A broadside accident is frightening for those in the car being hit and cause significant property damage and serious bodily injury. A broadside, also called a T-bone, happens when a car hits another in its side at a 90-degree angle.
According a study from the University of Michigan Crash Response Information, there are around 3 million broadside crashes in the U.S. each year. These account for around 9,400 fatalities each year which is about 30 percent of all motor vehicle deaths.
What Makes a Broadside so Dangerous?
The dynamics of the impact in a broadside is what makes it so dangerous to those involved. The crash is usually violent, and the occupants in the target car are often thrown about inside the vehicle. Those in the striking car are thrown forward into the dash or steering wheel when the airbags don’t go off.
The side of the car doesn’t have the same ability to absorb the impact, and a significant portion of the energy is transferred to the occupants. Also, few cars have side airbags, which aren’t as effective as front seat airbags when they are deployed.
Injuries Common to a Broadside Accident
In a broadside accident, the occupants of the target car usually suffer the greatest injury as they are the least protected. The higher the speed of the striking car, the higher the impact to the target car which creates a higher risk of serious injury or death for the occupants.
Some of the injuries common to a broadside accident are:
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Head Injuries/Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Collarbones
- Broken Ribs
- Punctured Lungs
- Organ Damage
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Air bag injuries
Do I Need an Attorney?
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field. Talk to someone you can trust to be on your side and get you what is yours under the law.
The attorneys at Kaufman and Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, at (800) 937-8443 or click here to contact them online.
