Car accidents come in various forms, each with unique circumstances that can affect the dynamics of a legal claim. At Foster Wallace, LLC, our expertise spans the full spectrum of accident types, equipping us to handle each case with the nuanced approach it deserves. Here is a look at common types of car accidents and how they influence the claims process.
Different Types of Car Accidents
Rear-End Collisions
Often caused by tailgating or sudden stops, rear-end collisions can seem straightforward, but determining the extent of injuries like whiplash can complicate claims. These accidents typically result in the rear driver being held liable, but nuances in each case can affect the outcome.
T-Bone Accidents
These side-impact collisions typically occur at intersections and can result in serious injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles. Determining right of way and traffic signal status often play critical roles in these claims. It’s important to gather evidence and talk to witnesses quickly in these cases as typically someone disputes the right-of-way at intersections and who had the green light.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most dangerous, head-on collisions often lead to severe or fatal injuries. Liability may be clear if one driver was going the wrong way, but factors such as road conditions or signage could also be relevant.
Hit and Run Accidents
These accidents add a layer of difficulty as the responsible party may not be immediately known. Claims may involve uninsured motorist coverage and require a thorough investigation to identify the fleeing driver.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Involving three or more vehicles, pile-ups create complex scenarios where multiple parties may share liability. These cases require a detailed accident reconstruction to determine the sequence of events.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
While a single vehicle may be involved, external factors like road hazards or vehicle defects can lead to claims against entities other than the driver, such as government bodies or manufacturers.
How Accident Types Affect Claims
Determining Fault: The type of accident can signal certain presumptions about fault, but each case must be individually assessed to determine actual liability.
Injury Severity: The nature of the collision can indicate potential injuries — for example, head-on collisions often result in more traumatic injuries, which can increase the value of a claim.
Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies will consider the accident type when evaluating a claim. Specialized personal injury lawyers are adept at arguing why certain accident types warrant higher compensation. It is always important to have pictures of the motor vehicles after the wreck to show an insurance company how bad the damage was.
Legal Strategy
Different accidents require tailored legal strategies. For instance, multi-vehicle pile-ups might necessitate suing multiple parties.
Our Approach at Foster Wallace
At Foster Wallace, LLC, our personal injury attorneys begin with a comprehensive investigation to uncover all factors that contributed to the accident. We review police reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Our goal is to build a robust case that accurately reflects the full scope of your losses and injuries.
