4 of the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Wisconsin

Wherever there are drivers, there are certain to be car accidents. As we head into the busy summer season in Wisconsin, we want to take a look at four of the most common types of car accidents and tips on how to best protect yourself against an accident.

Common Car Accidents

• Rear-End Collisions. These are the most common type of car accidents across the nation. The NHTSA estimates that rear-end crashes make up 29% of all car accidents. They frequently happen as a result of tailgating but can also be caused by driver distraction. By following too closely, drivers do not have enough time to stop if traffic slows or stops suddenly and a collision occurs.

Prevention tips: Always maintain a safe distance between your car and other vehicles in front of you. Do not allow yourself to be distracted when driving; put away devices and pay attention to the road, traffic, and weather conditions. If you are being tailgated, try to move out of the other driver’s way by changing lanes or pulling over to let them pass.

• Side-Impact Crashes. These types of collisions are particularly dangerous and accounted for 23% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2019, according to the IIHS. T-bone accidents are an example of a side-impact crash and typically happen at intersections when a vehicle runs a red light and hits a car traveling through the intersection. These collisions are so deadly because there is less area on the sides of vehicles to absorb the impact of the crash before it reaches passengers.

Prevention tips: Avoid side-impact crashes by always looking both ways when approaching an intersection – even if you have the right of way. Do not run red lights or try to beat the yellow.

• Crashes While Merging. Sideswipes can occur when two cars are merging on a ramp or when lanes are reduced. They typically happen due to a failure of one or both drivers to check their blind spots.  

Prevention tips: Always check for blind spots when merging, even if your car has blind-spot monitoring. Avoid speeding or trying to get ahead of other vehicles when merging.

• Head-On Crashes. Head-on crashes are the deadliest type of car accident because they often occur at high speeds. This impacts the ability of the vehicle’s safety systems such as seatbelts and airbags to function well enough to bear the brunt of the impact and protect passengers from injury. These types of accidents can occur with other cars, animals, or stationary structures and are often the result of impaired driving or wrong-way driving.

Prevention tips: Obey posted speed limits and signs. Do not drink and drive or use drugs before driving, including prescription drugs that may affect your ability to drive. Pay attention to your surroundings and other drivers and try and prevent these accidents from occurring.

Are You Due Damages From a Wisconsin Car Accident? The Attorneys at Eisenberg Law Can Help You

There are many avenues to pursue if you have been injured in a car accident in Wisconsin. The auto accident attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices can help you explore all of your legal options to receive compensation for your injuries and subsequent recovery.

Arrange a free consultation with our Wisconsin car accident attorneys by calling 608-256-8356 or emailing info@eisenberglaw.org.