WKW Shares Their Knowledge of Car Accidents in Indianapolis to Help You

Types of Car Accidents

There are several classifications of car accidents, the specifics of which can directly impact both a victim’s personal injury case and the investigation process.

Education and awareness can help decrease the number of crash-related injuries and fatalities. Below, the Wilson Kehoe Winingham team has outlined eight major different types of car crashes. This was done to help reduce the number of accidents seen on Indiana’s roads and highways. Many of these accident types are caused by a driver’s loss of control, distraction, or vehicle malfunction.

1. Head-On Collisions

Imagine you are driving north along the road when, out of nowhere, an oncoming vehicle headed south travels into the median. They are headed your way, they have lost control of their car, and they are unsure about what to do next. This is when you should steer as far to the right as possible to avoid a head-on collision.

This type of accident is completely avoidable, but the results can be traumatizing. Always call 9-1-1 following a head-on collision, as injuries are likely. And remember, the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages towards medical care, lost wages, vehicle repair, and pain and suffering.

2. Vehicle Rollovers

Sometimes a car will flip onto its side, land on the roof, tumble around, or even force the passengers out of the vehicle. This can occur with a car or truck, but most frequently occurs with an SUV or van. Injuries often result from this type of accident because the passengers have little time to act. And sometimes, these injuries can be fatal.

Accidents like this are why it is always important to fasten your seatbelt. The causes of such accidents are most frequently blowouts, hitting a curb or guardrail, or incredibly aggressive turning.

3. T-Bone Car Accidents

T-Bones are an extremely dangerous type of collision that tend to occur at intersections when one vehicle lands head-on into the side of another car. This T shape usually forms on the driver’s side of the car. These accidents can result in broken bones, concussions, or even death. These types of accidents can happen seemingly out of nowhere, so your best protection is always wearing a seatbelt.

4. Multiple Vehicle Collisions

One singular event can create a chain of events that results in a pileup of three or more cars. On icy roads, these pileups can sometimes be massive, with twenty cars or more. Damage can be light to heavy and may result in confusion, injury, or death.

Always be aware of the road and your surroundings. Cars may slow down or stop for seemingly no reason at all. An alert mind can help reduce your chance of an accident.

5. Sideswipe Collisions

Whether you are in a rural, suburban, or urban area, driving right up to another vehicle is always risky. Any distraction can lead to a slight shift and then to a minor bump or a tumultuous blow. Always check your blind spots when switching lanes. And take notice of any driver that is veering too close to the opposite lane.

6. Side-Impact Collisions

This type of accident occurs when a vehicle is hit by a driver’s front end. In many cases, this type of accident occurs at an intersection, meaning there should be witnesses—and possibly traffic cameras at lights—to help prove who was at fault.

You can avoid these types of crashes by slowing down when you approach an intersection. This is the case whether or not you have a green light.

7. Single Car Accidents

Involving one vehicle, but not always faulting the driver, single car accidents occur when a driver swerves and hits something, such as a guardrail, tree, or even an animal. Weather is the number one contributing factor to this type of accident. Always slow down around curves and check your blind corners.

8. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when the front end of one car crashes into the back of another. They are usually the result of a driver’s distraction, tailgating, and/or panicked stops. In many cases, they happen at stoplights.

Another common rear-end collision scenario occurs when a driver has stopped to yield to oncoming traffic or to turn and is then rear-ended. Try to check your mirrors before braking, and, whenever possible, avoid slamming on your brakes.

Common Accident Questions and Answers

Below is a list of FAQs to help people better understand what to do following an accident.

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

Do not try to pursue the at-fault driver—even if you are physically able to do so. Just stay where you were hit. The most important thing to do is to call 9-1-1 for help. Witnesses may approach you with information about the color of the vehicle or even the vehicle type. It is considered a misdemeanor to leave an accident scene and any damage could result in a felony charge.

What Do I Do After a Minor Car Crash?

After a minor car crash, there is no need to remain in the exact location of the accident. You can pull over to allow the flow of traffic to continue. If the resulting damage to the vehicles is less than $1,000, there is no need to report it.

However, if there are injuries, death, or damage to property that doesn’t include any of the involved vehicles, you are legally required to report the accident to the police. You may also request your accident report online afterward.

What Do I Do After a Car Accident Injury?

The first thing you should do is call 9-1-1 so a dispatcher can send over law enforcement as well as any necessary fire trucks or ambulances. You should remain connected to the dispatcher until help arrives. It is possible that your injuries could be more severe than you realize, so you should go to the hospital to be seen by a medical professional. Check on yourself for the next week after the accident and call your doctor if any new injuries pop up.

What If I Got Into a Rear-End Collision?

Call 9-1-1 right away after a rear-end collision. If you are unable to do so, ask a nearby bystander to contact them for you. Do not move your vehicle, as this could lead to further injury. Although, if explosives may be involved, then you should leave the crash site immediately.

Checklist of How to Handle an Accident

1. Call 9-1-1 to ensure law enforcement will arrive on the scene.
2. Tell the operator about any injuries.
3. Do not leave the scene of the accident—regardless of who is at fault.
4. Stay in place unless the damage done is minor, in which case you can move your vehicle enough to allow the flow of traffic to continue.
5. Get the official investigator’s contact information, as well as the information of any other drivers and any possible witnesses.
6. Do not admit fault.
7. Contact the experienced attorneys at WKW as soon as possible so we can help you sort out the details.

How Can an Indianapolis Attorney Help You After a Car Accident?

If you or a loved one were injured in an auto accident, contact the Indianapolis car accident attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham.

Our knowledgeable and experienced lawyers can help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.