The most common type of side impact collision is the “broadside.” This type of accident results when the front end of one vehicle runs into the side of another vehicle. In the year 2004, side impact collisions accounted for more than one-quarter of all fatal car crashes and over 30% of all non-fatal car accidents.
When a side impact accident is severe enough, the car being struck can spin or roll over. In most cases, the driver of the car striking the side of the other car fares better than the driver of the car that is broadsided.
Causes of Side Impact Accidents
A side-impact collision is often the result of a car failing to stop at a red light or stop sign and consequently striking the side of another vehicle that is legally crossing an intersection. Many broadside collisions are caused by:
- High speed driving
- Distracted driving
- Negligent driving
Types of Injuries in Side-Impact Accidents
Even in cars with side airbags, it is difficult for the driver to be completely safe from side impact crashes. Specific injuries depend on the speed of the striking car at impact, how large the vehicles are relative to each other, and how high or low the vehicles are in relation to each other.
Common types of injuries suffered during side-impact collision accidents include:
- Leg or hip injuries
- Rib injuries
- Arm injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Ear injuries
- Head injuries
Car Safety Standards
It is only in recent years that automotive engineers have aggressively researched ways to improve safety in side impact collisions. Before that, most safety devices were made to protect drivers from front impact crashes. Side curtain airbags are the only major safety feature designed to help with broadside accidents, but side airbags are not yet standard in many cars or trucks. While the front and back of most cars have crumple zones to absorb energy during a crash, the side of a vehicle offers less protection against impact.
Start Your Claim or Lawsuit Today
The experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Kelley/Uustal understand personal injury law, side impact accidents and how they can affect a victim’s life. Special medical care may be necessary for the victim to make a full recovery and sadly, there are some cases where a full recovery is not possible. Our attorneys know how to stand up against powerful insurance companies in side-impact collision cases.
