Common Types of Car Accidents in Ontario, CA

With a constant flux of cars, freight trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, auto accidents are unfortunately a common sight in Ontario and the rest of San Bernardino County. Ontario is also home to three of Southern California’s busiest freeways: Interstate 10, Interstate 15, and State Route 60.

If you were injured in a car accident in Ontario, CA, speak to an experienced car accident attorney. Our skilled legal team can assist you in recovering compensation for your medical expenses and more in an insurance claim.

Types of Auto Accidents 

While no two collisions are exactly the same, certain similarities exist that explain why and how accidents happen. Knowing common causes and types of car accidents can help you prevent an accident. 

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in California. Drivers who are distracted or following too closely to the car ahead of them frequently cause rear-end accidents. 

While the rear driver is usually at fault, there are instances where the vehicle in front may hold some responsibility, such as if they stop abruptly in a traffic lane. Even in low-speed accidents, victims of rear-end accidents may still develop injuries like neck and back pain. 

Head-On Collisions

These car accidents are some of the most dangerous on the road. Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front to front. They can happen if roads do not have clear markings distinguishing  the two lanes of traffic. 

As a result, a driver may unintentionally drift into the opposite lane and crash with another car. The greater the speed of the vehicles, the higher likelihood of fatalities. 

Side-Impact Collisions

Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact accidents happen when one vehicle strikes another vehicle at a perpendicular angle. This forms the “T” shape when they collide. A side-impact impact collision is commonly seen when drivers run red lights or stop signs. Side-impact accidents are especially dangerous for the driver and passengers of the vehicle that is struck. Cars do not have as good protection on the sides as they do in the front or rear. This type of collision can lead to severe or catastrophic injuries. 

Sideswipe Accidents

Different from side-impact collisions, sideswipe accidents are when the sides of two vehicles make an impact. These accidents more commonly happen when the vehicles are traveling in the same direction, but they can also happen when they are traveling in opposite directions. 

These car accidents can be caused by distracted or drowsy driving, impaired driving, when drivers fail to check their blind spots, drivers merging at the same time, or slippery/icy roads. 

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle crashes can happen due to distracted driving, avoiding an animal on the road, road debris, or swerving to avoid a collision with another vehicle. A vehicle may then hit a telephone pole, road barrier, or another obstacle. Single-vehicle crashes can be particularly dangerous and deadly if the vehicle is traveling at a high speed. 

In cases where road debris, construction zones, or other reckless drivers cause the accident, the injured vehicle driver may be able to sue for damages. 

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving multiple vehicles (more than two) consistently rank among the most serious car accidents. These accidents typically occur on high-capacity roads and freeways, like the I-10 or I-15. Generally caused by distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and impaired driving, a multi-vehicle accident can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. 

A rear-end collision may also cause a chain-reaction leading to a multi-vehicle pileup with three or more vehicles. Semi-trucks and other large trucks involved in these accidents also tend to cause more serious collisions. 

Rollover Accidents 

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle flips over on its side or roof in a crash. Depending on the impact of the crash, the vehicle may flip over once or multiple times. Rollover accidents can happen with multiple vehicles, but are more frequently seen in single-vehicle accidents. 

The most common causes of rollover accidents are speeding, inclement weather, and hitting an obstacle like a curb or pothole. Large trucks and SUVs are more prone to vehicle rollover because they have a higher center of gravity. 

Intersection Accidents

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 50% of injury and fatal crashes occur at or near intersections.  About 46% of intersection accidents happen because a driver fails to notice a stop sign or traffic light. Other causes include distracted driving, failing to yield the right-of-way, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and impaired driving from alcohol and/or drugs. 

These types of car accidents are especially dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. If a driver runs a red light at an intersection or makes a quick left-turn, they may fail to spot a bicyclist or pedestrian crossing. 

Serious Injuries After a Car Accident 

Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on the type of accident, the speed of the vehicle(s), and location of the impact. 

Injuries may manifest immediately after the crash or several days or weeks later. This highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical treatment, no matter what type of accident you are in. By seeing a doctor right away, you also put yourself in good standing with being able to file a car accident claim.

The following are common injuries after a car accident: 

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

How Our Ontario Car Accident Lawyers Can Help 

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be properly compensated. The car accident lawyers at Armstrong Accident Attorneys are fearless in their fight for justice for injured car accident victims. 

Our Ontario personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not collect any upfront fees for our legal services unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling (909) 738-0565 or filling out this online form.