What Are The Most Common Types Of Car Accidents?

The most common types of car accidents include T-bone collisions, head-on crashes, rear-end accidents, sideswipes, single-vehicle crashes, rollovers, multi-vehicle pileups, hit-and-runs, and low-speed collisions.

Familiarizing yourself with these crash types helps you understand the scope of the problem and the risks drivers face every day, especially in busy cities like Los Angeles, where hundreds of car accidents happen daily. Some accidents happen at high speeds on highways, while others occur in stop-and-go traffic or parking lots.

Recognizing these categories helps you stay safer on the road and know what to do if an accident occurs. Each type of collision comes with different causes, levels of severity, and legal challenges, from minor fender benders to catastrophic crashes that require immediate medical and legal attention.

If you were injured in a car accident, our experienced car accident lawyers can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 488‑1391 for a free consultation.

Some of the most common car accidents on the road include:

According to a study, while causes are generally complex, they typically depend on driver behavior. Negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, or unsafe lane changes often play a major role.

Every crash causes different injuries and legal challenges. Our car accident lawyers guide you through the claims process, explain your rights, and manage the legal work so you can focus on healing.

Most Common Types Of Car Accidents

Car accidents happen more often than many people realize. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 40,000 traffic deaths nationwide, with certain California cities experiencing some of the highest accident rates. Even if you haven’t been in a crash, you’ve likely seen one or sat in traffic because of it.

These incidents often cause serious injuries or death. Most crashes result from preventable mistakes like distracted driving, speeding, or poor decisions behind the wheel. Bad weather and road conditions can also contribute.

Car accidents usually fall into these main categories:

T-Bone Collisions

This often happens when someone runs a red light or stop sign and strikes a car crossing from another direction. Here’s what the data shows:

• T-bone crashes made up over 18.3% of fatal collisions, with 7,168 incidents (Insurance Information Institute, 2022).
• Side-impact crashes caused about 44.8% of fatal accidents, leading to 8,700 deaths (National Safety Council, 2023).

These collisions are especially dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection. They happen quickly and without warning, often leaving people with severe or life-changing injuries.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions happen when one vehicle crosses into the path of another, moving in the opposite direction. This can occur when a driver drifts into the wrong lane or enters a roadway going the wrong way.

According to the Road Safety Toolkit, common causes include:

• Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions.
• Lack of barriers or clear lane markings.
• Slippery or uneven road surfaces.
• Tired or distracted driving.
• Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, or medication).
• Using a phone or other distractions.
• Poor vehicle maintenance, such as old tires or brakes.

Wrong-way crashes are among the deadliest collisions, especially on highways. When both vehicles travel at high speeds, the force of impact can be extreme.

Surviving a head-on crash at over 70 km/h is difficult, even in modern vehicles. For older cars or vehicles of different sizes, the risk increases, even at lower speeds. According to the NSC, head-on collisions accounted for nearly 30% of all fatal accidents in 2023.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents often happen when a driver follows too closely and can’t stop in time. Sudden braking, distracted driving, or speeding are common causes. In 2022, these collisions accounted for about 7.2% of all fatal crashes.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), major contributing factors include:

Even low-speed rear-end crashes can cause whiplash, back injuries, or head trauma. These accidents often seem minor at first but can result in lasting harm. Accident lawyers can review police reports, medical records, and traffic footage to show how the other driver’s actions directly caused your injuries in a rear-end collision.

Sideswipe Accidents

According to Triple-I, about 2.7% (1,067) of all fatal crashes in 2022 were due to sideswipe accidents. These occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make side-to-side contact. These often happen when a driver drifts into another lane or changes lanes without checking properly.

Common causes include distracted driving, poor lane discipline, and failure to check blind spots. Potential consequences include:

• Minor to severe vehicle damage, like dents and scratches.
• Loss of control leading to further crashes.
• Injuries range from scrapes to serious head injuries, spinal trauma, or amputation.

Not sure who’s at fault for your accident or how to start a claim? Our car accident lawyers handle every step — from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers so that you can focus on healing. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.

Blind Spot Accidents

Many drivers forget to check their blind spots, especially when changing lanes. This mistake can cause a sideswipe or collision with a nearby vehicle that they didn’t see.

Smaller vehicles, like motorcycles and compact cars, are especially vulnerable in these situations.

