Broadside Collisions are frequently caused by a failure to yield the right of way. These types of collisions usually occur at an intersection and because a driver fails to obey traffic signals or traffic devices. The most common examples are running a red light or a stop sign. Another common cause of a broadside collision is a driver negligently making a left-hand turn in front of an approaching car. Data shows that left-hand turns account for fifty-three (53) percent of all crossing path accidents, which are broadside collisions.
A broadside collision is where the side of one vehicle is impacted by the front of rear of another vehicle, forming a “T”. This is why a broadside collision is also referred to as a “T-bone” collision.
Often broadside collisions occur at high speeds, leaving individuals with severe or fatal injuries. Passengers, as opposed to drivers, are at a higher risk.
Broadside collisions occur because a driver is distracted, drowsy speeding or not properly paying attention to the roadway and traffic devices that they are approaching. Reaction time is an important factor in broadside collisions.
Intersections are commonly referred to as planned points of conflict where vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians interact. When those meeting at intersections obey the laws of the road, collisions don’t occur, however, if the laws are not obeyed, serious accidents and injuries often occur.
When behind the wheel of a car, we obviously can only control the operation of our own car, but there are skills that can be used to avoid being involved in a broadside collision. These skills include paying attention to the other cars approaching an intersection, watching for drivers that appear to be speeding towards the intersection which you intend to enter and staying alert to all the circumstances of the roadway as best as you are possible to do so. No matter how much care is undertaken it is difficult to predict how an approaching car is going to respond to a traffic signal or traffic device.
In addition to collisions occurring at intersections with traffic control devices, many happen at “uncontrolled” intersections, meaning those intersections that lack traffic lights and signals.
Statistically, twenty-five (25) percent of all fatal car accidents and nearly fifty (50) percent of all traffic accidents occur at intersections. Intersections are a meeting point for vehicles coming from different directions, which in and of itself creates potential hazards and dangers. They are dangerous meeting points where cars can speed into each other and great force. Intersections are meeting points where cars conflict.
Broadside collisions do not only occur at intersections, as they can occur in parking lots and on neighborhood streets. Also, they do not only involve cars, but, can involve a cyclist or a pedestrian.
What we see at Coluccio Law when handling broadside collision claims are victims who have suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, pelvic fractures, spinal cord injuries, organ damage and neck injuries and brain injuries. The forces involved in these collisions are almost always significant.
If you are involved in a broadside collision, you may be entitled to recover your medical expenses, both past and future, your wage loss, both past and future, loss of enjoyment of life and permanent disabilities and limitations. You should reach out to an experienced attorney to consult with regarding your rights and claim.
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