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A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone or broadside crash, is one where the front-end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. Being hit broadside by another vehicle often results in the driver or one of the passengers in the struck vehicle sustaining serious injury or even death. In fact, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that in 2009, side-impact car accidents accounted for more than 27 percent of the 23,437 passenger-vehicle occupant deaths in the United States.
These accidents are dangerous because the occupants of the vehicle that is struck broadside have little protection from the striking vehicle. Fortunately, many newer vehicles provide side-impact airbags, which can add an extra measure of safety and security.
Like any other type of accident, a side-impact collision can occur anywhere. However, most broadside collisions occur at an intersection for one of the following three reasons:
- Speeding – Drivers who speed have little time to react to changing driving conditions or obstacles in their path. When they approach a stop sign or red light, they may drive through the intersection without slowing, plowing into the side of a vehicle that has a green light or the right of way.
- Distracted driving – Distracted drivers play a major role in many accidents, including a side-impact crash. Because they are distracted—talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio—they may drive through an intersection and collide with another vehicle before they can slow.
- Drunk driving – Drinking and driving impairs a driver’s coordination, reaction time, and overall judgment. A drunk driver may not see the intersection or not be able to react in time to prevent an accident.
If you have been T-boned or involved in another type of car accident that was not your fault, you may be suffering physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact our office today at 800-989-6385 to discuss your legal options. We are here to help you.
