Daytona Beach is a popular location for travelers and visitors, as it offers a lot to do and see. However, this also means there is often an influx of people in the area and can often lead to more car accidents than usual. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in Volusia County (where Daytona Beach is located), approximately 10K vehicle accidents occurred in 2018. Some types of accidents are more common than others. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of vehicle accidents in Daytona Beach, Florida and what steps you can take to pursue compensation for injuries and losses.
1. Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision will often occur if one vehicle follows too closely behind another. It can also happen when the car ahead stops suddenly. Accidents such as these are commonly seen on the highway, especially during busy times of the day. Most rear-end collisions don’t lead to fatalities. If an accident occurs while a vehicle is moving at under 30 mph, the crash is considered a “low-impact” accident. You can prevent this type of accident by maintaining a safe following distance between your vehicle and the other vehicles on the road. If you tailgate, even in traffic moving slowly, the more risk you and others who are on the road face.
2. Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when the front portion of two vehicles contact each other as they travel in opposite directions. Many head-on collisions are fatal because of vehicle contact. To avoid a head-on collision, you should stay aware of street conditions, traffic signs and remain in your own lane.
3. Parking Lot Accidents
Many accidents occur in parking lots while backing up. Because of this, you must take extra caution when driving too close to vehicles that are backing out of a parking space. You should also avoid speeding in a parking lot and make sure to check what is around you before backing out. Taking preventative steps will help you avoid being involved in this type of collision.
4. Side Impact Collision
A side-impact collision is often called a T-bone accident. When this happens, the side of one or several vehicles is affected. You commonly experience a side-impact collision in parking lots or at intersections. They also occur when two or more vehicles are passing on a roadway. These types of accidents make up approximately 25% of passenger deaths. The fatalities occur when the vehicle is struck on the side.
5. Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident is often the most dangerous crash that can occur. While vehicles may roll over for several reasons, the injuries that occur are often life-changing and catastrophic. This type of accident takes place when the vehicle turns over on the roof or side. An accident will take place when a vehicle tries to turn much too fast when driving at high speeds. It can also occur when you swerve out of the way to avoid a person or object on the road. Some vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents, like those that are top-heavy.
6. Hit-and-Run Accident
Hit and run accidents can be particularly devastating. However, it’s important to document what happened as best as possible while you are at the scene. Some things to notice and record include:
- Vehicle’s license plate number
- Where the vehicle was headed
- Witness information
- Photos of damage and injuries
- Damage to the other vehicle
- Time, cause, and location of the accident
Do not try to follow the driver as they leave the scene. Instead, record the information above and ask witnesses to leave their information, too. This is going to be invaluable when the police begin looking for the at-fault driver.
7. Single Vehicle Accidents
Most vehicle accidents involve two or more vehicles. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, an accident can occur with a single-vehicle. This may be if you swerve off the road to avoid hitting an animal and run into a fire hydrant or tree.
Sometimes, single-vehicle accidents occur because of things that the person behind the wheel does not cause. These things include:
- Vehicle defects
- Defective auto parts
- Improper road maintenance or design
Recover Compensation After Being Involved in Common Daytona Beach Vehicle Accidents
After you are involved in a car accident, regardless of the cause, it is best to consult with a Daytona beach vehicle accidents attorney. The legal professionals at Zimmet & Zimmet have been representing injured accident victims for over 40 years and we can review the situation and ensure that your rights are protected. Do you need help recovering compensation after one of these common types of vehicle accidents in Daytona Beach? If so, contact our legal team online or give us a call at (386) 201-3720 to schedule a free consultation today.