Large trucks pose an even greater risk. Their blind spots are much bigger and harder to monitor. These blind zones contribute to serious crashes like:

Our truck accident lawyers understand how these incidents happen and how they impact victims like you. Whether you’re a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian injured in one, we’re here to help. We’ll investigate the crash, protect your rights, and handle the legal process.

Single-Car Accidents

Single-vehicle crashes can happen for many reasons, including:

• Driver error, such as speeding or distraction.
• Mechanical problems with the vehicle.
• Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or debris.
• Natural hazards, such as animals crossing or the weather.

If a driver loses control of their vehicle, they might crash into structures or objects like:

According to Triple-I, crashes involving fixed objects account for about 28.5% of fatal car collisions. A lawyer for car accident victims can review your case and determine if another party, such as a road authority or vehicle manufacturer, shares responsibility.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes happen when a vehicle tips or flips during a collision or sudden maneuver. These are among the most dangerous types of accidents and often lead to severe or fatal injuries.

Common causes of rollovers include:

• Icy, uneven, or slippery roads.
• Sharp turns taken too fast.
• Striking curbs, medians, or guardrails.
• Overloaded cargo, strong winds, or steep hills.

These crashes can throw occupants around or even eject them from the vehicle.

Common bodily injuries include:

• Broken bones, especially in the arms and legs
• Head and neck injuries
• Spinal cord damage

Getting thrown out of the car greatly increases your risk of catastrophic injury. Rollovers can cause long-term complications or permanent disability, depending on the severity. Consulting skilled accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and gather evidence to support your claim after such serious crashes.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle crashes involve several cars hitting each other in a chain reaction. These pileups often start with one collision that triggers others.

In May 2025, a crash on Interstate 580 near Tracy, California, involved at least six vehicles just west of Corral Hollow Road. Two people died at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities closed eastbound I-580 and redirected traffic to I-205 for several hours.

These types of accidents are more likely when:

• • Traffic is heavy and moving fast.
  • Visibility is poor due to fog, rain, or snow.
  • A driver brakes suddenly, and others can’t react in time.

If your car gets sandwiched in a collision, the impact can come from both the front and back, which increases your risk for serious injury. SUV roll-over accidents are particularly dangerous in multi-vehicle pileups because the higher center of gravity makes these vehicles prone to flipping during sudden swerves or impacts.

Determining who’s at fault in multi-vehicle crashes can get complicated. Several drivers may share responsibility, and insurance companies may argue over who pays what. Hiring an experienced lawyer for car accident claims can help in these situations.

Hit-And-Run Accidents

Getting hit by another driver is already traumatic, but it’s even worse when they speed off and leave the victim behind. Sadly, it happens more often than you might think. In 2023, there were 2,786 deadly hit-and-run crashes in the U.S., according to the NHTSA’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST).

These collisions can happen anywhere: on highways, side streets, or parking lots. The person who caused the crash may flee for many reasons, such as:

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, reporting the crash immediately is one of the most important things you can do. A quick response helps police start their investigation while the evidence remains fresh.

Even if you didn’t catch the driver’s license plate, your hit-and-run accident attorney can help track them down. They can build your case using dashcam footage, surveillance videos, and witness statements.

Low-Speed Accidents

Even crashes at low speeds can cause serious injuries. These often happen in parking lots, residential areas, or during stop-and-go traffic.

People tend to underestimate low-speed accidents because the impact seems minor. But they can still lead to soft tissue injuries, sprains, or back and neck problems like whiplash.

Parking lots are a common setting for these incidents. Tight spaces, poor visibility, and distracted driving increase the risk of collisions, both with other cars and with pedestrians.

If someone hits you at low speed, you still have the right to seek medical care and file a claim. A car accident attorney can help you understand your options.

Other Types Of Car Accidents

Other collisions involving cars can still lead to serious injuries. Here are a few you should know about:

Merging Incidents

Merging lanes can get chaotic when drivers rush or ignore blind spots. If someone suddenly cuts you off or sideswipes your vehicle while trying to squeeze in, it can leave you injured and your car damaged. These crashes are often preventable, and reckless merging puts everyone at risk.

Vehicle-Pedestrian Crashes

If you were walking and a driver didn’t yield at a crosswalk or wasn’t watching the road, the impact could be devastating. Cyclists and motorcyclists also face higher risks because they have less protection than someone inside a vehicle. These collisions are especially dangerous in busy areas where people are coming and going.

Underride Accidents

This type of crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a large truck or trailer. Underride collisions often turn fatal or cause life-changing injuries because they can crush the smaller car. An injury lawyer can review all available evidence to determine the responsible party.

