Broadside accidents are very serious crashes. Often called T-bone crashes, these involve the front of one car crashing into the side of another vehicle.
Usually, these accidents happen at intersections when one driver fails to stop at a traffic light or stop sign and fails to yield the right of way to the driver of the through lane.
Because of the lack of protection for the passengers of the vehicle that is hit in the side, serious injuries are likely to occur. The occupants of the vehicles could suffer spinal injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Serious Injuries From Broadside Accidents
Broadside accidents lead to serious injuries because the vehicles are often knocked off course and into a second collision. The vehicle that has been broadsided is pushed sideways, either being sent toward the side of the road or into oncoming traffic.
The collision will sometimes send the striking vehicle into the direction that the vehicle that it hit was moving. Once the vehicles are forced off course, there is a risk of more collisions, crashing into utility poles or guardrails, hitting other vehicles, and more trauma.
In the event of a strong collision with force, the vehicle might turn over, particularly if there is a sloping road shoulder. The close proximity of the impact point and the vehicle occupant in the broadsided vehicle.
Right-of-Way
Right-of-way plays a major role in broadside accidents. Traffic regulations make it point to indicate drivers must stop for stop signs and obey traffic control devices, such as traffic signals.
If the vehicle has entered the intersection after a light change, it has the right-of-way and other vehicles must yield to it and it let it pass.
If two vehicles enter the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has right-of-way and the vehicle on the left must yield. Even if a driver has a green light, he or she cannot just zip through the intersection.
He or she must exercise due care and stay on the lookout to avoid an accident. All drivers must exercise caution, regardless of whether he or she has the right-of-way.
Damages From Broadside Accidents
Broadside accidents, also called T-bone accidents, can lead to a variety of injuries and damages.
Common damages include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical expenses, future loss of earnings, permanent scarring and disfigurement, long-term disabilities, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, property damages and more. Be sure to maintain documentation to show the damages that you suffered because of the broadside accident.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a broadside accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. These are challenging claims, and your odds of a successful settlement increase significantly with an attorney on your side.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so an attorney can review your case and help you get access to the compensation that you are entitled after facing damages in such a crash.
