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Broadside collisions are some of the most common car accidents and, often, the most fatal. This kind of crash is known as an angle crash with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Angle crashes include any collision in which one vehicle strikes another between a 90- and 180-degree angle. In 2019, the U.S. experienced 1,493,000 angle collisions, 18% of which were fatal.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a broadside car accident, don’t hesitate to ask for legal help. Platte River Injury Law is here to help you get results from the insurance claim process.
What Is a Broadside Car Accident?
A broadside collision happens when the front or rear end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle.
In these accidents, two vehicles form a “T” shape, which is why you’ll see these called “T-bone accidents.” They’re also referred to as side impact crashes.
The vehicles aren’t always at a perfect 90-degree angle. In some side impact crashes, vehicles are hit at various angles. That’s why you may see these referred to as angle collisions in car accident statistics.
Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?
Most broadside accidents happen at intersections. For example, vehicle A runs a red light or stop sign and collides with vehicle B moving through the intersection.
Vehicle A’s front end might collide with the side of vehicle B, or vehicle B may not be able to stop and slam into vehicle A’s side.
These intersection accidents may have four-way controls or not. Sometimes, vehicle A doesn’t run a red light or stop sign. Instead, they stop but misjudge vehicle B’s distance or speed. Or vehicle A may incorrectly believe vehicle B has a stop or yield sign.
There are other possibilities, too, though. Side impact collisions can happen near exits or on ramps. It’s also possible someone may back out of a parking spot and T-bone a vehicle behind them.
Whatever the situation, if you were hurt, it’s important to talk with a Wyoming car accident lawyer about recovering compensation.
Why Do Broadside Accidents Happen?
Most of the time, a broadside accident occurs because at least one driver was negligent. Every driver is required to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicle carefully. A driver is negligent if they drive carelessly or recklessly and cause a crash.
Common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Failing to obey a traffic control device,
- Failing to yield the right of way,
- Speeding,
- Distracted driving,
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep, and
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You may not know why someone crashed into you. Platte River Injury Law can investigate and find out.
Who Is at Fault in a Broadside Accident?
Responsibility for a broadside accident depends on the specific facts in your case. It helps to work with a personal injury lawyer right away.
They’ll gather evidence about the crash and analyze what happened to identify the at-fault driver. Your lawyer is there to find out if someone was speeding, was texting on their cell phone, or ignored a stop sign.
Once your attorney is confident in proving who was at fault, they’ll next identify who is liable for compensating you. In many car accident claims, the at-fault driver is also liable. That’s why you demand compensation from them and their insurance policy.
But after some crashes, you’ll demand compensation from another person or business. For example, the driver may have been in a borrowed or rented vehicle, in which case, you may need to file a claim against the vehicle owner’s policy.
Sometimes, the at-fault driver was working at the time of the collision. You may need to file a claim against their employer’s policy.
A benefit of working with a broadside car accident lawyer is knowing they’ll look for any and all liable parties and more insurance coverage.
Were You Hurt in a Broadside Collision?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a side-impact crash, it’s a good idea to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Common broadside car accident injuries include:
- Concussions,
- Serious traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Broken bones,
- Dislocations,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Neck and back injuries, and
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
You’ll have medical bills, lost wages from being out of work, and pain and suffering. The liable party should compensate you for all those losses and more.
Jeremy Hugus of Platte River Injury Law is a highly rated personal injury attorney in Casper, Wyoming. We have helped many Wyoming residents obtain successful results in their personal injury cases, and we want to help you get fair compensation too. Call 307-215-9724 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.