The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports over 5 million car accidents happen annually. There are several causes and types of accidents a driver in Dallas may experience.
Types of auto accidents
The most common type of motor vehicle accidents are rear-end crashes, which occur from a driver following too closely. Damages from rear-end collisions are usually not serious, but the occupants in the hit vehicle often suffer the most injuries. In most cases, the one who hits the front vehicle is at fault, but they may not have caused the accident.
A T-bone accident occurs when one vehicle hits another at an intersection in the shape of a “T”. The passengers on the struck side are in more danger of serious injuries because the vehicle sides aren’t as strong.
Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of accidents, whether one or two vehicles because of the usual high speed. Rollover accidents commonly involve single vehicles, which force the vehicle to tip or to flip completely upside down.
Common causes of auto accidents
Data shows speeding causes one-third of traffic accidents, which contributes to less reaction time and loss of control. Weather accounts for 21% of vehicle accidents according to the Federal Highway Administration, mostly on wet roads. Speeding in inclement weather increases the risk of hydroplaning, which forces the tires to spin from access water.
Drunk driving causes about 30 car crashes daily in the United States, or one accident occurs every 48 to 52 minutes. A driver’s judgement and cognitive ability can be impaired at the legal limit of .08, and even below it.
Distracted driving is any activity that makes a driver take their attention from the road, such as using cell phones. NHTSA reports distracted driving caused 9% of fatal car accidents and 15% of accidents with injury in 2019.
A vehicle accident can cause serious injury and loss of independence. Injured parties may pursue damages against an at-fault driver.