The 6 Most Common Car Accidents

Car accidents are happening more and more frequently across the country. In fact, between 2015 and 2016, there was a 20 percent spike in the number of accidents on Los Angeles roads, alone. While every accident will be different, statistics show that certain types of car accidents happen more often than others.

Here are the 6 most common car accidents in Los Angeles. Understanding how and why these accidents happen can help you to stay safe.

Single Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents don’t have to involve more than one vehicle. In fact, 57 percent of accidents in California only involve a single vehicle. Single vehicle car accidents are most likely to occur when drivers are:

• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Fatigued
• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Distracted by passengers
• Speeding
• Driving recklessly, or
• Driving in bad weather conditions.

Teens tend to be involved in more single vehicle accidents than other drivers. Why? Most teens are still getting the hang of driving on their own. Since they’re relatively new driving, most do not have the experience that is necessary to drive safely in all road and weather conditions.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end car accidents, which happen when one vehicle hits the back of another, are incredibly common. In fact, there are approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions every year. Most rear-end accidents happen because drivers:

• Tailgate and follow too closely
• Are distracted behind the wheel, and
• Engage in reckless driving practices.

Many rear-end collisions actually happen at or near intersections. The best way to avoid a rear-end car accident is to maintain a safe following distance, obey the speed limit, and refrain from distracted driving practices. You’re more likely to be in a rear-end collision if you’re not paying attention to the cars around you.

Low-Speed Accidents

Accidents don’t always have to happen at high speeds. While high-speed accidents tend to be more fatal, low-speed accidents happen more frequently. Many low-speed accidents happen in:

• Traffic jams
• Parking lots
• Construction zones
• Residential areas, and
• Parking garages.

While low-speed accidents may not put vehicle passengers in harm’s way, they can be dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians. It’s important to always pay attention when you’re behind the wheel, even if you’re only driving at a speed of 5 or 10 MPH.

Intersection T-Bone Accidents

Did you know that 40 percent of all car accidents occur at or near an intersection? Intersections can be incredibly dangerous. Vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians must all navigate the crossing of two roads; often at the same time. T-Bone accidents are a type of side-impact crash. These occur when two vehicles traveling in different directions collide. They happen most frequently when drivers:

• Attempt to make an unsafe left-hand turn
• Speed through a stop sign or red light, or
• Try to “beat” a yellow light at an intersection.

The best way to avoid a T-Bone accident is to be cautious behind the wheel. Drive defensively and don’t assume that other drivers have your safety in mind.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes occur when the front end of two cars traveling in opposite directions collide. While head-on collisions do not happen as frequently as other types of car accidents, they do tend to be some of the most devastating. Head-on collisions occur when drivers:

• Are intoxicated
• Fail to maintain their own lane
• Attempt to navigate sharp curves at high speeds
• Speed in bad weather conditions
• Fail to see important road signs, and
• Drive the wrong way down a one-way road.

The best way to avoid a head-on crash is to pay attention behind the wheel. Don’t speed and make sure to obey all traffic signs and signals.

Lane Departure Accidents

Many accidents in Los Angeles happen when drivers attempt to change lanes or merge. These accidents happen most frequently when drivers:

• Aren’t paying attention to other vehicles on the road, or
• Fail to yield properly.

The best way to avoid lane departure accidents is to remain alert behind the wheel. Check your mirrors and turn to check neighboring lanes before making a move.

Need advice? Want to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer? Contact Citywide Law Group to schedule a free consultation today.

For more information, call our law firm at (424) 248-2700 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.