A side-impact crash – also known as a T-bone crash or broadside accident – can be extremely dangerous for the occupants of all vehicles involved in the crash. Depending on the vehicles’ speed, the location of the impact, and other factors, the vehicles can roll over. Rollover accidents can cause catastrophic injuries.
Side-impact car accidents can cause the vehicle to crumple, crushing the occupants. The side of a vehicle does not offer very much protection for the occupants, compared to a vehicle that is hit in the rear or front of the vehicle.
How Common Are Side-Impact Crashes?
Annually, only frontal-impact collisions are responsible for more car accident deaths. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 23% of all fatal crashes in 2018 were categorized as side-impact collisions. That year, 5,350 people lost their lives in these serious T-Bone accidents.
When you break that down, it works out to an average of between 14 and 15 deadly broadside accidents a day. And, those are just fatal accidents. Countless more result in a wide range of injuries, too.
Common Injuries Resulting From Side-Impact Collisions
Studies show that side-impact accidents are responsible for some of the most catastrophic crash-related injuries. Occupants of cars involved in T-Bone accidents are more likely than others to sustain life-altering trauma.
Injuries in side-impact crashes include:
- Severe head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fractures and broken bones
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and scarring
- Facial injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Wrongful death
The injuries caused by a side-impact or T-bone accident can result in considerable damages. Victims suffer from pain and emotional distress because of their injuries and the trauma of the accident. They may also sustain permanent impairments, which can result in a decrease in their quality of life.
Additionally, accident victims might incur substantial financial damages. Examples of financial damages in a car accident claim include medical bills, loss of income, travel expenses, personal care costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
By filing a personal injury claim, you can recover compensation if you are the victim of a car accident. However, you need to prove that the other driver caused the crash. For that, you may want to consult with a car accident lawyer.
What Should I Do After a Broadside Car Accident?
The aftermath of a T-Bone accident can be overwhelming. If a person is injured seriously, it may be impossible for the person to do anything other than wait for assistance. Therefore, some of these steps may not apply in all cases.
However, if you are able to do so, these steps can help you protect your legal rights after a sideswipe car crash:
- Call 911 to report the accident. Avoid apologizing for the accident or saying you are sorry. You do not want to admit fault.
- While waiting for the police to arrive, ask witnesses for their contact information and names. Try to take pictures of the accident scene and make a video with your cell phone.
- Do not state that you are not injured. If you do not want to go to the hospital, you can tell the officer and EMS personnel that you intend to follow up with your physician.
- Always seek a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries.
- Avoid talking to an insurance adjuster or claims representative until you talk with a lawyer. You could say something that could hurt your case.
As soon as possible, talk with a car accident lawyer. A lawyer explains your legal rights and discusses your options for seeking compensation for your injuries. Settling your case before speaking with a lawyer could result in a much lower settlement amount.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464