Car accidents happen every day on California roads—from crowded freeways in Los Angeles to quiet residential streets in the suburbs. While not every crash results in serious injury, knowing the most common types of car accidents in California—and understanding who may be legally liable—can be crucial if you’re ever involved in one.
At Holland & Holland, we help injured drivers and passengers protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Below, we break down the most frequent types of accidents and the typical rules around liability.
1. Rear-End Collisions
Overview:
Rear-end accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These are among the most common types of crashes in California, often caused by distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops in traffic.
Common Causes:
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
- Speeding or abrupt braking
- Slick or wet road conditions
Who’s Liable?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault. California law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. However, there are exceptions. If the leading vehicle made an unsafe lane change or stopped without reason, shared or alternate liability may apply.
Injuries Commonly Involved:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Head trauma
2. T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions
Overview:
T-bone or side-impact accidents happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents often occur at intersections where one driver fails to yield or runs a red light.
Common Causes:
- Failure to yield at an intersection
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
Who’s Liable?
Liability typically rests with the driver who failed to obey traffic signals or right-of-way rules. In intersection accidents, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction can help determine fault.
Injuries Commonly Involved:
- Rib and torso injuries
- Head trauma from side window impact
- Internal organ damage
3. Rollover Accidents
Overview:
Rollover crashes involve a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof, often resulting in serious or fatal injuries. While more common in SUVs and trucks due to higher centers of gravity, they can happen in any vehicle under the right conditions.
Common Causes:
- High-speed sharp turns
- Hitting a curb or median
- Overcorrection of steering
- Collisions with other vehicles or objects
Who’s Liable?
Liability depends on the circumstances. The driver may be at fault if they were speeding or driving recklessly. However, in some cases, a rollover may be caused by a defective vehicle design, in which case the manufacturer or designer may bear responsibility. If another vehicle’s reckless maneuver caused the rollover, that driver could be held liable.
Injuries Commonly Involved:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and head trauma
- Crush injuries
4. Head-On Collisions
Overview:
Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front. These are often the most dangerous and deadly types of car accidents.
Common Causes:
- Driving under the influence
- Wrong-way driving
- Distracted driving (lane drift)
- Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
Who’s Liable?
The driver who veered into oncoming traffic is typically held liable. In some tragic cases, these crashes result from a medical emergency or unsafe road design, which may also affect liability. If a third party caused a driver to swerve, partial or shared fault may apply.
Injuries Commonly Involved:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple fractures
- Fatalities
5. Parking Lot Accidents
Overview:
Parking lot crashes often involve low speeds but can still cause injury and damage—especially to pedestrians. These accidents usually occur when drivers are backing up or turning without seeing another car or person.
Common Causes:
- Failing to check blind spots
- Reversing without looking
- Ignoring stop signs in lots
- Speeding through parking lanes
Who’s Liable?
Liability depends on the situation. If one driver is reversing into another’s path, they are often at fault. If both drivers are moving, fault may be shared. When a pedestrian is struck, the driver is typically responsible unless the pedestrian was behaving in a clearly reckless manner.
Injuries Commonly Involved:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Pedestrian injuries
How Is Fault Determined in California?
California is a fault-based state, which means the driver (or party) found responsible for the accident is legally liable for damages. The state also follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means multiple parties can share fault—and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example:
If you’re found to be 20% at fault in a rear-end crash and awarded $100,000, your actual recovery would be $80,000.
To determine fault, insurance companies and legal teams look at:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos and video footage
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Vehicle damage assessments
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Crash
If you’re involved in a car accident in California, take the following steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Exchange information with other drivers (license, insurance, plate).
- Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and the scene.
- Get medical attention even if you feel okay.
- Call an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
How Holland & Holland Can Help
At Holland & Holland, we’ve spent years helping accident victims across California recover compensation for their injuries, vehicle damage, and lost wages. As seasoned personal injury attorneys, we handle the insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and take cases to trial when needed.
We focus on clear communication, honest advice, and proven strategies—so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal side.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident in California, don’t wait to get the help you need. Call Holland & Holland for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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(562) 694-3821