Understanding Broadside Collisions
T-bone car collisions, also known as angle or broadside collisions, are among the deadliest kinds of car accidents you could encounter on the roads. These happen when the front or back of a vehicle crashes into another’s side, forming a sort of a “T”. People in the car that gets broadsided are particularly at risk and can be seriously injured or worse. As such, it’s important for you to understand where and why these accidents typically occur and how you can avoid them.
What is a Broadside Collision?
Broadside collisions take place when two cars collide perpendicularly, resulting in a T-shaped accident. Often, the car hitting the side of the other vehicle is the ‘striker,’ while the one getting struck is the ‘struck.’ This often spells trouble for those in the struck car because it most likely hits the weakest point of the car, leaving the occupants exposed to serious risk.
While it’s important to understand every kind of road accident, broadside accidents stand out from the rest, like head-on or rear-end collisions, due to their heightened danger levels. In fact, the same can be said for sideswipe collisions—these just generally lead to vehicular damage and less severe injuries compared to a T-bone collision.
Common Causes of Broadside Collisions
Various factors can cause broadside crashes, but driver error or negligence is often a common denominator. These causes can include:
- Rushing through red lights: A prime cause and a dangerous one. Breaking this simple rule can have dire consequences and often results in a T-bone collision.
- Failing to yield: Especially at intersections where road signs are present, failure to yield can instigate a broadside collision.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, and medication can all lead to poor judgment and inability to react or adhere to traffic rules, causing accidents.
- Texting while driving: A rising cause for concern, when drivers focus on their screens and not the road, they risk not just their lives but of others as well.
- Trucking accidents: These are unique and can often cause broadside collisions due to their large size, blind spots, and more.
Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?
Broadside collisions can occur in various scenarios, most typically at intersections, parking lots, and when vehicles try to join moving traffic.
Intersections
Broadside collisions can happen anywhere on the road, but they are most common at intersections, where vehicles cross or turn in different directions. In fact, would you believe me if I told you that about 40% of all car accidents in the United States happen right here, at these intersections? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation. About half of these are broadside collisions, earning intersections the title of “Broadside Collision Hotspots.
Parking Lots
Parking lots, much like intersections, are hotspots for broadside collisions. They may not be high-speed zones, but they come with their unique challenges.
Parking lots are bustling with cars maneuvering in and out of spots while pedestrians add to the dynamic landscape. In all this hustle and bustle, a driver not paying attention can easily cause a side-impact crash.
Narrow lanes
Narrow lanes and tight spots in parking lots demand precise navigation. Moving through these challenges brings a chance of danger. With cars parked on both sides, visibility of oncoming traffic can be a constant challenge, increasing the likelihood of broadside incidents.
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Intersections: The Hotspots for Broadside Collisions
You might wonder – are all intersections created equal? Well, not quite. The truth is that all intersections are not inherently equally dangerous from a broadside crash standpoint. There are a few factors that can turn a seemingly harmless intersection into a high-risk point for these crashes.
Left Hand Turns
Let’s talk about left-hand turns, for starters. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But in reality, it’s one of the most dangerous maneuvers at intersections and a prevalent cause of broadside collisions. It’s like trying to cross a flowing river; you’re going against the current of oncoming traffic, which might be moving at breakneck speeds or even running a red light.
Gauging the gap, speed, and distance of this river of vehicles might be a tough task. Add to that the pressure from those behind you – impatient, honking, tailgating, or passing drivers. If you misjudge the situation or turn too soon, too late, or too fast, or fail to yield, you end up right in the path of an oncoming car.
Lack of proper signals
Then there’s the issue of inadequate signposting at intersections, a problem that could generate confusion and uncertainty for drivers. An absence of traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs leaves drivers guessing about their right of way, leaving them unsure about when to stop, go, or turn. This confusion could lead to broadside accidents if drivers incorrectly assume they have the right of way, ignore the unspoken rules, or fail to effectively communicate with other drivers.
Poor visibility
Poor visibility is yet another intersection condition that can result in T-bone accidents. Intersections hidden in bad weather, darkness, bright lights, or blocked by things like walls make it hard for drivers to see important traffic signals, signs, road lines, or other cars. This loss of vision can cause drivers to overlook a red light, a stop sign, a yield sign, or an oncoming vehicle and, ultimately, cause a broadside collision.
Avoiding Broadside Collisions
Broadside Impact, unfortunately, has earned the reputation for being one of the most lethal and injury-prone car accidents. Thankfully, these accidents can often be prevented. There are many steps that both people and communities can take to stop these crashes from happening.
Adopting Safe Driving Habits
Possibly the most effective strategy is simply following safe driving habits that include:
- Adherence to Traffic Laws: Stick to the speed limit, stop at red lights, stop signs, yield signs, and ensure you give the right of way to those with it.
