Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?

Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?

• October 14, 2024
• Categories: Lemon Law

Broadside collisions are also referred to as side-impact collisions or T-bone collisions. Typically, the two vehicles involved in a crash like this meet at a 90-degree angle.

Where do broadside collisions most commonly occur? They can happen in many different settings, for many different reasons, but they’re particularly common at intersections. What is it about intersections that make these crashes more likely? More importantly, what errors are drivers making that cause broadside collisions? Let’s take a look at some of the explanations.

Why Broadside Collisions Happen at Intersections

Broadside collisions are common at intersections where two vehicles are traveling in different directions. Typically, these accidents come about because one driver fails to come to a complete stop when they’re supposed to, such as by blowing through a red light or attempting to rush a left turn despite oncoming traffic.

Certain specific intersections are regarded as “black spots” for broadside collisions. In Calaveras County, near the Bay Area, for example, the intersection between State Route 26 and State Route 49 saw so many accidents like this that Caltrans decided to step in. Officials gave the go-ahead for a roundabout to be built there to halt the pattern of side-on crashes.

Side-impact collisions, often requiring the expertise of a skilled side impact accident lawyer, are also common in parking lots for the same reasons they occur at intersections.

In a situation like this, it’s important to consult a vehicle accident lawyer to get a better understanding of your legal rights and options.

Driver Error and Broadside Collisions

In broadside collisions, one driver usually bears more responsibility for the crash than the other. Often, drivers miss stop signs or attempt to beat red lights, and collisions result. The occupants of cars that get hit from the side are at a high risk of serious injuries in crashes like these, particularly those sitting closest to the side hit by the other vehicle.

California is an “at-fault” state, which means the insurance company of the at-fault driver must cover the costs arising from the accident. Because of this, insurers often use their legal teams to fight to reduce the level of blame assigned to their policyholders. Therefore, seeking assistance from an experienced accident claim lawyer can be crucial to navigate the complexities of the legal process and protect your rights.

Motorcycles and Broadside Collisions

Motorcyclists are at a particularly high risk of serious injury when they’re hit from the side at speed. Unlike drivers of cars and trucks, they have no protection whatsoever from outside impact; even collisions at relatively low speeds can cause them severe injuries or death.

One study found that broadside collisions posed the highest risk of injuries to the lower extremities of motorcyclists, compared to other types of accidents.

Some of the most common injuries we see in motorcyclists hit from the side include:

• Fractures: Apart from the lower extremities, fractures can also occur in other parts of the body, depending on the crash dynamics.
• Head injuries: Even with helmet use, motorcyclists are at risk of head injuries in broadside collisions.
• Spinal injuries: The impact can cause spinal injuries, ranging from minor sprains to severe spinal cord damage.
• Internal injuries: The force of a broadside collision can lead to internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding.
• Abrasion and road rash: When motorcyclists are thrown off their bikes, they can suffer from abrasions and road rash.

Filing Suit

If you’ve been injured in a broadside collision, it’s essential to consult with an experienced car crash lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. You deserve payment for the medical bills, car repair bills and lost income brought about by your crash.

At Neale & Fhima, we hold negligent drivers accountable for the injuries and property damages our clients have suffered. We will determine how your crash happened, and we will demand payment from the insurance company and at-fault driver. It’s important to have an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer handle your claim so you can be sure you are getting maximum compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a broadside collision, contact Neale & Fhima today to schedule your free consultation. Our track record proves that we get results for our clients. We have years of experience handling side-impact collision cases. Let us put our experience to work on your behalf. Call us at 800-969-4400 or fill out our online contact form to get started.