Top 5 Common At-Fault Auto Claims

We know nobody’s perfect and accidents happen. But do you know what the most common at-fault accidents are? The more you know, the more you can help your customers to prevent accidents.

Out-of-Lane Collision

Out-of-lane collision claims happen most often as a result of one vehicle changing lanes at the same time another vehicle overtakes and passes. When switching lanes, drivers should check blind spots and make sure it’s safe to change.

The most common cause for out-of-lane collisions is “inattention.” Inattention occurs when drivers are paying more attention to what’s going on inside their car than what is happening on the road.

When the sun goes down or there’s bad weather, lane markers can be obscured. This decreases line visibility for drivers and others around them. In many cases, inexperienced drivers are the cause of these accidents. Specifically, 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. Encourage customers, particularly inexperienced drivers, to stay alert at dusk and during inclement weather.

Single-Vehicle Collision

Many single-vehicle collisions occur when there are slick road conditions. While some conditions may not be as visible or obvious (black ice, for example), adverse weather often increases the likelihood that the driver may lose control.

When operating a vehicle, drivers must adjust to the conditions under which they’re driving. The most common citation for drivers involved in a single-vehicle collision is “traveling too fast for conditions.” Drivers should stay within the speed limit and reduce speed in adverse weather.

Another leading cause of single-vehicle collisions is distracted driving. Distracted driving, including texting while driving, is particularly dangerous because many drivers underestimate the risks of such activity. According to a recent Plymouth Rock, Mass., survey, nearly three-quarters of respondents perceived texting while driving to be equally or less dangerous than reading driving directions and eating while driving.

Finally, properly maintaining a car can make all the difference in safe driving during wet, slushy or snowy conditions. Keeping wheels properly aligned and shock absorbers in good condition also will help drivers maintain control when encountering standing water (avoiding hydroplaning) or potholes.

Rear-End Collision

If a driver you know follows too closely to the vehicle in front of him — tell him to stop! Tailgating is the most frequent cause of rear-end collision claims but is avoidable by maintaining a safe distance.

Under perfect weather conditions, it’s recommended to stay at least one car length back for every 10 miles of driving speed. So, if someone is driving 50 miles per hour, keep at least five car lengths behind. Under adverse weather conditions, slow down and keep more distance.

Rear-end collisions can be averted by gradually slowing down, not making an abrupt stop, before a red light or stop sign.

Drivers should identify an escape route in case the driver behind isn’t paying attention. If your customer finds himself being tailgated, tell him to pull over at a safe location and let the other driver pass. Speeding up, trying to return distance between you and the vehicle following often creates danger by taking focus from what is in front to what is behind you.

Collision with a Parked Car

People run into parked cars often in parking lots or parking garages. Space may be tight, and drivers can overestimate their ability to “squeeze in.” Drivers should proceed slowly and cautiously to avoid this type of accident. Sometimes choosing a slightly more distant parking space is preferable to causing an accident.

In winter, drivers should clear windows of ice and snow before they start driving. Fogged up windshields can limit visibility. Keeping the inside of windows clean is even more important in bad weather, as the exterior of windows become dirtier than usual. Being able to clearly see what’s around the car avoids potential hazards. When visibility is compromised, drivers often guess about the space they have to park. Those guesses often are wrong.

Collision While Backing Up

Whether it’s backing out of a driveway or a parking space, collisions that occur while in reverse are easily avoidable. These accidents often occur when two drivers back up simultaneously without looking.

Advise customers to use all of their mirrors and to back out slowly. Distractions when backing out can prove dangerous, and for small children, deadly. Ask passengers for silence when backing up and out of their parking space.