Defensive driving works best if you are fully aware of what you are defending yourself against. Among the many potential road hazards, car collisions are the most common and can happen anytime, anywhere. So, to place yourself in the best position to avoid one, here are the common types of car crashes that occur in Kentucky.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle hits another from behind, usually due to tailgating or distracted driving. In this type of accident, the courts frequently assign blame to the driver of the rear car because, in accordance with Kentucky laws, motorists must maintain a minimum of two seconds of distance (or four seconds in inclement weather) from the vehicle in front. Fault only lies with the front driver if they change lanes without signaling or unexpectedly come to a halt.
Side-impact collisions
Also known as T-bone collisions, these motor vehicle accidents involve one car striking the side of another at an angle. They often occur at intersections when a driver fails to yield or makes an illegal turn. The fault here could be on either driver, depending on who failed to follow the rules of the road, or shared if both parties were negligent in some way.
Head-on collisions
Arguably the most severe type of car crash, head-on collisions involve two cars hitting each other from the front. These usually occur because one driver crosses over into oncoming traffic or drives in the wrong direction on a one-way road. The person to blame here is the driver who entered the wrong lane.
Single-vehicle collisions
Contrary to popular belief, not all car accidents involve multiple vehicles. Sometimes, a driver can lose control of their vehicle and collide with a fixed object like a tree or guardrail. This type of accident is usually the result of poor weather conditions, speeding or distracted driving. In most cases, the driver is at fault unless there is something wrong with the vehicle that caused the crash.
As you can see, almost all these types of accidents are preventable if all motorists adhere to traffic rules and factor in thoughtfulness for other drivers on the road. For that reason, in case of an accident that someone recklessly or negligently caused, you have a right to file for compensation for any injuries or property damage sustained.