Side impact car accidents, also known as T-bones or broadside collisions, are particularly dangerous. They occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, often forming a “T” shape, hence the name “T-bone.”
In Colorado Springs and across the country, side impact collisions are common in intersections and high-traffic areas. Recent statistics show that side impact accidents accounted for 22% of all deaths among passenger vehicle occupants in the United States, underscoring how serious these incidents can be.
Unlike head-on collisions, where the engine absorbs much of the impact, side-impact collisions place most of the force right onto the vehicle’s side, where there is often less protection. These crashes often result in severe injuries for drivers and passengers, who may face lifelong consequences due to their injuries.
Having an experienced Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in pursuing the compensation needed for recovery. At Levine Law, we focus on helping victims of side-impact crashes pursue justice, and our team is ready to support you through every step of the claims process.
Understanding Side Impact Accidents
In a side impact or T-bone collision, one car hits the side of another car, usually at a perpendicular or angled impact. This often happens at intersections when one driver does not yield the right of way or stop for a red light, but it can also occur in other situations, like when someone makes a sudden lane change without looking.
These accidents differ from rear-end or head-on collisions. In side impacts, there is less physical protection for those closest to the impact, making the crash particularly risky. However, cars today have added safety features like side airbags that can help absorb the shock, though they don’t always prevent injuries in severe collisions.
Side impact accidents also affect various types of vehicles differently. For example, SUVs may handle a side impact better than compact cars because of their size and structure. However, any vehicle can be affected if the collision is forceful enough, especially when speeds are high.
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Most Common Locations for T-Bone Accidents to Occur
T-bone accidents often happen in areas where cars cross paths unexpectedly. Some of the most common locations where these accidents occur include:
Intersections
Intersections are the top location for T-bone accidents. Drivers sometimes misjudge traffic lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield, leading to dangerous crashes from the side. These mistakes can result in severe injuries because one car hits the other directly on its side.
Parking Lots
Busy parking lots are full of T-bone accident risks, especially when drivers are backing out of spaces or cutting across lanes. The tight spaces and limited visibility make side-impact collisions easier to happen, especially in crowded areas.
Driveways
Driveways that open onto busy roads are at high risk for T-bone crashes. When drivers pull out or back up into traffic, they might miss an oncoming car. This can lead to a sudden impact from the side, which is especially dangerous in high-traffic areas.
Two-Way Stops
At two-way stops, confusion about right-of-way often leads to T-bone crashes. A driver may think it’s safe to proceed, only to be hit by a car with the right-of-way. Misunderstanding or impatience can turn two-way stops into accident hotspots.
Highway Exits
Highway exits where cars merge with oncoming traffic are common places for T-bone accidents. Drivers may misjudge the speed of approaching cars or the space available to merge, causing a side-impact collision. These accidents are particularly risky due to the high speeds on highways.
Common Causes of Side Impact Accidents
Side impact accidents are often the result of negligence or reckless behavior on the road. Some common causes include:
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Reckless lane changes and speeding
- Road hazards or adverse weather conditions
- Failure to yield the right of way
Each of these behaviors increases the likelihood of a serious accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in a side impact accident caused by another’s negligence, seeking help from a skilled side impact car accident attorney in Colorado Springs, CO, can ensure that your rights are protected.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Side Impact Collisions
Due to the nature of side impact accidents, injuries can range from moderate to life-threatening, with long-term effects on the health of victims. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Fractures, particularly of the arms, ribs, and pelvis
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Chest and abdominal injuries from the force of impact
- Spinal cord injuries, leading to chronic pain or paralysis
In addition to physical injuries, victims of side-impact accidents often face emotional and psychological challenges as they recover. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone involved in a side-impact collision.
Long-term rehabilitation may also be necessary to help victims adjust to new limitations or chronic pain, and for many, the journey to recovery can be expensive and demanding.
Liability in Side Impact Accidents
In side-impact accidents, determining who is at fault can be complicated. Colorado operates under comparative negligence laws, meaning that more than one party can share responsibility. However, the amount you can recover may decrease if you are found partially at fault.
Gathering evidence is essential to establish liability. Insurance companies look at police reports, witness statements, and other details to assign blame. In some situations, more than one driver may be partially liable.
Having a Colorado Springs auto accident lawyer who understands these cases can be extremely helpful, as they know how to build a strong case to demonstrate the other driver’s fault and maximize the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation in Side Impact Accident Claims
In side impact accident cases, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages to help cover your financial losses. Here are some of the damages you may be able to claim:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Punitive damages
It’s essential to understand your right to seek compensation for these damages. Hiring the best side impact car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs can make a significant difference, as they will know how to calculate a fair settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries and losses.
How to Build a Strong Side Impact Accident Case
- Working with experts to recreate the crash, showing exactly how it occurred
- Taking detailed statements from witnesses who saw the accident
- Compiling comprehensive medical records of injuries caused by the crash
- Taking pictures of the crash site and damaged vehicles
- Gathering camera footage from nearby vehicles, homes, and businesses
With this evidence, a top-rated side-impact car accident attorney in Colorado Springs can approach the other party’s insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. Levine Law is dedicated to helping victims of side-impact crashes gather the evidence needed to strengthen their claims and ensure they receive fair compensation for the trauma they’ve endured.
Why Work With Us?
Levine Law has extensive experience helping victims and families affected by serious car accidents. Our team in Colorado Springs knows how to handle even the toughest cases, including side-impact collisions.
We stay up-to-date on the latest trucking rules and laws, so we know what to look for and what to do to build a strong case. From gathering evidence to talking to witnesses and negotiating with insurance companies, we handle all the details, allowing you to focus on improving.
At Levine Law, we don’t shy away from challenging cases. We represent clients with severe injuries, like spinal cord damage, serious burns, and brain injuries. We even handle wrongful death cases and stand up to powerful businesses and insurance companies that may be responsible.
For more than 20 years, we’ve been fighting for the rights of accident victims, and our dedication has earned us recognition as some of Colorado Springs’s top trial lawyers.
Our team understands how overwhelming an accident can be, and we’re here to make things easier for you. From the start, we put our clients first. Our lawyers and support staff work together to keep you informed and make sure you get the personalized attention you need. If you’ve been hurt in a side-impact accident, Levine Law is here to stand by you and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
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Contact Our Colorado Springs Side Impact Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a side-impact car accident, contacting an attorney is essential to protect your rights. Our team at Levine Law in Colorado Springs is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you only pay if we successfully secure compensation for you.
Reach out to Levine Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Don’t wait to get the help you need—contact our Colorado Springs side impact car accident lawyer and take the first step toward reclaiming your life. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve and protect your future.
