Broadside car accidents, also known as side-impact crashes, or more commonly, as T-Bone accidents, are an extremely dangerous type of car accident and are one of the leading causes of serious car-related injuries or deaths. If you or a loved one has experienced injuries as a result of a broadside collision, Bossier City car accident lawyer Michael J. Vergis is ready to assist. With extensive experience handling a variety of traffic accidents and personal injury cases, you can be confident that your case will receive the dedication and attention needed to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Call (318) 698-3724 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Northwest Louisiana personal injury lawyer at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis today.
Broadside Collision Definition
Broadside collisions occur when one car hits the side of another vehicle. This type of collision often happens at intersections where one vehicle may cross oncoming traffic or fail to yield the right of way.
The impact from the oncoming vehicle can cause significant damage and serious injuries to the occupants of the car hit on its side. This is because the sides of a vehicle leave passengers more susceptible to injury, as there is less of the car’s shell to absorb the impact.
Many vehicles have fewer safety features on their sides as compared to the front and rear areas, meaning there is little protection between the people sitting in the passenger or driver seats and the oncoming vehicle. The addition of side-impact airbags in some newer models has helped to reduce the risk, but they have not eliminated it completely.
Broadside Collision vs. T-Bone Collision
Broadside collisions and T-bone collisions refer to the same type of incident where one vehicle strikes the side of another. In a broadside collision, a car hits the side of another vehicle, typically forming a “T” shape at the point of impact, hence the term “T-bone accident.”
Whether described as a broadside collision or a T-bone accident, the scenario involves a vehicle striking the side of another car, often at intersections or when a driver fails to yield while crossing paths.
As such, the severity and consequences of broadside accidents and T-bone accidents are the same, with significant potential for damage and injury to the passengers of the struck vehicle.
How Do Broadside Accidents Happen?
Like most car accidents, broadside accidents often occur as a result of human error, such as a driver failing to adhere to traffic laws or ignoring traffic control devices like stop signs, red lights, and traffic signals. This is often a result of distracted driving, whether that be texting, eating, messing with the radio, or any other action that takes their attention away from the road.
Another far too common cause of these types of motor vehicle accidents is impaired driving. Vehicle drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have a slower reaction time, making it more difficult to respond quickly to changing traffic conditions. Impaired drivers also often exhibit poor judgment and reduced coordination, increasing the likelihood of running a red light or stop sign.
Other common culprits include:
- Failing to yield
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Poor visibility
- Bad weather
- Malfunctioning vehicle parts
Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?
Although these collisions can take place on highways, entrance and exit ramps, and parking lots, broadside collisions most commonly occur at intersections. In fact, according to the Federal Highway Administration, more than half of all car accident injuries and fatalities occur at or near intersections.
Broadside Car Accidents Can Lead To Serious Injuries
Due to the dangerous nature of these types of car crashes, broadside collisions often result in severe injuries, and unfortunately, sometimes even death. The most common injuries sustained in a broadside accident include:
- Skin Injuries: Broken glass, metal, and debris, as well as the impact of airbags or a seat belt, can lead to skin injuries such as cuts, lacerations, and serious bruising.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including sprains and strains.
- Bone Fractures: Broken bones are also common, often affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
- Head and Neck Injuries: Head injuries like concussions, contusions, and skull fractures are common in these types of accidents, as are whiplash and other neck-related injuries due to the sudden forceful impact of the crash.
- Brain Injuries: It is not uncommon for victims of broadside accidents to suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unfortunately, such a brain injury can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Back Injuries: The forceful impact and sudden jolt experienced during the crash commonly result in back injuries such as herniated discs or C5/C6 injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury can be devastating for victims, often leading to severe and even permanent disabilities like paralysis.
- Psychological Injuries: Emotional and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common following such a severe accident.
- Internal Injuries: Victims may also suffer damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys, often caused by blunt force trauma.
- Burns: Burn injuries can result from fires, hot surfaces, road rash, or chemicals released during the accident.
- Fatal Injuries: In severe cases, broadside collisions can result in the fatality of one or more victims.
These injuries can be worsened if the motor vehicles involved are much larger, such as a truck, tractor-trailer, van, or SUV, as they carry much more weight behind the impact. Regardless, prompt medical attention is crucial for anyone involved in a broadside collision to address these potentially catastrophic injuries as quickly and effectively as possible.
What Can You Do To Avoid Broadside Collisions?
To protect passengers, yourself, and other drivers, it is crucial to adhere to traffic laws and stay vigilant at intersections to avoid a broadside collision. Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights, and look both ways before proceeding, even if you have the right of way.
Avoid distractions such as cell phones or in-car entertainment systems, and remain focused on the road. Additionally, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, and not to mention, can land you a DUI charge or even harsher consequences if you injure or kill another individual as a result.
Regularly maintaining your vehicle, including brakes and signal lights, is another good way to avoid these accidents, as it ensures your car is in optimal condition to handle sudden stops or maneuvers.
Who is At Fault for a Broadside Car Accident?
As previously mentioned most broadside collisions occur as a result of a driver’s negligence. However, broadside collisions happen for a number of other reasons as well. Identifying who all is at fault in your auto accident claim is imperative to your future personal injury claim. Let’s take a look at some of the potential liable parties:
Negligent Driver
Reckless or distracted drivers who fail to yield or run a red light, as well as those who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are common culprits when it comes to broadside collisions. Negligence can come in any form and can be as simple as checking your phone or placing a phone call.
In a vehicle, your full attention should be on the road and the other drivers and pedestrians around you. Those who fail to obey traffic laws or pay attention to their surroundings may be held liable in a personal injury claim.
Potential Third Parties
In a broadside car accident lawsuit, potential third parties could also be held liable. For example, if a vehicle defect or malfunction contributed to the accident, the car manufacturer or a maintenance provider might be held responsible.
Additionally, if poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic lights played a role, government entities or contractors responsible for road maintenance could be liable. Employers may also be held accountable if the negligent driver was operating a commercial vehicle during work duties.
By examining all possible factors, victims can ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable for their contributions to the accident.
Broadside Accident Liability and Compensation
If you or someone you love was the victim of a broadside automobile accident, you are able to seek compensation for your injuries by filing a personal injury claim against the liable party. This process typically involves working with an experienced attorney who can help establish fault.
Your attorney will then negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement that covers things like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit to ensure the negligent party is held accountable and you obtain the financial support you need for recovery.
The Importance of Legal Representation
When it comes to broadside collisions, personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims navigate the complex legal process and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. An experienced car accident attorney can effectively gather and present evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate for the victim’s rights.
Without professional legal assistance, victims may struggle to secure a fair settlement or court award, making the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer indispensable in achieving a just outcome.
How Michael J. Vergis Can Help with Broadside Collision Injury Cases
Bossier City personal injury attorney Michael J. Vergis is dedicated to helping Northwest LA accident victims navigate their broadside collision injury cases. When a broadside car accident caused by an at-fault driver or third-party entity leads to mounting medical bills, lost wages, or even wrongful death, Attorney Vergis works tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable to secure fair compensation.
With his extensive knowledge and commitment to seeking justice on behalf of his clients, Michael J. Vergis and his legal team provide the guidance and support accident victims need to recover and rebuild their lives after a devastating collision.
Call an Experienced Shreveport Personal Injury Attorney at the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a broadside crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis is here to help. Attorney Michael Vergis and his team understand the many challenges of motor vehicle accidents and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
To get in touch with an experienced Northwest Louisiana car accident lawyer at our firm, call (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation today.
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