There are more than 4 million vehicles registered in the District of Columbia, and more cars on the road means more collisions. Learning more about the most common types of car accidents can help you become a safer driver and possibly avoid future accidents.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
These are collisions with fixed objects, like trees, signs, barriers, and debris. Pay attention, obey the speed limit, and adjust your driving for construction and inclement weather to prevent single-vehicle accidents.
Pedestrian Accidents
Drivers and pedestrians must work together to save lives. Drivers should continually scan for people, especially at night when most fatal accidents happen, and in the capital and other areas with high foot and bike traffic. Pedestrians should cross in designated areas and stay as visible as possible at all times.
T-Bone Crashes
Also called broadside or side-impact collisions, T-bone crashes typically occur when one vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to another at an intersection. Because side airbags are still optional in vehicles, the risk of serious injuries in automobiles without this protection is high in broadside accidents.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on car accidents happen when a vehicle drives into oncoming traffic or drives the wrong way on a one-way street or exit ramp. Because both vehicles are traveling toward each other, the force of impact with these crashes doubles, significantly increasing the chance of serious bodily injuries.
The best way to avoid this type of accident is to stay alert. It only takes two or three seconds of looking at your phone or turning to talk to talk to a passenger to drift out of your lane and into the path of an oncoming car.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end car accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of them. This often happens when the second vehicle is tailgating or following too closely. The driver in front can also cause a rear-end crash if they suddenly slam on their brakes or turn without signaling.
The National Safety Council recommends the three-second rule for a safe following distance. To do this, pick an object on the side of the road. After the car ahead of you passes the object, count to three. Increase your following distance if you pass the same object before counting to three.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
Accident-risks are generally high in the DC area. If you are involved in a car accident, seek medical help right away. Report the crash to the police, and exchange identification and insurance with the other driver.
Next, contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your rights and responsibilities before you call the insurance company. Legal guidance will help you make informed decisions to protect your interests and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Represent Injured Clients Across the Metro Area
With tons of different types of car accidents, even if you stay alert, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Our Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King get positive results for our clients. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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