Learn More About Negligence.

Types of Car Accidents

Don Strickland Handles Car Accidents in Durham, NC

When operating a motor vehicle on a public road, drivers are compelled by law to give reasonable care so as to not endanger the health or property of anyone else who may be on the road with them. When this care is not given and a collision occurs, that driver may be subject to claims of negligence.

Learn the steps to take after a car accident by contacting us for a free consultation!

Most Common Types of Car Accidents

Multi- Vehicle Accidents

  • Multi-vehicle accidents usually begin with an initial two-vehicle collision, which then serves as an impetus for a secondary collision, sparking a chain reaction. This type of crash can occur in many situations and from a number of causes, though some are more common than others.
      • Rear-end collisions: Sometimes drivers fail to stop, rear-ending the vehicle in front. This can set off a chain reaction, involving several other vehicles. In fact, following too closely accounts for nearly 13% of all collisions, placing it in the top 3 contributing human factors in traffic collisions.
      • Intersection collisions: If a driver fails to yield the right of way at an intersection, or speeds up to make it through a traffic light, it can cause a multi-vehicle accident. Failure to yield the right of way also ranks among the top 3 human error contributors for traffic collisions.
      • Lane-departure collisions: If a driver fails to keep his or her vehicle in the proper lane, or drifts over into the center line, facing oncoming traffic, this can cause devastating multi-vehicle traffic collisions.

Drunk Driving Accidents

  • Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the most common way the state determines whether a driver of a vehicle is legally impaired. The limit for drivers 21 years or older is 0.08%, 0.04% for individuals holding a commercial driver’s license, and 0.04% for drivers who have a prior DWI or DUI on their record.

Texting and Driving Accidents

  • Texting and driving is considered one of the most hazardous distracted driving behaviors. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cellphones are involved in approximately 1.6 million motor vehicle collisions annually, resulting in 6,000 fatalities and half a million injuries.

Uninsured Motorist Accidents

  • Many people wonder whether they will be able to make an uninsured motorist claim after they have been the victim of a hit and run; the answer is dependent on a number of factors. To make a successful claim under this coverage, you must immediately report your injuries and damages to your insurance company, as well as to the authorities.
  • Also, the vehicle must have made actual physical contact with yours, otherwise you will not be able to make an uninsured motorist claim. Since many drivers carry only the minimum coverage they are required to, as well as refrain from obtaining insurance altogether, uninsured motorist coverage is a vital part of protecting yourself.

Injured in an auto accident? Call Don Strickland at (919) 828-4357.

What could be considered negligence behind the wheel?

If you have recently been in a car accident, truck accident, or another motor vehicle accident, and believe it may be the result of negligent actions on the part of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including medical treatment, full repair or replacement of your vehicle, rehabilitation, and more. Don Strickland can help you with your claim and get you the award you deserve.

Traffic laws place the responsibility of maintaining safety on the road in the hands of those of us behind the wheel. Failing to meet these responsibilities can constitute negligence and, unfortunately, giving these duties our full, undivided attention can be difficult for some drivers.

Negligence while driving can include:

  • EExcessive speeding or reckless driving
  • ELosing control of the vehicle
  • ENot maintaining proper following distance (tailgating)
  • ENot properly maintaining your car (i.e. failing to replace things like tires or brakes when worn)
  • ETexting
  • EFatigue
  • EBeing distracted

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, and you believe these or any other factors of negligence could have been at play, you need an experienced Durham lawyer on your side. Don Strickland’s work has garnered AV® Ratings by Martindale-Hubbell® and inclusion in the North Carolina Super Lawyers list. With over 35 years of legal practice experience, he knows what it takes to aggressively fight for what his clients deserve.

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