It’s no longer unusual to see a vehicle accident nowadays. Automobile collisions have become a common occurrence. These unfortunate incidents range from minor mishaps like fender benders to catastrophic crashes that claim thousands of lives every year. Here are some basic information about vehicle accidents that we think you should know:
Vehicle Accident Causes
A vehicle accident may occur from a wide variety of factors. Among the causes of collisions, the most common is driver error which includes distracted driving, DUI, and reckless driving. Sometimes, it may be due to vehicle malfunction, like if there is a defect in the engine or in its braking system. In some instances, bad weather and poor road conditions may also cause a vehicle accident.
Common Types of Vehicle Accidents
There are many types of vehicle accidents. These include rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, side-impact collisions (otherwise known as T-bone collisions at intersections), and rollovers.
What to Do if You Were Involved in a Vehicle Accident
First and foremost, do not attempt to run away from the crash scene. Stay calm and focus on your surroundings. Check if you have any injuries. If you are able to do so, try to make sure that everyone is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Call the police, exchange information with the other driver, and take pictures of the scene and any damage.
Reporting the Vehicle Accident
In most cases, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company and the DMV. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may also need to file a police report. Reporting the incident to the authorities may help you obtain evidence that may prove liability in case you need to seek compensation.
Seeking Compensation
If you were injured in a vehicle accident that is not your fault, then you have the right to demand compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. Such an amount should include your medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering. You may need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover these damages.
Remember that it is important to drive safely at all times and follow the rules of the road to help prevent vehicle accidents.
How Common Vehicle Accidents are in Arizona
According to recent data published by the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were a total of 121,345 vehicle crashes in 2021. An unfortunate increase it seems, as the numbers rose 22.45% higher than the previous year. Of those crashes, 1,180 were fatal and 51,633 resulted in injuries.
The majority of the crashes which occurred in urban areas comprised of 86.33% of all reported accidents. As mentioned earlier, the leading cause of crashes was driver error, most of which were alcohol-related. 69.77% of those alcohol-related crashes led to fatalities. The most common types of crashes were rear-ending collisions and angle crashes. Note, however, that these statistics only reflect reported crashes, and the actual number of crashes may indeed be higher.