Side-impact accidents, also known as “t-bone” accidents, happen when a driver fails to yield the right of way during a left-hand turn. A side-impact accident is particularly dangerous to the driver and passengers on the damaged side of the vehicle. Car manufacturers have taken steps to protect against head-on and rear-end collisions, but protecting the sides of vehicles is more challenging. The sides of a car do not have space to absorb a direct hit without risking an injury to the driver and passenger.
If you’ve been involved in a side-impact accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You are likely concerned about paying your medical bills and other expenses, and you may not be able to return to work due to your injuries. The sooner you speak to a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, the better.
Contact SoCal Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We will evaluate your case and advise you as to your legal options for seeking compensation. At our personal injury law firm, we do not take payment from our clients until after we’ve secured a settlement or verdict on their behalf.
Types of Side-Impact Collisions
T-bone collisions are the most well-known type of side-impact collision, but there are several different types of side-impact collisions that a driver can experience. The speed of the vehicles, location of the impact, and position of the passengers are all factors that can lead to different types and severity of injuries.
T-bone Collisions
T-bone collisions happen when one vehicle collides head-first into the side of a second vehicle. The shape of the collision forms a “T.” Unfortunately, t-bone accidents often happen when one car is traveling at high speed. The sides of motor vehicles are not protected as well as the fronts and backs of vehicles. When a car slams into the side of a vehicle, the passenger or driver closest to the impact often sufferers severe, permanent injuries, and in some cases, death.
Side-Impact Collisions While Backing Up
Side collisions also happen when one driver is backing out of a driveway or parking spot. Although many newer cars come with backup cameras, many drivers still fail to see a driver passing behind them. When other vehicles, trees, or buildings are clocking your vision of oncoming traffic, it is easy to back out into oncoming traffic. In these types of accidents, a car backs out of the driveway, and an oncoming vehicle collides into the car’s side.
Sideswipe Collisions
In a sideswipe collision, one vehicle comes too close to another car and sideswipes the side of the car. Sideswipe accidents can happen when both vehicles are traveling in the same direction and the opposite direction. Most sideswipe accidents occur when a driver merges into oncoming traffic. Or when a driver makes an overcorrection, he or she can cross into another lane of traffic and sideswipe another vehicle.
Sideswipe Collisions Involving Semi-Trucks
Semi-trucks and other large vehicles can also cause sideswipe collisions. When truck drivers fail to notice another vehicle in his or her blind spot, the driver can attempt to change lanes, sideswiping another vehicle. When a large commercial vehicle sideswipes a passenger vehicle, the results are often disastrous, particularly on the side of the vehicle that the large vehicle hits. Additionally, sideswipe collisions involving semi-trucks can result in dangerous multiple-vehicle accidents, especially when the semi-truck swerves and blocks oncoming highway traffic.
Rollover Accidents Involving a Side-Impact Accident
Rollover accidents are hazardous for the people inside the car that rolls as well as other drivers on the road. Certain types of vehicles, such as SUVs, semi-trucks, pickup trucks, and other top-heavy vehicles, are more likely to roll over. In a rollover accident, a vehicle flips onto its side or roof before coming to a complete stop.
Tipped rollovers happen when a vehicle collides with another vehicle. In many tipped rollover vehicles, another car collides with the side of the tipped vehicle, pushing the car even further along the road. Tipped rollover accidents often happen after a driver collides with a guardrail, or when a driver strikes a traffic light, sign, median, or another object.
What to Do After a Side-Impact Accident
If you’ve been involved in a side-impact collision, you should seek medical treatment immediately after the accident. Insurance companies and defendants in personal injury lawsuits will try to prove that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. By undergoing a thorough medical evaluation after your accident, you will be able to prove that the side-impact accident caused your injuries. We also recommend following your doctor’s orders to the letter to protect your insurance claim or personal injury claim.
Common Injuries Caused by Side-Impact Accidents
Side-impact collisions often result in severe injuries. In many instances, the severity of the injuries does not become apparent immediately after the accident. For example, if you’ve suffered a neck injury, the full extent of the soft tissue damage and level of pain may not become apparent until the shock of the accident wears off. Common side-impact injuries include all of the following:
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burns and friction burns
- Cuts
- Paralysis
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side After a Side-Impact Accident
Whether you plan on seeking compensation through an insurance settlement or by filing a personal injury lawsuit, you need an experienced lawyer advocating for your rights. Insurance companies are notorious for offering car accident victims meager settlement amounts. Likewise, defendants often claim that victims are not as injured as they claim, or that they were at fault for the accident.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Today
At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we have the legal experience and the trial experience needed to obtain compensation for our clients successfully. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and defendants in personal injury lawsuits for the benefit of our clients. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at our Los Angeles personal injury law firm.