- Avoid Distractions: Texting, conversation, eating, or drinking while driving takes your focus away from the road. Keep your attention on the road, the traffic, and your driving practices.
- Stay Alert: Especially when it comes to intersections, always check the mirrors and any blind spots, scan the intersection for signals, signs, and vehicles, and try to anticipate what other drivers might do.
- Show Politeness and Consideration: Simple gestures like using turn signals, making eye contact with other drivers, or slowing down when unsure can go a long way in preventing accidents.
Leverage Vehicle Safety Enhancements
Another effective way to prevent broadside Crash is by leveraging vehicle safety enhancements.
- Side airbags: These airbags spring into action during a broadside crash, protecting occupants from the side impact. They can cut down the risk of a fatal injury by up to 45% in a T-bone collision.
- Side Impact Protection: Structural elements like side beams, crumple zones, or foam inserts can fortify a vehicle’s sides, absorbing the impact of a broadside impact.
- Electronic Stability Control: This system maintains the vehicle’s control by detecting and correcting any skidding, sliding, or spinning. It can also prevent the vehicle from speeding into or out of an intersection, reducing the risk of a broadside accident by up to 20%.
- Collision Avoidance Systems: These alert the driver or assist in avoiding an imminent collision. Systems could include blind spot detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, or automatic braking.
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What To Do After a Broadside Crash
Experiencing a broadside crash can be a frightening and shocking experience, but knowing what to do in the aftermath is critical for your safety and future legal rights. So, let’s go over the crucial steps you should take following a broadside collision:
1. Actions Immediately After an Accident
- Check on everyone. Ensure your own safety first, then check on others. If anyone’s hurt, dial 911 right away.
- Inform law enforcement. Report the accident to the police. Their report will be handy later for insurance and legal purposes.
- Swap details. Exchange information with the other driver, names, contact info, and insurance details. Don’t admit fault or apologize.
- Get a medical check-up and record evidence. Visit a doctor and keep all medical records. Document the scene, damages, and your injuries, if any.
2. Legal Considerations and Insurance Claims
Broadside accidents can lead to serious legal and financial issues. It’s important to understand the key aspects:
3. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Remember, insurance companies aim for their own interests. If contacted for a quick settlement offer or statement, be prudent and consult with your lawyer before accepting or signing anything.
4. The Need for Legal Representation
Facing a personal injury or accident case can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies or those responsible for your injuries. But don’t worry, that’s where we step in. At Felice Trial Attorneys, we firmly believe everyone deserves skilled legal representation.
With us in your corner, you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. We’ll handle the legal stuff, from dealing with insurance claims to battling it out in court, so you can concentrate on getting better. Let us stand for you every step of the way.
5. Claim Filing Process
Contact your lawyer soon after the accident and seek their counsel. Notify your insurance provider, but don’t admit fault or agree to anything without your lawyer. Prepare a demand letter for the other driver’s insurance provider, kick-starting the negotiation process.
Injuries and Compensation from Broadside Accident
Broadside crashes can lead to a range of injuries and related damages. Here’s a brief overview:
Common Injuries
Here’s a list of injuries typically seen in broadside accidents:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Pelvic and lower extremity injuries
- Upper extremity injuries
Available Compensations
If you are injured due to someone’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation, depending on your injuries and your state laws. Three main types of compensation exist: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages cover your tangible losses like:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, therapies, medication, and potential future expenses)
- Lost wages (missed salary, tips, bonuses due to inability to work, potential future earnings)
- Property damage (costs of repairs or replacements for damaged properties like your car, house, or personal items)
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses:
- Pain and suffering (chronic pain, scarring, loss of limb or function)
- Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment (inability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or relationships)
In certain severe cases like drunk driving, assault, or fraud, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are not for your loss but to punish the guilty party and discourage such behavior. Remember, though, not all states offer these.
Conclusion
To summarize, broadside accidents can be quite dangerous, often taking place at intersections due to errors like running red lights or distractions during driving. These accidents may result in severe injuries, particularly to those seated on the side that’s impacted. Preventive measures, on the other hand, are largely centered around safe driving practices, alertness, and utilizing in-car safety features.
At Felice Trial Attorneys, we can’t stress enough the importance of safe driving to prevent situations like these. Our firm deeply understands the challenges that follow such incidents. We’re committed to providing exceptional legal counsel and passionately advocating for victims’ rights to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.
If, however, you find yourself involved in a broadside collision in West Palm Beach, FL, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. As dedicated car accident attorneys, we have considerable experience representing and defending the rights of accident victims in our community. Understanding your rights is fundamental in these scenarios, and our proficient team can provide valuable assistance as you navigate the complex paths of insurance claims and legal proceedings.
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