Submitted by Paul McConnell on
Car accidents can be life-altering events, causing physical injuries and monetary damage. If the collision doesn’t take your life, you will need to deal with medical bills, expensive repairs, and complicated insurance claims. Some accidents are unavoidable, though you can protect yourself from certain collisions with proper knowledge of defensive driving.
Read on as a Connecticut car accident lawyer from The Doctor Lawyer Team discusses the top common car accidents and how you can avoid them. Our practice is a veteran-owned law firm that combines the knowledge of a board-certified surgeon-turned-lawyer and the legal experience of a former judge and federal prosecutor.
A Car Accident Attorney Discusses the Top Accident Causes
Learning the causes of the most common car collisions from an experienced accident lawyer can help you understand what to watch for when driving.
1. Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents occur when one car hits the back of the vehicle in front of them. These collisions are among the most common types of accidents since they typically happen in high-volume traffic. To avoid a rear-end collision, you should:
- Maintain a safe driving distance
- Keep an eye on the car behind you if they follow your bumper too closely
- Stay alert and keep your focus on the road and your rear-view mirror
- Add extra driving distance in poor weather conditions
2. Stationary Collisions
Stationary collisions occur when one car hits a parked vehicle. These accidents typically happen in crowded parking lots or apartment complexes. You may think that preventing someone else from hitting your parked car is impossible, but you can reduce the risk with these preventative measures:
- Park in the back of the lot where it is emptier
- Park directly between the lines, so you aren’t too close to neighboring cars
- Avoid parking on busy streets and opt for a garage
3. Single-Car Crashes
Single-car accidents happen when you lose control of your vehicle and hit a stationary object like a light pole, trash can, tree, or animal. To prevent this type of crash, you can:
- Avoid going out in poor weather conditions
- Keep your eyes on the road, don’t use your phone, and stay alert
- Stop and rest if you’re feeling too tired to drive
- Respect the speed limit, especially on steep and curvy roads
4. Intersection Collisions
Another frequent type of car accident occurs when two vehicles collide in an intersection. To avoid intersection crashes, you should:
- Always scan the intersection before entering, even if your light is green
- Don’t try to speed through a yellow signal light
- Examine all intersection entries before turning
5. Car Theft Accidents
Car theft accidents happen when someone breaks into your vehicle by shattering a window. Avoiding property damage is tricky, but you can use these preventative techniques:
- Hide your valuables before leaving the car
- Buy a dashcam and put it on display
- Park your vehicle in bright and secure areas
6. Reversing Accidents
Reversing your car can be challenging since your mirrors only offer a fractured view of what’s behind your vehicle. You can avoid accidents when backing up by using these methods:
- Analyze what surrounds your vehicle before getting in the car
- Reverse slowly and cautiously
- Continue checking each mirror as you back out
- Don’t rely on the car’s rear camera – look out your side windows, too
7. DWI Crashes
Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, accidents occur when someone operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (illegal and prescription). The majority of accident fatalities arise from drunk driving.
Of course, you should never drive under the influence, but how can you prevent someone else from doing so and hitting your car?
- Watch out for speeding cars and keep your distance
- If you see someone veering in lanes, stay as far away as possible
- Report any vehicles that appear to have drivers under the influence
Our Car Injury Attorneys Advise You on What to Do After an Accident
You cannot avoid all accidents, but how you act after one happens can affect your compensation. Any car accident lawyer would advise that you:
- Immediately seek medical attention when injured in a car accident
- Call 911 in order to File a police report (even if not injured)
- Take photographs
- Gather everyone’s insurance and contact information
- Do not speak to any insurance adjusters
- Hire a lawyer to represent your case
When Should I Look for a Car Crash Lawyer Near Me?
If you have an accident, you should immediately look for a car accident lawyer. Saying the wrong things to an insurance adjuster can destroy your case. Attorneys can advise you through every step.
The Doctor Lawyer Team in Connecticut: Find a Car Accident Lawyer Nearby Today
If you need a car accident lawyer, consider our attorneys at The Doctor Lawyer Team. Our professional Connecticut personal injury lawyers will utilize our full-time medical doctor to help build your personal injury case so you can seek maximum compensation.
Call us today at The Doctor Lawyer Team at (860) 829-9467 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation. We charge you no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
