due to hospitalization and recovery. Please talk with Attorney Paxton before talking with insurance representatives or making any settlements.
At the Paxton Law Firm, we believe in taking on your legal battles and turning a negative situation into your best possible outcome. We offer free consultations, and you do not pay our fees until we recover for you.
Contact Paxton Law Firm today by calling 281-978-2244. For Espanol INICIO and CONTÁCTENOS EN