What Different Types of Accidents Can Be Caused By Increased Traffic?

It seems like traffic is always on the rise, especially in the state of California. Even outside of rush hour, there’s been a steady increase of cars on the road in the last few years. With the increased adoption of rideshare services and an ever-growing demand for commercial trucks to deliver goods and products, there are likely double the amount of cars on the road today than just a few years ago.

The more cars there are on the road, the higher the likelihood that someone will suffer an accident. Unfortunately, car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents do happen every day. But by educating yourself and learning about the different types of dangers on the road, you can drive with caution and mitigate the risk of suffering any kind of accident. Discover the different types of accidents caused by increased traffic and, in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one suffer any kind of accident, contact a Riverside personal injury attorney to ensure you’re represented in court.

Rear End Accidents

In “bumper-to-bumper” traffic, cars are typically moving slowly. This causes most drivers to let their guard down, as it can often become boring to sit still in traffic and only move an inch or so every few minutes. Surprisingly, this type of traffic can cause some of the most dangerous accidents possible. When cars are moving slow, drivers’ minds tend to wander and often drivers will reach for their phone, eat a snack, or find another way to distract themselves. According to Federal law, no driver shall engage in texting while driving and no motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while driving. In these situations, rear-end accidents often happen.

A rear-end collision is a commonly occurring accident in which the front bumper of one vehicle strikes the bumper of the car in front of them. Sometimes these accidents are minor fender benders, but the impact of this type of collision can actually cause a lot of damage. When a car strikes another from the back, the force from behind can cause the driver to suddenly jerk forward, which can lead to whiplash, a concussion, or even blunt force contact with the steering wheel. Most rear-end accidents happen during bumper-to-bumper traffic jams, so it’s especially important to stay alert and not to reach for any distractions.

Running Red Lights And Stop Signs

It’s no secret that when traffic increases, it’s hard to get from point A to point B on time. When traffic is heavy on the way to work or even on the way home after a long work day, drivers tend to operate their cars, trucks and motorcycles a bit more recklessly.

Increased traffic causes drivers to often run red lights and stop signs, as they are looking for any reason to cut their driving time shorter in order to get where they’re going faster. When you’re running late for work and there are too many cars on the road, getting stuck at a red light makes your commute all that more annoying. Be wary of reckless drivers when traffic is heavy, as many people will feel the need to rush and therefore will run stop signs and red lights in order to get to their destination quicker.

T-Bones, Sideswipes, And Head-On Collisions

With traffic on the rise, the likelihood of collisions increases as well. It’s an unfortunate but undeniable side effect of increased passengers on the road. The more cars driving near you, the higher the likelihood that an accident might occur.

T-bone accidents happen when one car strikes another head on from the side, hitting them in the shape of the letter T. This type of accident happens often at intersections when one vehicle fails to wait at a red light, or rushed through a yellow light in order to keep moving. These types of accidents are rather dangerous – especially for the passenger of the vehicle that’s been struck.

Sideswipes occur most when cars are switching lanes. When one car wants to move into the lane next to it, drivers will often swipe the side of another vehicle accidentally. While a sideswipe seems like it would only cause cosmetic damage to the vehicle, the force of the impact can actually throw your car off track, causing serious damage.

Head-on collisions are some of the most horrifying accidents. They happen when one car strikes another head-on, often causing both cars irreversible damage and injuring all passengers involved.

Traffic is ever-increasing, and likely will not be decreasing any time soon. With the adoption of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, individuals without cars who don’t drive are now on the road. There are thousands of rideshare vehicles in the state of California, in addition to traditional passenger vehicles like cars and motorcycles. In a state as populated as California, there are hundreds of commercial trucks delivering goods and products to each city and town.

It’s crucial to be aware of the risks of driving in traffic and, if possible, try your best to avoid driving during heavy traffic times and always use precaution on the road. Never reach for your cellphone while driving and avoid distractions at all costs – your life could depend on it.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been In A Car Accident In California?

Unfortunately, thousands of Californians will suffer a car accident, motorcycle accident or truck accident. It’s important to use as much caution as possible when driving on the road, especially in traffic. Remember the most common types of collisions and accidents and always be aware of your surroundings to stay on top of any potential danger.

Accidents cause life-threatening injuries. A personal injury attorney in Riverside, CA can resolve these issues for you by fighting to get you the compensation you need to support yourself and your family and make up for any lost wages you have incurred.

In the unfortunate event you do suffer a car, truck or motorcycle accident, contact the Accident Network Law Group. Our attorneys have successfully handled a broad range of serious injury and wrongful death cases arising from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, pedestrian accidents, premise liability or slip-n-fall incidents, product liability and other injury cases.