Types of Auto Accidents

Types of Car Accidents in New Jersey

When an automobile accident occurs, there are a host of circumstances that determine the exact trajectory of the collision, whether it involves one vehicle, two vehicles, or multiple vehicles that suffer an impact. When one vehicle is involved in an accident, these occurrences can involve collisions with fixed objects such as utility poles or trees; living things including pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals; or changing road conditions such as potholes or debris. On the other hand, accidents involving two or more vehicles can occur as rear-end, side impact, or head-on collisions, all of which can significantly impact the type and extent of injuries sustained by the vehicle or vehicles’ occupants.

Understanding the circumstances associated with an automobile accident, including the location (highway, side-street, or parking lot), road and weather conditions, number of drivers, state of the drivers operating the vehicles involved (i.e. driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol), and driver behavior preceding the crash (reckless, careless, distracted driving, etc.), is extremely important when formulating a successful claim if you or someone you love has been injured. In order to confidently address all of the issues that arise in these difficult situations, it is critical to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

The lawyers at Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh have cultivated extensive knowledge and experience representing clients seeking just compensation for injuries sustained during motor vehicle accidents. These seasoned attorneys are readily available to evaluate your case free of charge, providing you with a comprehensive overview of your legal options. Call the offices of Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh today at 732-440-3950 or submit an online contact form to find the answers to your pressing questions.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Car Accidents What Should I Do if I was Injured
in a Car Accident in New Jersey?

Common Types of Auto Accidents in Monmouth County NJ

As indicated above, motor vehicle accidents are highly variable in terms of the number of drivers involved, the circumstances preceding the crash, and the specific type of collision. Narrowing these into a collection of categories allows for a better understanding of the common types of car accidents:

  • Rear-end collisions occur when one car crashes into a car positioned in front of it. These collisions can be caused by a sudden deceleration (i.e. slowing down or braking) by the front vehicle or a rapid acceleration by the vehicle traveling behind. In these instances, responsibility for the accident is generally placed with the driver of the vehicle who “rear-ends” the car in front of it, with common allegations including “driving too closely” or “tail-gating” as well as distracted driving that may involve text messaging, eating, or applying makeup. One exception in these cases occurs when the driver of the front vehicle mistakenly places his or her car in reverse.
  • Side impact collisions occur when the side of one or more vehicles is impacted. These collisions often occur on multi-lane roadways (highways), at intersections, or in parking lots. The following types of accidents are subsumed under the category of side-impact collisions:
    • Sideswipe collisions typically occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to one another touch or “swipe” each other. These accidents are divided into two distinct sub-types:
      • Same direction sideswipes: two cars traveling in the same direction that collide when one of the drivers makes an improper turn
      • Opposite direction sideswipes: two cars approaching from opposite directions that collide when one of the drivers crosses the center line or accidentally drives in the wrong direction on a divided highway
    • “Broadside,” “T-bone,” or Right Angle Collisions occur when the side of one vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle, or a fixed object, to form the self-explanatory “T” or right angle.
  • Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles approach from opposite directions and directly collide, with the point of impact at the front of both vehicles. Similar in nature to opposite direction sideswipes, these collisions often result when one of the drivers crosses the center line or accidentally drives in the wrong direction on a divided highway.
  • Single car accidents can occur in a variety of circumstances, when a vehicle collides with a fixed or non-fixed object, or a living thing. Fixed objects may include telephone or utility poles, trees, fire hydrants, walls, or street signs; non-fixed objects may include potholes or debris found on the road; and collisions with living things may involve pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. Many times, a single car accident will result in physical injury as well as property damage.
  • Multiple vehicle accidents generally applies to collisions involving three or more vehicles. These crashes, also known as “chain-reaction collisions” or “multi-vehicle pile-ups,” can result in some of the most devastating injuries for those involved.
  • Vehicle Rollovers occur when one vehicle flips over onto its side or its roof. Due to their top-heavy designs, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV’s) are typically more vulnerable to these types of accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at a high speed and/or the driver makes a sharp turn, a vehicle rollover is more likely to happen.

 

Types of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Ocean County NJ

The law firm of Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh unites experience with compassion, with attorneys who serve as passionate legal advocates for each of their clients. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey or if you are a New Jersey resident who was involved in a motor vehicle accident in another state, contact us online or call 732-440-3950 as soon as possible for a free consultation.