Common Car smashes and How to Avoid Them?

The possibility of a car smash exists every time a driver takes the wheel, so it’s important to know the risks before heading out on the road.

We all wish to be safer drivers—to avoid accidents, hold insurance rates in check, and protect ourselves and others from injury. By learning about the common kinds of car accidents, what causes them, and how we can avoid them, you can remain safe on the road.

Common Types of Car Collisions

All types of car smashes have the potential to cause death or injury, not to mention the damage to the vehicle.

Let’s look at the seven most common kinds of car accidents), and liability issues unique to each.

Rear-End Collision

Rear-end collisions form the majority of traffic accidents. These usually do not hurt the passengers, but leave your car with dents and in need of repairs. At Swan Smash Repairs We have such cars come in regularly with the car’s body and paint both needing a makeover.

Liability is often pretty simple with a rear-end accident. The tailing driver is normally presumed liable. A majority of these accidents happen because of distracted driving or failure to keep a good distance. Failure to properly maintain brakes can also result in or contribute to a rear-end crash.

A lot of these rear-end accidents happen at lower speeds because the tailing driver normally at least tries to stop their vehicle before impact. However, if speeding or rash driving is involved, the collision impact can be severe. In such cases, the vehicle will be damaged even more if you go to a service provider that does not have the proper expertise. It would be wise to ask for repair warranties. At Swan Smash Repairs, we stand by our work. However, not everyone might offer repair warranties.

Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions can be devastating. Many involve a wrong-way driver on a one-way road or highway exit ramp. Such accidents can also happen when a driver crosses into a different lane. These repairs are even more important than those from the rear end. At Swan Smash we take extra care to make sure that the car is restored to the greatest possible extent.

Sideswipe Accident

Sideswipes are accidents in which a car brushes with another vehicle. They can include lane drift, particularly when two vehicles meet and cross on a narrow road, or the inability to check blind spots before merging or changing lanes.

Sideswipe accidents are often minor, and the body does not get dented but you might need a paint job.

Side-Impact Crash

Side-impact accidents happen most often at intersections when a driver crosses a red light or stop sign or does not observe the proper right of way. As opposed to a sideswipe, a side-impact collision involves the front end of one vehicle smashing the side of another.

“T-bone” crashes, where one vehicle smashes into another at a 90-degree angle at or close to the passenger or driver doors, are dangerous because most vehicles do not have reinforcement in those areas.

T-bone crashes are mostly high-speed collisions, resulting in concussions, broken bones, and even death. These hits make up 35.4% of traffic accidents but cause nearly half of traffic fatalities.

In case you have had such an accident Swan Smash Repairs can come and pick your vehicle from the crash site. 

Multi-Vehicle Collision

Technically, any two-car smash is a “multi-vehicle” smash, but in insurance-speak, this term usually describes a collision involving three or more than three vehicles. This type includes chain reaction collisions, where one car hits another (commonly from behind), causing a “chain” of collisions behind the car smash.

You may hear these accidents talked about on the news as “multi-car pile ups,” mostly occurring on freeways in terrible weather, when speed and poor visibility come together. One mistake can lead to multiple collisions, increasing property damage and injuries. These smash repairs are very extensive.

Rollover Accident

Any vehicle can roll over. However, the wheelbase, weight, and height combination of SUVs, pickups, and vans make these more prone to these types of accidents. Rollover risk increases when a driver takes a turn too quickly. Rollovers often occur after a side-impact collision, or after a vehicle leaves the roadway.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Now that you know about some common types of car accidents, you might be thinking what causes them. At Swan Smash the most common kinds we find are driver error, and vehicle malfunction.

Driver Error

Unfortunately, a lot of car smashes we see are due to driver error. Most of our customers looking for panel beaters or smash repairs in Perth say that their vehicle was fine it was just human error.

Vehicle Issues

Mechanical problems due to the steering, the engine and also the suspension can also cause or play a part in an accident.

While some of these things relate to vehicle manufacturing defects, they’re most often linked to poor maintenance or the vehicle owner choosing to ignore a recall notice.

Environment and Weather

Environmental causes of accidents include things like, road conditions, and traffic signal or sign failures. In Perth because there is no snow or extreme road conditions we have relatively fewer accidents than places like Northern Europe or Canada.

Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident

Most car smashes are avoidable—at least on the driver’s end. But you can’t control the decisions and behavior of others. So, always wear a seatbelt, and take the following steps to cut down the chance of a car smash.

Stay Current on Maintenance and Repairs

Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule. Get your brakes, tires, and different key safety equipment checked regularly. Take your vehicle to a qualified professional at the first hint of a problem. You might face liability for any accident that can be linked to your inability to properly maintain or fix your car. In our experience, most smash repairs in Perth and Western Australia are the result of people not paying attention.

At Swan Smash we encourage customers to not delay car repairs. Car dents, for instance are damaging to the cars if they are not properly repaired on time. 

Avoid Electronic Distractions

The prevalence of electronic devices is a major reason we at Swan Smash Repairs urge people to focus on the road. We recommend:

• keeping devices away from you while driving
• offering to make calls or handle the navigation for the driver if you’re a passenger, also
• setting a good example of responsible device usage for teen drivers.

Conclusion 

Car crashes, both minor and major, happen all the time. At Swan Smash, we deal with all levels of damage. In fact, we often have to tow the vehicle to the workshop because it is so damaged. In order to stay safe on the road, it is crucial that people not only drive carefully but also maintain their vehicles properly. 

Even though at Swan Smash, we are able to repair vehicles with such expertise that your vehicle might not look damaged at all to the untrained eye. However, for your safety and the safety of others, we encourage timely maintenance and drivers to be patient on the road.