No matter how careful you are when driving in Southern California, you could be involved in a car accident caused by another driver. You or a passenger may suffer broken bones, loss of a limb, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal injuries, or many other long-term health complications.
The underlying cause of any crash is often driver negligence. When motorists are speeding, distracted by their cellphones, or too tired to drive, they frequently cause various types of motor vehicle collisions. Below, our San Diego personal injury lawyer explains the incidents we most often see in our clients' cases.
Table of Contents
Rear-End Collisions
One of the most common vehicle accidents in Southern California is a rear-end collision, where one vehicle crashes into another from behind. Major causes of dangerous rear-end accidents often include following too closely, distracted driving, and failing to adjust to traffic conditions.
Motorists in our state are required to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them so they can slow down or stop suddenly if necessary. The "three-second rule" is recommended to avoid tailgating. This means if the vehicle in front passes a set point, such as a mile marker, the driver following should allow three seconds before reaching that point to maintain a safe distance. If not, they may be found to have caused any resulting rear-end collision.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on crash occurs when the front ends of two vehicles collide. These accidents are often caused by drivers drifting across lanes or turning the wrong way. Unfortunately, this error in judgment is usually due to intoxication, texting or talking on a cellphone, or falling asleep at the wheel. The serious consequences of head-on collisions can include catastrophic injuries or death, especially if the distracted motorist was also speeding.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone collisions—also referred to as broadside or side-impact accidents—involve one vehicle hitting the side of another. Common reasons for T-bone car accidents include running stop signs, speeding through red lights, or attempting to turn left against oncoming traffic. Serious injuries often result because victims only have their side doors and windows to protect them from the force of the impact.
Rollover Crashes
Rollover accidents are especially deadly because the vehicle can flip multiple times. SUVs and trucks are two types of vehicles often involved in these wrecks. If a manufacturing defect contributed to the crash, a victim might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer as well as a claim against any negligent driver.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Unfortunately, multi-vehicle crashes are common in the San Diego area. Why multi-car accidents happen often relates to drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, distracted, or not driving for weather conditions. A claim for compensation can be more complicated due to issues regarding which drivers are at fault and multiple parties seeking compensation from the motorists at fault.
If you or a family member was injured in an auto collision in San Diego or Southern California, you need a skilled San Diego car accident attorney to fight for your rights to a fair settlement. To learn how I can help, start an online chat to schedule a free consultation today.
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