Common Accidents in the U.S.: What to Do if You’re Involved

Accidents rarely happen at a convenient moment. Usually, they happen when you least expect it and they disrupt your routine. No matter the type of accidents, it’s almost guaranteed that it will leave a mark on your mental health(and your wallet as well).

Unfortunately, nowadays we’re surrounded with news about the latest car crash, truck collision and workplace accident. And it makes all of us feel on edge and uneasy as you quickly become aware how things can change so quickly.

That’s why people feel the need to at least regain some control. For some, regaining control starts with understanding what the most common accidents look like and what you should do if you ever find yourself in the middle of one. Instead of waiting for the accident to happen, you can at least take some control back and learn about all the possible scenarios. 

Even if you never end up needing the advice(hopefully), you can at least help your friends out if they ever find themselves in a tricky situation. 

In the US, certain accidents happen far more than others. Some involve cars, some happen in stores, parking lots, workplaces, or at home. So, let’s take a look at what the most common accidents are and how to act when and if they happen.

A closer look: What the number say

Honestly, with this kind of topic, you don’t even need exact figures to realize that accidents are a huge problem. You hear about them all the time and it’s obvious that they pose a serious issue for US residents. 

When people think of accidents in the US, they immediately think about car crashes. With more than 42,000 fatalities each year, it’s no wonder people have this feeling. But, it’s not just the car crashes we should worry about.

Slip and fall cases, workplace injuries, and pedestrian accidents also rank high. They usually happen because of everyday situations that went slightly wrong. Someone didn’t notice a wet floor, a driver looked at their phone for just a moment, a sidewalk wasn’t properly maintained, or equipment wasn’t handled safely. And just like that, an accident happens. 

You don’t need a long list of statistics to understand the scale. All you need is to consider how often you see someone trip on stairs, how many times you’ve driven through a busy intersection, or how many people you’ve seen rushing through a store while checking their phone. We guess the number is quite high. 

Most common types of accidents in the US

As said, we want to give you a bit more insight into what happens in the US. We want to highlight all the major risks and help you find your around all the legal complexities that come with certain accidents. 

Car accidents

If you thought car accidents would be the most common, you thought right. Car accidents are the most frequent type of accident in the country(probably in most countries of the world), and they can range from a minor fender-bender to something far more serious. 

No matter the level of damage, it’s normal to feel disoriented in the moment. Your heart races, your hands shake, and your mind tries to make sense of what just happened. Especially if you’ve been injured. That makes the situation even worse. 

If you’re ever involved in one, your first priority should always be your safety. Once you check yourself and anyone with you, move to a safer spot if you can. It’s tempting to get out right away to inspect the damage, but it’s better to make sure the scene around you is safe.

Calling 911 is a crucial step, even if the accident seems small. The police report becomes an important piece of evidence if there’s any debate about what happened. Speaking of evidence, you also need to document everything by taking photos of the scene.

If you don’t have a car accident lawyer, that’s the moment to get one. You should always get a lawyer that’s an expert for the state where the accident took place. Basically, if the accident happens in Indiana, you’ll need an Indiana car accident lawyer. Simple as that. 

Finally, try to avoid saying anything that sounds like accepting blame. We can’t emphasize this one enough. In the moment, many people apologize out of habit, even when they didn’t cause the accident. It’s better to simply focus on gathering the facts.

Slip and fall accidents

Did you think slip and fall accidents happen only on screen? Well, you’re wrong. Slip and fall accidents happen in places you visit every day. You might be walking through a grocery store, stepping into a restaurant, or carrying bags through a busy mall when your foot suddenly slides on something you didn’t notice. These accidents may seem harmless at first, but they often lead to sprains, broken bones, or back injuries.

When you experience a fall, the first thing you should do is take a moment before standing up. Many people try to bounce right back because they’re embarrassed(we’ve all been there), but that can make injuries worse. 

Try to take photos of the exact spot where you fell. If someone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. 

Of course, you won’t be doing this every time you trip on a shelf in the grocery store. The slip and fall accident needs to result in some type of injury and it’s caused by outside factors such as wet floors or poor lighting. 

Workplace accidents

Finally, we need to mention workplace accidents as well. These happen in all kinds of jobs, not only those involving heavy machinery or construction, even though these are the most common.

But people actually get injured in offices, warehouses, restaurants, and retail stores as well. If the employer doesn’t ensure safe working conditions, an accident can happen any time. 

If something like this happens to you, report it to your employer immediately. Many workplaces have strict reporting rules, and waiting too long can complicate the process. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally the same day. 

That’s why many companies and businesses also have some kind of workplace safety trainings where the employees are educated on what to do if an accident happens and there’s usually a relevant person in HR you can turn to.

Key takeaways

Now that you’re familiar on what to do in case of an accident, we hope you at least feel like you’ve regained a fraction of control back. There’s no denying that accidents can make you feel vulnerable and frustrated, especially when they disrupt your day or leave you unsure of what to do next. 

Understanding the most common accidents in the US isn’t about expecting the worst. It isn’t about spreading panic. It’s about being prepared, staying aware of your surroundings, and knowing that you can protect yourself when things go wrong.