Overtaking Collisions

These accidents often occur when motorists misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming traffic. They can also happen when a driver attempts to pass in a no-passing zone. They are especially common on narrow, two-lane highways with limited visibility and space.

Dooring Incidents

If you ride a bike or motorcycle and someone opens a car door without looking, you can crash hard, even at low speeds. These incidents can lead to broken bones, road rash, or worse. Drivers and passengers have a responsibility to check before opening their doors.

Bridge Or Overpass Accidents

Driving on a bridge or overpass leaves little room for error. There’s often no shoulder and limited visibility, especially during bad weather. The injuries can be catastrophic if a crash pushes your car toward the edge or over the side. The lack of proper barriers or warning signs could mean the city or another party shares the blame.

Regardless of the type of car accident, serious injuries can happen. Traffic accident lawyers can help gather evidence, protect your rights, and pursue compensation if you are eligible for it.

Other Less Common Yet Equally Dangerous Car Accident Types

While most crashes are fairly typical, some rare types can be just as dangerous. These incidents may not happen daily, but they still pose serious risks. Understanding them can help you stay alert and be more prepared on the road.

Accidents Caused By External Factors

Sometimes, regardless of how cautious you drive, external factors can cause accidents. These events are sudden and often impossible to predict, but knowing about them can help you stay alert and safer on the road.

• Natural Disaster Incidents — Natural disasters can cause sudden and dangerous road conditions. Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and flash floods may block roads, damage infrastructure, or cause the ground to shift or collapse.

  Heavy rain can quickly lead to flooding. Floods may sweep vehicles off the road or cause them to stall. Even shallow water can lead to hydroplaning or hide serious hazards beneath the surface.

  If you live in a high-risk area, stay alert to weather updates and emergency warnings. Having a plan can help you stay safe when road conditions change without warning.

• Sinkhole Incidents — Sinkholes form when the ground suddenly collapses, opening large holes in the road or nearby land. If a vehicle drives over one as it forms, the results can be catastrophic.

  In May 2025, a massive sinkhole opened in Ventura, California, swallowing two vehicles and a shed. Nearby residents scrambled to safety as the ground gave way. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the collapse caused significant property damage and raised concerns about infrastructure stability in the area.

  These events can happen with little warning, especially in areas with unstable ground or heavy rain. If your vehicle gets damaged in a sinkhole, liability may depend on whether natural erosion or poor maintenance plays a role.

• Animal-Related Collisions — Animals crossing the road can surprise you. You might swerve to avoid them or hit them by accident. These events are common in rural areas but can happen anywhere, especially at dawn or dusk. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, about 200 people died in animal-related crashes in 2022.

Accidents Involving Vehicle Malfunctions Or Failures

These types of collisions happen due to auto defects or mechanical issues:

• Tire Tread Separation Incidents — If the tread separates from your tire while driving, especially at highway speeds, you could suddenly lose control of your vehicle. This situation can lead to rollovers or spinouts. Worn-out tires, poor manufacturing, or improper inflation often cause these issues.
• Autonomous Vehicle Malfunction Accidents — Driverless or autonomous cars aim to make driving safer, but they’re not without flaws. If the system fails to detect a hazard or makes the wrong decision, it can lead to a severe accident.

  In January 2025, a deadly Tesla crash in California involved a battery fire after the vehicle malfunctioned. First responders were unable to reach the driver due to the severity of the fire, which left the individual trapped inside. Despite attempts to rescue the driver, the fire proved fatal.

  This tragic incident underscores the potential risks of autonomous vehicle malfunctions and the dangers that may arise, especially when dealing with high-tech features like automated doors or battery systems.

• Mechanical Failures — Brake failure, steering problems, or faulty lights and wipers can all lead to accidents. You can easily lose control of your vehicle if the brakes fail when you need to stop suddenly or if the steering locks up while turning. Even a small issue like broken headlights at night makes it harder for other drivers to see you.

Accidents Involving Human Behavior

Some accidents happen because of mistakes or actions made by drivers or others on the road. These result from bad decisions, distractions, or even intentional behavior.

• High-Speed Police Chase Crashes — When police chase a suspect, both vehicles often speed through traffic. It puts everyone around them at risk.
• Intentional Vehicle Crashes — In rare but serious cases, drivers may intentionally use their vehicles to cause harm. It could be due to road rage, revenge, or reckless behavior. These crashes often leave victims with serious injuries and emotional trauma, and the driver may even face criminal charges.

