6 Common Road Accidents & Legal Ways to Protect Your Rights

No one ever expects to be in an accident, but they always happen. The figures are alarming; according to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries rank high as the leading cause of death for people below thirty-five years old. Thus, it makes all sense to learn about the various common road accidents and how you can protect your rights legally in the event of an accident. Look at six common road accidents and legal ways to protect your rights.

Rear-End Collision

Most rear-end collisions result from driver negligence, such as following too closely or failing to adjust speed for weather conditions. In this case, the rear driver is usually found at fault because it is their responsibility to maintain a safe driving distance.

To protect your rights in a rear-end collision, it is vital to obtain the contact information of all drivers and witnesses, take photos of the scene, and file an accident report with the police. Additionally, you should seek medical attention for any injuries if necessary.

Head-On Collision

These accidents often happen when drivers fail to remain in their lanes. They can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. In a head-on collision, you should call the police and exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved.

It is also essential to take pictures of the scene, document any witnesses, contact your insurance company and seek medical attention for any injuries received. Remember that you can also hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions by hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Pedestrian Accident

These accidents tend to be caused by distracted or reckless driving, such as failing to yield the right of way. To protect your rights in this case, you should engage the authorities immediately, document everything, and contact your insurance company. It is also important to remember that pedestrians are afforded extra protection under the law.

Therefore, you may be found at fault even if the pedestrian is not legally crossing in a designated crosswalk. As such, it is essential to take all precautions to avoid this type of accident. As you take these steps after a pedestrian accident, look for personal injury lawyers who specialize in handling cases related to car accidents. They will help you protect your rights by ensuring that your claim is filed correctly and all evidence collected adequately. This will give you the best chance of receiving maximum compensation for any losses incurred due to a road accident.

Parked Car Damage

This type of accident usually occurs when a driver fails to observe their surroundings and hits an unattended parked car. To prevent these crashes, drivers should always keep a safe distance and be aware of the presence of parked cars.

Be also mindful of where you park your car, as drivers can ignore their surroundings. After an unfortunate incident, it is essential to find footage of the area before, during, and after the accident. You should exchange contact information with the other driver and report the incident to your car insurance company.

Hit-and-Run Accident

Fleeing the crime scene after a collision is illegal in all states, but it still happens far too often. If you become a hit-and-run victim, you should immediately call the police and describe the other driver, their car, and their direction of travel.

You should also obtain contact information from witnesses and seek medical attention for any injuries received. You can also obtain coverage from your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist protection.

The dynamics of this type of accident can be complex, and thus it may be beneficial to retain a lawyer specializing in personal injury cases. For instance, the attorney can help you to negotiate a settlement with your insurance company.

T-Bone Accident

These accidents are often the result of a driver running a stop sign or red light. The car entering the intersection will likely be found at fault in this type of accident. There are times when both drivers can be at fault, however.

The fault determination in a T-bone accident can be complex. To protect your rights, it is essential to contact the authorities and exchange information with the other driver involved. You should also obtain records of any traffic cameras that may have captured the incident and seek medical attention for any injuries.

To mitigate T-bone crashes, drivers should always pay attention to posted road signs and signals and maintain a safe speed. Besides that, road users should also take extra care when crossing the street.

Numerous types of road accidents can occur. To protect your rights in such situations, it is vital to obtain the contact information of all drivers and witnesses involved, take pictures of the scene, document any traffic cameras that may have captured the incident, and seek medical attention for any injuries received.