Can you think of something dangerous that you likely did at least twice today? As a Milwaukee car accident law firm, we know that the answer is driving. In the state of Wisconsin, there were almost 120,000 car accidents in 2014, and almost 30,000 of those resulted in injuries. In Milwaukee county, 82 people died as a result of car accidents in 2015. The top crash sites in Milwaukee include the areas around Bayshore, Mayfair and Southridge Mall, plus Miller and State Fair Parks.
We all do our best to avoid accidents, particularly ones that could cause injury to ourselves or others. We wear seatbelts, keep our children’s car seats up-to-date, and try to avoid distractions while driving. Unfortunately, that is not always enough – there is still a chance that you may be injured in a car accident.
At Murphy & Practhauser, we want to make sure you are informed and understand the different types of car accidents and what they may look like. This can help you to accurately describe a collision, should you ever witness or be involved in one. Knowing this terminology can also help you know what you need to document, and to help you evaluate your insurance coverage to determine if you have the coverage you need.
Defining Car Accident Incidents
To most of us, an accident is just an accident. Insurance companies and police have different definitions for different types of incidents. Here’s how to understand what each common collision types mean:
- Vehicle and vehicle collisions involve two moving vehicles.
- Fixed object collisions involve a car and something that is fixed or attached to the ground. Signs, light posts, trees and traffic barriers are items that are often hit in fixed object collisions.
- Stationary object collisions include two cars, but only one of them moving. This is what it is called when someone hits a parked car or other unoccupied vehicle.
Common Types Of Car Accidents
Beyond the types of collisions, there are also several common types of car accidents. Knowing the difference will help you clearly communicate what you saw or experienced to the police or a Milwaukee car accident attorney.
- Rear end collisions, or getting “rear-ended” and side impact collisions (also called getting “T-boned” due to the T shape that the two cars make) are two of the most common types of vehicle and vehicle collision.
- Head on collisions usually occur when a vehicle moves into the path of an oncoming vehicle. These crashes are dangerous and damaging due the higher speeds at which they typically occur.
- Vehicle and object collisions happen when a car collides with a fixed or stationary object, including another car that is parked.
- Pedestrian collisions are less common, but more dangerous than the other types of car accidents. They represent a small portion of total accidents, but a large portion of injuries and fatalities.
How To Be Prepared To Handle The Unexpected
If you are involved in a car accident, safety is the most important consideration. don’t delay seeking medical attention for yourself or others. Always call the police and file a report, unless you are certain that the damage to any personal property is less than $1000, and the damage to any government property is less than $200.
An accident is always unexpected and often unsettling. It may be easy to forget what you should and should not do at that urgent time. To be prepared, download our free, easy to follow Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accident Checklist designed specifically for your vehicle glove box. Use this checklist to help you should you be involved in, or witness, a motor vehicle accident. From the information you need to exchange, to the photos you should take; you’ll be prepared with the information you may need.
At Murphy & Prachthauser we practice personal injury law the way it should be practiced – motivated and equipped to do our best for you. We take pride in being good lawyers who help people.
If you have a case you would like to speak to a lawyer about, please contact us to schedule a free case evaluation and get an experienced team of auto accident lawyers in Milwaukee working on your behalf.