Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on our roads, with many types of car accidents occurring every day. Whether it's a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, the aftermath can leave victims grappling with injuries, mounting medical bills, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. 

If someone else's negligence caused a car crash that injured you or a close family member, know that you have options. An experienced car accident lawyer can offer strategic guidance, compassionate support, and zealous representation. Reach out to a skilled car accident attorney in your area for a free consultation. Your journey to recovery and justice begins with understanding your rights and taking action.

Rear-end collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These accidents often happen at stop signs, traffic lights, or in slow-moving traffic. While they can sometimes be minor "fender-benders," rear-end collisions can also cause serious injuries, especially whiplash and other neck and back injuries.

Head-on collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. They occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of both vehicles' speeds.

Side-impact (T-bone) accidents

Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These accidents often occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light. Side-impact crashes can be particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear.

Sideswipe collisions

Sideswipe collisions occur when the sides of two parallel vehicles make contact. While these accidents can sometimes be minor, they can also lead to more serious crashes if one or both drivers lose control of their vehicles.

Rollover accidents

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous and often result in severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents occur when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. While any vehicle can roll over under certain circumstances, taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity.

Single-vehicle accidents

Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can range from minor incidents to severe crashes. These accidents can occur due to various factors and often result in the vehicle hitting a stationary object or running off the road. Passengers injured in single-car crashes because the driver was negligent or reckless often qualify for compensation.

Multi-vehicle pileups

Multi-vehicle pileups involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways or in poor weather conditions. These accidents can be particularly chaotic and dangerous, with multiple points of impact and increased risk of secondary collisions.

Hit-and-run accidents

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver involved in a collision flees the scene without stopping to identify themselves or render aid. These accidents can be particularly distressing for victims, who may be left injured and without immediate assistance. Although it can be challenging to identify the at-fault driver and obtain compensation, a skilled attorney can work with local law enforcement and take other measures to locate the driver and hold them accountable.

Car Accident Statistics

Understanding the prevalence and impact of car accidents can help put the issue into perspective. Consider the following car accident statistics for the U.S. as a whole and Michigan specifically:

National Statistics

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 6,102,936 police-reported traffic crashes in the United States in a recent year.


• These crashes injured 2,497,657 people and killed 42,939.


• On average, someone dies every 12 minutes on our nation’s road, while around 5 people sustain injuries every minute in a vehicle crash.


• Alcohol-impaired driving caused accidents that killed 13,384 people, which is an increase of 14% from the year before.

Michigan Statistics

• In a recent year, there were 287,953 reported crashes in Michigan, according to the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting System.


• These crashes resulted in 1,095 fatalities and 71,085 injuries.


• There were 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes that killed 297 people.


• Distracted drivers were involved in 15,136 crashes that killed 59.

These statistics underscore the significant impact of car accidents on individuals, families, and society as a whole. They also highlight the importance of safe driving practices and the need for robust legal representation for accident victims.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car crashes occur for a variety of reasons, mostly due to a driver’s wrongful actions. Common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving


• Speeding


• Drunk Driving


• Reckless Driving


• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs


• Drowsy Driving

Weather conditions can contribute to car accidents when drivers fail to adjust their speed and following distance. Sometimes, defective car components lead to accidents, such as brake failures and tire blowouts. Along with seeking compensation from the at-fault driver, an attorney can explore a third-party claim against the car part’s manufacturer.

How to Determine Liability in Car Accident Cases

To help you obtain compensation, your attorney needs to establish liability on the party or parties responsible for the crash. To determine fault, an attorney may use:

• Police Reports: The responding officer's report often includes an initial assessment of how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.


• Traffic Laws: Violations of traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light, can be strong indicators of fault.


• Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from people who saw the accident can provide valuable, unbiased information.


• Photo and Video Evidence: Pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any available video footage can help reconstruct what happened.


• Expert Analysis: In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be called upon to analyze the evidence and provide professional opinions on how the accident occurred.


• Admission of Fault: Sometimes, a driver may admit fault at the scene, which an attorney can use as evidence.

Many times, the type of car accident indicates who’s at fault. For instance, in rear-end collisions, the rear driver is usually presumed at fault. However, this is not always the case, and insurance companies may try to blame you for the crash when it wasn’t entirely your fault. Some states, like Michigan, have comparative negligence laws, which allow for shared fault and can affect how compensation is awarded. 

An attorney can work to establish liability to the proper parties and push back against attempts the insurance company may use to assign undue fault to you.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

After a crash, especially one that injured you or a loved one, you need to take certain steps to safeguard your health and protect your rights to seek compensation:

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

• First, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.


• If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic.


• Even for minor accidents, you still need to contact the police. Responding officers will generate a police report that your attorney needs for insurance claims and potential legal action.


• Get the name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number of all drivers involved.


• Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, note the time, date, and weather conditions.


• If there are witnesses, get their contact information.


• Don't admit fault and be careful what you say. Even a simple "I'm sorry" could be interpreted as an admission of fault.


• Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

If the Accident Happened Some Time Ago

If you're recovering from an accident that occurred some time ago and are now considering your options for compensation, here's what you can do:

• Collect all medical records, bills, police reports, and any correspondence with insurance companies.


• Document your pain levels, treatments, and how the injuries affect your daily life.


• Tally up all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.


• Be wary of early settlement offers. Most of the time, an initial settlement won’t fully cover your long-term costs.


• Be aware of time limits for pursuing compensation. Each state has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. In Michigan, for example, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.


• Get legal representation. As long as no legal deadlines have expired, an experienced car accident attorney can still investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation.

Whether the accident just happened or occurred several days ago, consulting a car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

What Types of Compensation Can a Lawyer Help Me Get?

A skilled car accident attorney can help you pursue various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Here are the main categories of damages you may receive:

• Current and future medical costs related to your accident injuries, such as hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary long-term care.


• Lost wages and income if your injuries caused you to miss work. This also includes potential future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.


• Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident and your injuries have caused.


• The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property the crash damaged or destroyed.


• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once loved.


• Loss of consortium for the loss of companionship or intimacy due to your injuries.

If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you might qualify to pursue a wrongful death claim. An attorney can help you determine whether you’re eligible and help you recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other related losses.

An experienced car accident attorney will assess all aspects of your case to ensure you're seeking the full compensation you deserve. They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for fair compensation.

Remember, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having a skilled attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the amount of compensation you receive. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and know how to build a strong case to counter them.

Your attorney will also be able to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future costs you might not have considered. This is particularly important in cases involving serious injuries that may require ongoing medical care or affect your ability to work.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Now

If you suffered injuries or losses in a car accident that wasn’t entirely your fault in Michigan, the experienced legal team at Goodman Acker P.C. is here to help. Our skilled personal injury lawyers understand Michigan's auto accident laws, and we have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for our clients. To date, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our injured clients and have become one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in the state.

You can rely on our more than 150 years of collective experience to help you successfully navigate your car accident claim and get the compensation you need. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us unless we recover damages for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your claim.

Don't let the statute of limitations run out on your right to seek compensation. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today to request your free consultation. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.