Side Impact Car Crashes
Every year, thousands of Florida residents are injured in side impact car crashes, which occur when a driver collides into the side of another vehicle. Because the sides of a vehicle are not as reinforced as the front and rear parts of the car, drivers and passengers are not as protected from impact. For this reason, injuries in side impact collisions tend to be particularly severe. Fortunately, injured parties may be eligible to receive compensation for their losses if they can demonstrate that someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct caused or contributed to their accident. However, filing a claim to collect damages from a negligent driver can be difficult, so if you were recently injured in an accident, it is critical to seek the advice of an experienced car accident attorney who can explain your legal options.
Common Causes
Side impact crashes can occur in a number of different situations. However, these types of accidents are most often the result of one of the following actions:
- Making an improper turn;
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection; and
- Failing to obey traffic signals.
When these types of accident occur, it is almost always the result of at least one party’s negligent actions. For instance, drivers who t-bone another vehicle are often found to have been engaging in one of a few specific behaviors, including:
- Driving while distracted;
- Driving while intoxicated;
- Speeding; and
- Driving aggressively, which can include swerving and making improper turns.
Because distraction or aggression are so often involved in side impact collisions, these types of crashes usually occur when the vehicles are traveling at high speeds, which results in a more forceful impact and more severe injuries.
Typical Injuries
Side impact crashes are usually classified as being minor, moderate, or severe based on the force of the impact. For instance, when a vehicle’s door is crushed inward by more than six inches, it is usually considered a major accident. Severe side impact crashes are also often accompanied by a collapsed ceiling, which can leave injured passengers trapped and unable to receive medical aid.
These types of accidents are also especially dangerous because the vehicle that was struck is often knocked off course and into other vehicles, telephone poles, or guardrails. Many side impact crashes also lead to rollovers, which further endangers occupants.
These dangers are unique to side impact crashes and injuries sustained in these types of accidents tend to be particularly severe and include:
- Closed head injuries;
- Dislocated and crushed shoulders;
- Femur fractures;
- Head trauma;
- Hearing loss;
- Punctured lungs;
- Rib and pelvic fractures;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Sternum and diaphragm injuries; and
- Whiplash.
Some of these injuries, such as head trauma and spinal cord damage can leave victims permanently paralyzed or forced to deal with chronic pain and memory loss, which makes it especially important for injured parties to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help them collect compensation for their medical expenses.
Contact an Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney
Please contact Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated and compassionate car accident attorney who can evaluate your case. Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys are prepared to help you today.
Resource:
newsday.com/opinion/editorial/distracted-driving-is-killing-us-1.12414662
