The vast majority of car accidents are caused by some type of driver error, ranging from distracted driving and speeding to aggressive driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That means that car accidents will continue to be an unfortunate reality as long as humans are fallible and capable of making preventable mistakes while driving.

There are many different types of car accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to more serious collisions that result in severe injuries and fatalities. The type of accident and the severity of your injuries will have a significant impact on the personal injury claims process.

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by another motorist, an experienced car accident lawyer will review the details of your case, help you navigate every step of the claims process, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

What Are the Different Types of Car Accidents?

The following are some of the most common types of accidents that occur on roads and highways across New Jersey every day:

• Read-End Collisions: These are some of the most common accidents that occur in the Garden State. In the vast majority of cases, the motorist who rear-ended the other vehicle was tailgating, distracted, or both. As a result, the rear-ending driver is generally considered at fault. While rear-end accidents do not usually cause serious injuries, they can cause whiplash and other minor injuries.
• Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, this type of accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, usually at a relatively high speed. Oftentimes, these accidents occur at intersections when one vehicle speeds through a stop sign or a red light. Side-impact accidents are particularly devastating because the side of a vehicle does not have the same structural protections as the front or rear of a car. As a result, the force of impact can cause broken bones, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), as well as tragic fatalities.
• Head-On Collisions: These are some of the most catastrophic accidents that occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the front of another vehicle, usually at a high speed. They are often caused by distracted driving, impaired driving, or drifting into a lane of oncoming traffic. If the motorists involved survive the crash, they often suffer devastating injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: These occur when a vehicle flips over onto its side or upside down. Oftentimes, they occur when a motorist is driving too fast when making a turn or approaching a curve in the road. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, are more likely to rollover due to their design and their ability to handle turns. Rollover accidents often cause severe injuries, including head and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and TBIs.
• Sideswipe Accidents: In most cases, these occur when a motorist attempts to change lanes without checking their side view mirrors and blind spots to ensure that the lane is clear. Determining liability can be challenging, particularly if both motorists bear some responsibility. Sideswipe injuries are not typically severe, but they can include whiplash, bruises, and even broken bones.

How Does the Type of Car Accident Impact the Claims Process?

There are a number of factors that will impact the claims process and the financial compensation you will receive. For example, the damages you will be eligible for will depend on the severity of your injuries. If you suffered a whiplash injury in a rear-end accident, the damages you will receive will be much less than if you suffered a spinal cord injury or a TBI from a side-impact collision. The type of accident will also determine the extent of the property damage and the compensation you are entitled to in order to repair or replace your vehicle.

Finally, if the accident and the resulting injuries have impacted your ability to work, engage in activities and hobbies you enjoy, or maintain full and healthy relationships with family and friends, this will also impact the claims process and the amount of financial compensation you may recover. Every car accident is unique, as are the factors that will determine the outcome of your personal injury claim. A dedicated car accident lawyer will help you navigate every step of this process and recover the damages to which you are entitled.

Toms River Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Seek Compensation for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the Toms River car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, where we serve clients across the state.