Car Accidents in Riverdale Park

There is no question that car accidents tend to be extremely stressful and dangerous events. Whether the accident is a minor fender bender or a devastating head-on collision, car accidents often happen when you least expect it. While it is easy to become upset and let your emotions take over, the best thing to do is remain calm and wait for help to arrive. The more you know about car accidents and the appropriate steps to take after a crash, the better you will be able to ensure that your rights are protected and that you recover the damages you deserve.

Most Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident can occur anywhere from a busy highway to a crowded parking lot. In most cases, the faster the vehicle is moving, the more severe the accident is likely to be. However, even minor accidents can cause injuries like whiplash. The following are the most common types of car accidents:

  • Rear-End Collisions: These occur when the front of one vehicle hits the rear of another car. Usually this occurs when the driver is not paying attention, is distracted, tailgating, or the car in front suddenly stops.
  • Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as broadside or T-bone collisions, these occur when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. In most cases, these accidents occur at intersections or red lights.
  • Single Vehicle Accidents: When a driver loses control of the vehicle, either by poor road conditions, animals crossing the road, or fallen debris, it can result in an accident. No other motorists are involved.
  • Vehicle Rollovers: These tend to involve significant property damage and severe injuries. When a vehicle approaches a turn too fast, it can flip over. SUVs are more prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that close to 85 percent of rollover-related fatalities are caused by single-vehicle crashes.
  • Head-On Collisions: This occurs when the front of two vehicles crash into each other while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents tend to be particularly devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

The type and severity of a car accident injury usually depends on the type of car accident, and how fast the vehicles were traveling. The following are examples of common car accident injuries:

  • Soft Tissue Injuries: These are injuries to the victim’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is one of the most common types of soft tissue injuries.
  • Cuts and Scrapes: These tend to be less serious in nature, but a deep cut can cause significant blood loss if it is not treated.
  • Head Injuries: There are a range of head injuries that car accidents can cause, ranging from cuts and bruising to concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Chest Injuries: The impact of an accident can cause bruising, broken ribs, and internal injuries.
  • Arm and Leg Injuries: The arms and legs are often the first part of the body that hits the door or dashboard. Injuries include scrapes, cuts, and broken bones.

Simple Steps to Keep in Mind After a Car Accident

Knowing what to do after a car accident can make the situation far less stressful. Stay calm and remember the following tips:

  • Check to see if you and the other passengers in your vehicle have been injured.
  • Move the vehicle to a safe spot. If the vehicle cannot be moved, get to a safe spot as quickly as possible.
  • Call 911 and wait for help. Never leave the scene of an accident before police arrive.
  • Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved.
  • Document the accident by taking pictures of the location of the crash, the other vehicles involved, skid marks on the road, and any debris on the street.
  • Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Riverdale Park Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Car Accident Victims

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Riverdale Park car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We will protect your legal rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for any injuries you have sustained. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.