SIDE-IMPACT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that side-impact collisions are the second most deadly type, falling only behind front-impact crashes. Additionally, National Highway Transportation Safety Board crash data shows that side-impact crashes are the second most common type of car accident. With just over 729,000 reported accidents in 2021, 521,215 caused property damage only, 204,724 resulted in injuries, and 3,162 caused fatalities. Left-side impacts caused higher rates of damage, injury, and death.
 
There are two main types of side-impact collisions. In the first, one vehicle strikes another directly on the side. It results in the front of one car impacting another. This is sometimes called a T-bone accident. It can cause serious injuries and extensive property damage.
 
The second type of side-impact collision is when one vehicle indirectly strikes the side of another. This usually causes damage along the sides of both vehicles involved and is often called a side-swipe accident.
 

Causes of Side-Impact Accidents

Accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Many of them are preventable. Accident data shows that a core group of factors contribute to many motor vehicle accidents, including distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, road rage, and speeding. Some situations also play a role in many side-impact collisions, such as:

• Blind spots obscuring the view
• Failure to signal when changing lanes or turning
• Hydroplaning
• Multiple cars changing lanes at the same time
• Not stopping at an intersection
• Tired driving or falling asleep and drifting into another lane

 
Drivers can minimize many of these factors by staying alert, focusing on the road, and using technology to reduce blind spots.

Drivers and passengers can experience several types of damage resulting from side-impact crashes. They range from minor scratches to fatalities and, as with other types of accidents, many factors are at play that influence outcomes.
 

Property Damage

Property damage was the most commonly reported type of damage from side-impact crash data, occurring over twice as much as others. The most likely type of damage in an accident is to the vehicles involved. This can range from a minor scratch to a totaled vehicle. Other types of property damage might involve fences, mailboxes, or other structures that a car impacts.
 

Injuries

Side-impact crashes cause hundreds of thousands of injuries each year, including everything from minor scratches to critical internal injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
 

Brain Injury

Head trauma is one of the most common injuries after a side-impact collision. It happens after the head strikes a solid object, such as the steering wheel. It can also result from severe neck trauma. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, blurry vision, and loss of consciousness.
 
For some people, these appear days or even weeks after the initial injury, which is why it is important to get a complete medical evaluation after an accident. Symptoms may resolve after a few weeks of rest, or they may require extended treatment. Some people never recover from a TBI.
 

Chest and Abdominal Injuries

Internal injuries within the chest and abdomen can occur in a side-impact crash. Damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, bladder, and other internal organs is potentially life-threatening. These types of injuries are particularly dangerous because of their seriousness and the fact that they often show no initial symptoms, but can worsen quickly.
 

Fractures

Broken bones happen in many car accidents. Direct impact with a hard object can cause a fracture. Treatment for many fractures is straightforward, while others may require surgery to restore stability. Additionally, compound fractures, where bones penetrate the skin, can become infected and lead to serious complications.
 

Spinal Injuries

Injuries to the head, neck, and spine are particularly serious. They can contribute to life-altering consequences, including:

• Neck or back sprain
• Paralysis from a damaged spinal cord
• Spinal fractures
• Whiplash

 
If you are in an accident and experience any stiffness or pain around your spine, you should seek medical attention immediately.
 

Fatalities

Sadly, thousands of fatalities occur each year in side-impact crashes. They may be immediate or the result of severe injuries sustained. This can leave surviving passengers and family members with extreme emotional distress.

Many factors can influence the type and severity of damages resulting from a car accident. Speed and driver intention are key items, as are the types of vehicles involved. Mismatched heights, such as when a compact car and a large SUV collide, frequently lead to more serious damages.
 
Another consideration is that despite advances in car safety technology, the sides of vehicles are a persistent weak spot. For example, the push for lighter and more efficient vehicles has contributed to door panels that offer little protection from even a minor impact. This can increase the rate of injury and the cost of repairs.

In general, the driver that impacts the other is at fault for an accident. Therefore, he is responsible for the damages incurred. However, collisions are rarely that clear cut. In many cases, both drivers will bear some of the responsibility.
 
The police report and accident investigation completed after a crash will provide information about exactly what happened and whose actions contributed. Insurance companies use this information along with first-hand inspections of damage to determine payouts for repairs. Medical bills and doctor’s statements help determine the insurance coverage for injuries.

If you are in an accident, you want to take steps to protect yourself. These will help you avoid extra injuries and ensure you can maintain communication with other involved drivers throughout the claims process.
 

Check for Safety

The first thing to do is to check the scene for safety. This includes a quick assessment of injuries. In many states, drivers must remove vehicles from the roadway after crashes with only minor injuries. However, if someone is seriously hurt, you are usually better off leaving the car where it is and calling for medical assistance immediately.
 

Report the Accident

Filing a report is usually a good idea, especially if there are any damages or injuries. This gives you concrete documentation of the accident, records the information of other drivers and witnesses, and establishes an initial determination of fault.
 
Calling for assistance is also an effective way to get medical attention. The shock of an accident can mask many symptoms, so it is a good idea to have an exam. Emergency responders have the training needed to spot signs of injuries that you might overlook.
 

Exchange Driver Information

You want to exchange information with the other drivers at the scene, even if you have decided not to file a report or there appears to be no damage or injuries. If any witnesses stop, ask for their contact information as well.
 

 

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the cars, roadway, and any other aspects of the scene that may be relevant. This can help establish facts later on if anything comes into question. Provide this to your insurance adjuster when you file a claim.
 

Contact a Side-Impact Collision Attorney

It is not always necessary to have an attorney after a car accident. Your insurance and that of the other drivers may be sufficient to cover any associated costs. Filing a claim should get the process started.
 
However, some situations may make it necessary to seek legal action to cover expenses. Examples include insufficient collision insurance or an uninsured at-fault driver. Speaking to an accident attorney can help you determine if you should seek compensation.

Many people are hesitant to contact an attorney after a car accident. That can be a costly mistake. Experienced auto accident attorneys, such as our team at Big Auto, have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and filing legal claims for accident injuries and property damage. We work to support you throughout the claims process so you can focus on your recovery. Side-impact collision lawyers help by: