Vehicle accidents come in different types, with their own implications regarding liability and severity, just as the different drivers can impact accidents.
Some car accidents increase the likelihood of serious injury, even death. And some drivers may be more prone to accidents. In both cases, a legal claim filed after the accident may include assumptions based on the driver and accident types. It is important to consult with a car accident attorney in Michigan after an accident to discuss how these factors will influence your case.
Driver Types
All drivers risk being involved in an accident each time they take to the road. But the youngest and oldest drivers are at a greater risk for accidents. Teen drivers risk causing accidents because of their lack of experience, propensity to become distracted, and a general lack of awareness about their driving habits. Elderly drivers risk causing crashes because of their decreased awareness, reduced reaction time, and physical limitations like diminished eyesight.
While the ages of young and old drivers may encourage sympathy among accident victims, it is important to protect your rights as a victim to recover the compensation deserved.
Other types of drivers also run a greater risk of being involved in accidents or impact claims filed after accidents:
- Uninsured/Underinsured drivers: When an at-fault driver does not have insurance or adequate coverage, the victim may need to file a claim with their own insurance company to recover damages.
- Hit-and-Run drivers: Drivers who cause an accident and leave the scene face criminal charges, but victims may be limited in how they can file claims against them. If the at-fault driver’s identity is not known, the victim may have to file a claim with their own insurance.
- Work drivers: Victims injured in car accidents caused by drivers who are in work vehicles may be able to pursue claims against the employer. Consult with a lawyer about how to pursue such claims, and to determine the availability and amount of coverage based on what the at-fault worker was doing at the time in the vehicle.
Accident Types
Different vehicle accident types can influence the degree of injuries likely from the crash and even who is considered responsible for the incident.
- Head-on: These accidents occur when a vehicle veers out of its lane into oncoming traffic or is traveling the wrong way down a road. These accidents run the greatest risk for the worst injuries, including death. Fault often is relatively easy to determine by the vehicle that crossed out of their lane or traveled in the wrong direction.
- Rear-end: These accidents are more common, but often less serious. That’s because they typically occur at slower speeds. The driver in the rear often is assumed to be liable because they traveled too closely to the vehicle in front of it.
- Side-impact: These accidents often lead to serious injury because of fewer structural protections built into the sides. The driver that failed to yield in the intersection is responsible.
