Types of Auto Accident Claims

Distracted driving accidents 

Distracted driving was a factor in 14% of auto accidents with injury victims in 2020. Common causes of distracted driving include things that take the driver’s visual or mental focus off the road, such as talking to passengers or looking for something in their vehicle.

Distracted driving accidents also involve drivers taking their hands off the wheel for any reason, including reaching for a drink or changing radio stations. Things that affect a driver’s ability to hear can also cause distracted driving accidents.

Hit and run accidents 

According to a report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, from 2006 to 2015, the United States recorded between 614,200 and 737,100 hit-and-run crashes per year. In 2008, hit-and-run accidents accounted for 12% of all car crashes. 

An accident that involves a motorist who leaves the scene is a hit-and-run. Drivers must stay at the scene and notify the police if someone was injured or killed or if the accident caused property damage. Drivers can be charged with a felony if they leave the scene of an accident that caused a fatality or injury.

Multi-car accidents 

Multi-car accidents are accidents involving multiple vehicles. Multi-car accidents often occur in poor weather conditions. Motorists driving on highways may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision after an accident. Proving you were in a multi-car accident could reduce your liability if you can demonstrate that you were stopped on a roadway because of other vehicles and someone rear-ended you. These accident reports can be complex because multiple causes may contribute to the accident.

Parking lot accidents

Although most people aren’t driving fast in parking lots, this type of accident is still common. One of the causes of parking lot accidents involves backing up out of parking spaces. Although backing-up accidents can occur in other locations, backing-up causes approximately 25% of all traffic accidents.

Pedestrian accidents

Pedestrians include anyone not using a motor vehicle to move on or near a roadway. Per the definition used for car accidents, pedestrians include people in wheelchairs, those using scooters or skateboards, and those walking. In 2020, 17% of those who died in car accidents were pedestrians. Avoiding a vehicle could cause pedestrians to slip and fall if they lose their footing, and they could pursue a claim against the driver. When vehicles hit pedestrians, they can cause internal injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or, if the accident is fatal, a wrongful death. 

Rear-end collisions 

Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle strikes another vehicle from behind. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that can cause short-term, long-term, or permanent damage. Common causes of whiplash include rear-end collisions.

Road rage accidents 

Drivers can become aggressive when frustrated. When this occurs, they may cause a road rage accident. Road rage accidents include accidents caused by drivers cutting other drivers off, weaving in and out of traffic, driving along the shoulder of the road, or tailgating other vehicles.

Accidents that involve speeding

Municipalities and states impose speed limits to prevent car crashes. Several factors are considered when assigning speed limits, such as the following:

• Traffic volume
• Proximity to houses, schools, and businesses
• Number of lanes on the roadway
• Visibility

When drivers exceed the posted speeds, they have less time to respond to changes in driving conditions, which increases their chances of being in an accident. Speeding is a deliberate action, and it’s against the law. Consequently, speeding drivers who cause accidents may also be considered reckless drivers. This means victims of these accidents may be able to seek punitive damages, in addition to economic and non-economic damages, from a car accident lawsuit.

Accidents on unsafe roads

Sometimes, road conditions cause accidents. Suppose you’re driving down the road and hit a pothole that damages your tire. Getting a flat tire could cause an accident. Unsafe roads also include roadways affected by poor weather conditions. Flooded roadways are unsafe because drivers can hydroplane and lose control of their vehicles. Flood waters can also sweep vehicles off roadways, causing injuries or death. Drivers may also lose control of their vehicles or get stuck when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.

Reckless driver accidents

Reckless drivers are motorists who don’t demonstrate concern for the safety of others. They take risks or deliberately choose to jeopardize their safety, their passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Reckless driving can involve speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving.

DUI accidents 

Driving under the influence (DUI) applies to driving while using substances that could impair your judgment. DUIs include the following:

• Driving after consuming too much alcohol
• Operating a motor vehicle after using illegal drugs
• Driving after taking prescription or over-the-counter medication 

DUIs involving alcohol consumption claimed more than 11,000 lives in 2020.

How can an injury attorney help with your auto accident claim?

It’s natural to feel disoriented after a car accident. You may be uncertain about your rights, who was at fault, and the type of auto accident claim you should file. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for injuries and property damage.

If you file a claim related to a driver’s reckless actions or negligence, you could qualify to seek punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Victims who qualify to seek punitive damages may receive larger settlements. 

At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, our legal team will help you determine what type of claim you should file. We’ll discuss your case and ensure you understand how hiring a car accident attorney can help you receive justice after your car accident. Our team will investigate the accident, gather evidence, build your legal case, and fight for fair compensation.