The Main Car Accident Types in Riverside, CA

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 12,257 victims were killed or injured in auto accidents in Riverside County, CA in 2020.

Every time you get behind the wheel, it’s important to understand the local traffic laws and practice driver safety. Yet, even the most vigilant motorists can still be involved in an accident.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the different car accident types that can occur in and around Riverside, and how to stay as safe as possible on the road.

Rear-End Accidents

In California, more than one-third (35.1%) of all speeding-related fatal and severe injury accidents are caused by rear-end collisions.

While these types of accidents can happen on any road, they are especially common on busy interstates, including I-10, I-15, and I-215 that run through Riverside County.

As busy drivers commute through the area, they may fail to follow safe driving practices. For instance, they might become distracted, follow too closely, or engage in road rage. When this happens, a rear-end accident can occur.

One of the most common types of collisions, rear-end accidents happen when the front bumper of one vehicle impacts the rear side of the vehicle directly in front of it. They are especially dangerous because the driver in front is usually caught off-guard by the impact and does not have time to brace for it or move out of the way.

Though they can lead to significant injuries and property damages, rear-end accidents are often avoidable. Most of the time, they occur because the rear driver isn’t paying attention.

If you’ve suffered damages from a rear-end accident, contact a car accident attorney. They can help you determine fault and prove driver negligence, as well as determine if you qualify for compensation to cover your losses.

Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions

Some of the most common rear-end collision injuries that drivers and passengers sustain include:

Back injuries
Head injuries
Neck injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Muscle sprains
Tissue damage
Broken bones

The most common type of injury associated with a rear-end collision is whiplash. This occurs when a driver’s head is forced to move forward and backward in a quick, unnatural sequence. This is a soft-tissue injury that can damage the tissue in the victim’s neck, though the symptoms may not appear for a few days.

Head-On Collisions

According to this report, 26% of all auto accidents in California are the result of a roadway departure or head-on collision.

Occurring most often on rural roads and non-state highways, two of the most common causes of head-on collisions are driver impairment and improper turning.

Also called frontal collisions, these accidents occur when two vehicles driving in opposite directions collide with one another. They can also occur when a vehicle strikes a stationary object, such as a tree or light pole.

Common Injuries from Head-On Collisions

Head-on collision injuries are among the most severe. This is because both cars are typically traveling at normal speed right until the moment of impact, and the force is substantial. Some of the most commonly reported injuries include:

Broken and fractured bones
Neck and back injuries
Internal organ damage
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions are also called T-bone collisions. These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, creating the shape of a “T” at the point of impact.

There are many scenarios in which these accidents can happen. Often, the at-fault driver performs one of the following actions:

Fails to yield the right-of-way
Runs a red light
Misses or ignores a stop sight
Gets distracted while approaching an intersection

Side-impact collisions can lead to significant property damages, as well as driver and passenger injuries.

Common Injuries from Side-Impact Collisions

With this type of accident, both drivers face risks. However, the driver of the vehicle hit on the side usually sustains the most significant injuries. These can include:

Internal organ damage
Broken bones
Neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Brain trauma

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle rolls or tips onto its side or its roof. It may roll just once or multiple times before coming to a stop. While they can happen in any vehicle, these accidents are most common in top-heavy vehicles including SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks.

While the impact from an accident such as a T-bone collision or an off-center head-on collision can cause a vehicle to roll, there are other possible causes as well. These include:

Tripping: When a vehicle’s tires hit something that shifts the weight to one side, such as a curb or ditch
Speeding: When a driver takes a curve or turn too fast, causing the tires to lose grip on the road
Adverse weather: When the roads are slippery due to rain, ice, or snow, and drivers lose control of their vehicles, skidding off the road and rolling

Common Injuries from Rollover Accidents

In a rollover crash, the momentum of the impact can cause drivers and passengers to become ejected from the vehicle, which can lead to very serious injuries. These can include:

Broken or crushed bones
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries

These types of injuries often require long-term care and medical attention. A lawyer can help you file a car accident claim to recoup some of those associated expenses.

Sideswipe Accidents

As the name implies, sideswipe accidents occur when the side of one vehicle impacts the side of another. While they can occur between two vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, they’re more common in drivers traveling the same way on a highway or interstate.

While the actual impact itself might not be major, it’s what happens next that can lead to significant damages. Even the slightest tap from another vehicle can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. This can cause them to run off the road or enter into the other lane of traffic.

Some of the main factors that contribute to a sideswipe accident include:

Changing lanes on a multi-lane highway
Lose control due to inclement weather
Trying to pass another vehicle and pulling back too soon
Getting distracted and drifting into the other lane
Falling asleep and drifting into the other lane
Driving while impaired and misjudging the space between your vehicle and the one beside you

Common Injuries from Sideswipe Accidents

Sometimes, a sideswipe accident will only result in property damage. However, injuries can occur, especially when the vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Common ones include:

Head injuries
Broken bones
Joint damages
Nerve and tissue damage

Hire an Attorney For All Car Accident Types

As you can see, there are many different car accident types that can occur in Riverside County, CA. Even if you do everything right, you could still find yourself the victim of someone else’s negligence.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, reach out to our car accident lawyer today.

Sycamore Accident Lawyers has built a strong reputation as one of the most skilled, knowledgeable, and successful legal firms in the Inland Empire, and we can help you get the most out of your car accident claim.