Factors such as the force of impact, the angle of impact, and the type of vehicle can affect the outcome of your accident. Additionally, the type of accident can directly affect the outcome. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of accidents and what they can mean for you:

1. Rear-End Collisions

This type of accident involves one car hitting a vehicle directly in front of it. Sometimes, it occurs when one vehicle is driving too close to another. However, it also can happen when the first vehicle suddenly stops and the vehicle behind it can’t decelerate in time.

Distracted driving or slowed reflexes from driving under the influence could be the reason for this accident. In fact, one study looked at the result of cell phone use and rear-end collisions. The study showed that a ban on cell phones reduced the number of accidents.

These collisions can come with serious injuries. But usually, those injuries are to the vehicle that takes the impact. For instance, the driver of the car in front could get whiplash from the collision. The force of moving from a dead stop to a higher speed often causes neck injuries. Whether the collision is at a low or high speed, an injury is possible.

In these collisions, the car that hits the other vehicle is often liable for the accident. There is an exception, however. When one vehicle is in reverse and is rear-ended, the front vehicle is likely to be the responsible party.

If someone rear-ends you, then you may have a strong case for compensation. You could be able to file an insurance claim or a personal injury claim against the other driver.

2. Side Impacts

At times, this type of collision is known as a T-bone accident. It happens when one vehicle is hit on the side by another vehicle or object. Usually, the vehicles are in the shape of a “T” at the point of impact.

Unfortunately, these accidents tend to have severe consequences. If the impact occurs on the driver’s side of the vehicle, they are likely to have serious injuries. Meanwhile, an impact on the passenger’s side puts the passengers at risk. In either case, the damage to the vehicle could be significant.

These accidents often occur at intersections. If one driver goes through a red light and another is turning through their lane, a side impact can happen. The severity of the injuries depends on the vehicle’s safety features, the speed at the time of impact, and the weight of the vehicles.

3. Sideswipe Accidents

When two cars are driving parallel to one another, they need to stay in their lanes to remain safe. However, that doesn’t always happen. If one vehicle leaves their lane, they could sideswipe the other. This results in an accident.

Most commonly, sideswipes occur when one driver fails to check the adjacent lane before moving lanes. But it also happens when there are road hazards, or when one driver is impaired and can’t maintain control of their vehicle.

It is possible for there to be minimal damage in a sideswipe collision. However, if one or both drivers lose control, the damage can be serious.

4. Rollover Accidents

These collisions happen when one vehicle turns over and lands on its side or its roof. In most rollover accidents, the driver takes a turn too quickly and flips over. Although any vehicle could be in this type of accident, SUVs and trucks are more likely to be the victims. They have high centers of gravity, which makes them more at risk of rolling over.

In 2010, over 7,600 people died in rollover accidents. Fatalities are most common when the driver or passengers don’t wear their seatbelts.

5. Head-On Accidents

Much like rear-end collisions, head-on accidents are frequently associated with fatalities. When this type of accident happens, the front end of one vehicle hits the front end of another. If this type of accident occurs at high speeds, the force of the impact can be devastating.

Although there are multiple causes of head-on collisions, a common cause is drunk driving. Drunk drivers have impaired vision, reflexes, and decision-making skills. They could swerve out of their lane and into an oncoming car.

6. Single Vehicle Accident

It doesn’t always take two to tango. At times, accidents only involve one vehicle. This happens when one vehicle hits an object or a person.

If there is a hazard on a road and you swerve to avoid it, you could hit a sign, tree, or fire hydrant. There could be another party responsible for the incident, such as a negligent road crew or a government entity that failed to repair a road hazard.