Other Uncommon Car Accident Types

Not every collision fits the usual pattern. Some rare types of accidents can be just as serious, even life-threatening. Here’s a look at a few:

• Vehicle-Train Collisions — If you ever cross railroad tracks, always stay alert. Train accidents are often deadly, mainly because trains are massive and take a long time to stop. A single mistake can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
• Debris-Related Crashes — Fallen branches, blown-out tires, construction materials, or cargo that spills from trucks can all create sudden hazards. Swerving to avoid debris might cause you to lose control or hit another car. These are more common after storms or near work zones.
• Drone or Aerial Object Collisions — Flying or falling objects near your car can be a real threat, especially if they hit your windshield or block your view. Drones, falling road signs, or unsecured items from large trucks can distract you or cause serious crashes.
• Run-Off-Road Collisions — These crashes happen when your car leaves the road and hits a fixed object like a tree, guardrail, or utility pole. These unfortunate events are especially dangerous in rural areas where help might take longer.

Injured in any type of car accident? Our team of proven personal injury lawyers will review your case for free, explain your options, and fight to maximize your compensation. Call (888) 488‑1391 now or fill out our online “Do I Have A Case?” form to start your claim today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

Our personal injury lawyers have answered frequently asked questions about protecting your rights after a car accident. This way, you’ll better understand what to expect and what steps to take if you’re ever involved in one.

What Should I Do After A Car Accident To Protect My Legal Rights?

Here’s what you can do right after a car accident to protect your legal rights and start building your case:

1. Call 911 even if the incident seems minor. The police report is important for your insurance claim. Tell the officers what happened clearly and honestly.
2. Get names, phone numbers, driver’s license details, vehicle make and model, license plate numbers, and insurance information from everyone involved.
3. Take photos of all vehicles and any visible injuries, road signs, and traffic signals. If you can’t snap pictures right away, do it as soon as possible after leaving. Also, ask witnesses for their contact info. Their statements can help support your case.
4. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up immediately but can cause problems later. A doctor’s exam creates a record linking your injuries to the collision, which can be helpful for your claim.
5. Talk to a skilled lawyer for car accident cases if you have serious injuries or damage to your belongings. They can guide you through the process and help you understand your options. If the crash wasn’t your fault, this guide explains why hiring a lawyer can protect your rights.

Can I Afford A Car Accident Attorney?

You might wonder if you can afford a car accident attorney. The good news is that many injury law firms offer fee structures that don’t require upfront payments.

Most car accident lawyers, including ours, work on a contingency basis. That means:

• You don’t pay unless your lawyer wins a settlement or court award for you.
• This arrangement helps if you don’t have funds to cover legal fees during your case.

In addition to attorney fees, there may be other costs involved, such as:

• Court filing fees.
• Expert witness charges.
• Costs for obtaining medical or crash records.

These expenses may be paid upfront or taken out of your settlement or award, even if you don’t win your case. Before you sign a deal, your lawyer will clearly explain all fees and costs. This way, you know what to expect from the start.

When Should I Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?

The moment you ask yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my case?” is the right time to hire one. It’s best to contact an attorney soon after your crash. They can explain your rights and help you pursue fair compensation.

Handling things alone can cost you more than you realize. What starts simple can get complicated, especially if injuries worsen or liability is unclear.

While hiring a lawyer who helps car accident victims doesn’t guarantee a significant settlement, they can:

• Gather photos, videos, and any surveillance footage of the crash and your injuries.
• Collect your medical records and bills to connect your injuries to the collision.
• Handle all paperwork and file your claim or lawsuit on time.
• Communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Hire accident reconstruction and medical experts if necessary.
• Take your case to court if the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement.

Fill out our “Do I have a case?” form to get started. Our team will assess your situation to determine if you have a valid claim.

Get Free Accident Lawyer Advice After A Car Accident

Car accidents happen unexpectedly and can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial stress. Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision, a sideswipe, or a T-bone crash, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options.

Our skilled lawyers for car accidents can guide you through every step of your claim. If you’re unsure what type of lawyer handles car accident cases, this blog article explains your options and how we can help. Every kind of accident presents unique challenges, but our team has the expertise to guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Our attorneys work hard to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Still have questions about your car accident or injury claim? Contact us at (888) 488-1391 if you need legal advice, or complete our online form. If visiting one of our California law offices isn’t convenient, we’ll meet you wherever you are — at your home, hospital, or any location across the state. We also offer phone and video consultations for your convenience.