Car accidents happen every day across Salt Lake City, Utah. While some are simple fender-benders, others can be serious and life-changing. Understanding the most common types of car accidents, what causes them, and how fault is determined can help your Salt Lake City car accident lawyer protect your rights if you’re ever involved in one.
In this article, our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys will share the most common crash scenarios, explain the typical causes, and show how fault may be decided under Utah law.
If you’ve been hurt in a wreck, call our Salt Lake City car accident attorneys at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers at (512) 474-0222. We offer free consultations about your case and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front.
Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of car accidents in Salt Lake City, UT. They happen when one car hits the back of another car, usually at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy traffic.
Rear-end collisions are most often caused by:
There are times when the front driver may share some blame. For example, if they slammed on the brakes for no reason or had broken brake lights.
Usually, the rear driver is held responsible. That’s because Utah law expects drivers to leave enough space between their vehicle and the one in front. However, fault can sometimes be shared if both drivers make mistakes. Utah also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can typically only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.
Our Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers can help you understand how your percentage of fault for your accident may affect your compensation award.
These accidents happen when the front of one car crashes into the side of another. They often occur at intersections when someone runs a red light or stop sign.
Drivers may cause a T-bone accident if they:
The driver who failed to follow traffic laws is usually at fault. Police reports, traffic cameras, and witness statements often help figure out who had the right of way. These accidents can be serious because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear.
Head-on crashes are some of the most dangerous types of accidents. They happen when two vehicles hit each other from the front, usually while going in opposite directions.
Common causes include:
The driver who entered the wrong lane or drove the wrong way is usually found at fault. In these accidents, injuries are often severe. Determining fault may involve accident reconstruction experts, especially if both drivers are badly hurt and can’t give statements right away.
Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles next to each other make contact. These crashes may seem minor, but they can cause a car to swerve and hit something else.
These usually happen during lane changes when a driver may:
The driver who changes lanes improperly is usually at fault. However, fault can be shared if both cars try to merge at the same time. In Utah, partial fault means you may still be able to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
These are large accidents that involve three or more cars. They often happen on highways during heavy traffic or bad weather conditions. One small crash can quickly turn into a big one if other drivers can’t stop in time.
Common causes include:
It can be hard to determine who is at fault in multi-car crashes. Each driver’s actions must be considered separately. In some cases, more than one driver may be held responsible. Insurance companies, lawyers, and investigators may be involved to resolve the issue.
Car accidents can be scary and confusing, especially when unsure who is at fault. By understanding the most common types of accidents and how fault is determined in Utah, you’ll be better prepared to handle the situation.
Whether you were rear-ended, T-boned, or involved in a multi-car crash, knowing your rights can help you get the help and compensation you need. If you’ve been injured in an accident, speaking to an experienced Salt Lake City car accident lawyer from McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can make all the difference in your case. Call today for a free consultation.
