A child and an adult were airlifted to UK Medical Center and four others were taken to local hospitals after a two-car crash in Barbourville. Kentucky State Police say that a woman was pulling out of her driveway in a silver Buick sedan when a silver minivan hit her broadside. The accident happened on Old Highway 25 Sunday morning, September 22, 2019.
Both passengers in the Buick were injured and transported to the hospital in stable condition. In the minivan, a passenger and a three-year-old child were airlifted and two others, including a four-year-old, were hospitalized as well.
KSP say that the accident is being investigated and they are focusing on child restraints and drugs and or alcohol usage.
Broadside Accidents
Around 8,000 people die every year from a broadside or T-bone accident which is one of the deadliest types of accidents according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. It happens when a vehicle strikes another vehicle on its side near the middle of the vehicle.
These accidents are dangerous and deadly because it hits the vehicle on the side where the car is most vulnerable putting the occupants directly at risk. Most cars do not have side airbags, and even then they do, they are not as effective as front airbags.
Common Injuries in a Broadside Collision
The side impact throws the passenger in a motion where the seatbelt isn’t as effective in restraining the victim. Also, when the occupants are not wearing their seatbelt, they are much less protected from a side impact.
The violent side-to-side motion can throw the victim about and cause significant injuries. EMT and trauma center workers see certain common injuries that occur in a broadside accident, some of them are:
- Neck Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Collar Bones
- Broken/Displaced Ribs
- Head Injuries
Broadside Liability
In a broadside accident, it usually comes down to which car had the right-of-way as either the driver of the striking car or target car can be at fault. In California, the law places a percentage of the blame on each driver involved, and each driver has to bear their percentage of the responsibility.
Broadside accidents can cause significant damage to the vehicles and well as devastating injuries to the occupants. The insurance company of the at-fault driver will pay for the damages subject to the policy cap.
If you’ve been injured in a broadside accident, you need to talk to an attorney about your case before you speak to someone from the insurance company.
Contact an Experienced Accident 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.
