Side Collision Accidents

Have you ever driven on a two-lane highway and, in a moment of distraction, drifted over the center lane? Or have you paused before driving when a stoplight turns green, only to narrowly miss another driver speeding through the intersection?

There are many different types of car crashes, and one of the most common is side collision accidents. Whether you narrowly missed a T-bone collision like described above or were the victim of an impact, side collisions are scary and can lead to serious injuries.

If your side collision accident was the result of another driver’s negligence, you may be able to get compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you build a strong lawsuit and get compensated for your injuries.

Side Collisions: When a Car Is Hit from the Side

Side collisions refer to car accidents where a car is hit on its side by another vehicle. These crashes are often categorized into sideswipes and T-bone accidents.

Sideswipes

When a vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle traveling side-by-side, the impact is known as a same-direction sideswipe. Similarly, an opposite-direction sideswipe is when a vehicle hits the side of a vehicle while traveling in opposite directions.

T-Bone Accidents

Right-angle collisions, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when a car is hit on its side at a right angle. T-bone accidents often follow driver negligence at a stop sign, traffic signal, or turn lane.

Causes of Side Impact Car Accidents

Side collisions are often caused by driver negligence, which can take several forms:

• Distracted driving
• Failing to halt at stop signs
• Making a right turn into oncoming traffic without taking proper precautions
• Running a red light
• Failing to yield to oncoming traffic
• Turning across traffic lanes
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Passing illegally
• Speeding through an intersection

Any of these behaviors could lead to a side crash.

Common Side Impact Injuries

Injuries from side collisions are especially dangerous, and for good reason: When you are rear-ended, for example, there is a lot (steel, bumper, engine, seats, trunk, etc.) protecting you from the impact; however, when a car is hit from the side, often the only barrier is a door and window, leaving drivers and passengers alike with less of a safety cushion.

Some vehicle manufacturers include side impact airbags to help minimize injuries, but others do not include any additional structural barriers to stop the side of the car from collapsing on occupants.

Side impact collision injuries can include the following:

• Fractures, especially in the femur, pelvis, or ribs
• Lacerations to the upper body
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Lung punctures and contusions
• Crushed limbs
• Disc herniation
• Diaphragm injuries
• Damaged pulmonary vessels

While some injuries are immediately concerning and require emergency room treatment, the symptoms of other common car accident injuries may not show up right away. For the sake of your health and your personal injury claim, see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash—even if you don’t think you need to.

Side Impact Collisions: Who Is at Fault?

When a car is hit from the side, determining who is at fault isn’t always a straightforward matter. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a variety of parties could be completely or partially responsible: the other driver, the vehicle manufacturer, or the entity in charge of road maintenance, to name a few.

In many cases, the person who struck the other vehicle is held liable. But if the other driver claims you failed to yield and are therefore partially at fault or if the opposing insurance company blames you entirely, what does this mean for your car accident claim?

A legal team qualified in investigating crash scenes, analyzing evidence, and interviewing expert witnesses can determine who should be responsible for your accident and calculate your injuries and damages. With an experienced car accident lawyer on your side, you can enter into settlement negotiations or the courtroom confident that you are in the best position to fight for your rights.

Contact a Side Collision Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a side collision accident, contact the attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. An Indianapolis car accident lawyer from WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.