Side impact crashes, also known as T-bone, crashes are responsible for about a quarter of vehicle occupant deaths in the U.S. – second only to head-on collisions. Additionally, T-bone collisions are three times more likely to cause serious injuries like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) than any other type of accident, and can do so at speeds as low as 18 miles per hour.
Dealing with this kind of accident is traumatic enough, but when you or a loved one is suffering after a side impact collision due to another motorist’s negligent or reckless actions it can be even more difficult. An experienced Fort Lauderdale side impact accident lawyer can help you alleviate the financial pain by pursuing your damages in civil court.
Fort Lauderdale Side Impact Accident Lawyer
With over 35 years serving accident and personal injury victims like you, attorney Lisa Levine of Lisa S. Levine P.A. is driven by compassion for her victims to seek maximum restitution from the appropriate parties – even if it means taking a big insurance company to court. With a network of medical experts and accident re-constructionists ready to testify on your behalf, you can rest assured the personal injury team at Lisa S. Levine P.A. are prepared to fight for justice in your case.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Plantation, Davie, or the surrounding areas contact us. We work on a contingency basis, and your first consultation is free, so call Lisa S. Levine P.A. to set up yours today.
Injury Victim
Causes of Weston T-Bone Collisions
Where side impact crashes most often occur is also telling of what was the most likely cause of the accident. T-bone collisions occur most often in parking lots, big intersections like four-way stops, and where smaller streets intersect large, multi-lane highways. The biggest risk for an accident in these places is failure to yield; therefore, that is what makes up the majority of the following causes for side-impact accidents:
- Inability to yield due to high speed
- Disregard of right-of-way
- Failure to stop
- Performing an illegal U-turn
- Running a stale yellow light
- Turning right at No Right On Red signals
- Failure to yield to oncoming traffic
- Reckless turning
- Vehicle malfunction or defects
- Distracted driver – including texting while driving
- Drunk driving or DUI drugs
A driver who commits any of these dangerous behaviors can cause a serious accident with severe injuries to occupants in his or her own car and in other cars. This individual should be held accountable for the damage they caused with reckless behavior. A skilled Broward County auto accident injury lawyer will be able to pursue damages from that individual and/or his or her insurance company.
Common Injuries Sustained in Broward County Broadside Crashes
There are several circumstances in a side impact collision that can cause injury to a vehicle occupant. The first is which vehicle the occupant is in — the one that was struck or the one that did the striking. In the striking vehicle, the occupant could suffer injuries that are similar to those of a head-on collision. In the vehicle that is struck, there are unique circumstances that can cause specific injuries. These circumstances include:
- Speed at impact
- Size, height, and weight of striking vehicle
- Location of occupant in relation to impact location
- Whether side impact safety features are installed – especially airbags
- If seatbelt fails to prevent side-to-side motion
- Location of armrests and/or consoles
- Whether additional collisions occur
- If the vehicle suddenly changes direction
- If the vehicle spins or rolls over
Usually, a side-impact collision prevents the body from being able to move with the motion of the vehicle during the collision. The above conditions usually cause multiple points of impact of the body with the interior components of the vehicle. If you are on the impact side, you are likely to suffer injuries to the chest, lower extremities, head, and pelvic region, including:
- Fractures or broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Hernia
- Punctured lung
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Concussion or more severe TBI
On the side opposite the point of impact, the main causes of injury is impact of the head and chest area with the car as well as injuries resulting from your body being subjected to large amounts of force, including:
- Muscle sprain or strain
- Muscle tear
- Whiplash
- Severe contusions
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Cracked ribs
- Head Injury
- SCI
- TBI
All of these conditions need medical treatment. Even if the victim suspects no injury, it is recommended that he or she seek medical assistance due to the high risk of internal injury in these types of collisions. These medical expenses can add up quickly, especially when the cost of the damage done to the vehicle is considered. A compassionate and skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney will be able to help you pursue maximum compensation in your side impact collision case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side Impact Accidents
What Steps Should I Take After a Side Impact Car Accident in Broward County?
After any type of car accident, it’s important that you first stop at the scene, move out of traffic if you’re able, turn on your flashers, and call the police.
After those steps are done, if you’re able to, then we recommend documenting the scene, getting the other driver’s contact information, and calling your insurance company.
Read more about what to do after a car accident.
What Should I Keep in My Car in Case I’m Involved in a Car Accident?
While we hope you’re never involved in an accident, it’s such a common occurrence that it’s a smart move to be prepared. Keeping a few key items in your car or in your possession while driving can help you tremendously if you ever find yourself pursuing a car accident claim.
Some essential items you should have with you include:
– A cell phone with a camera
– Pen and paper
– Medical information card with insurance numbers, allergies and conditions that may require special attention
– Emergency Contact names and numbers
– First aid kit
– Small road cones
– Emergency flares
Should I Post on Social Media if I am Involved in an Auto Accident?
For many of us, posting on social media sites is a part of daily life. In general, there’s nothing wrong with sharing your life with friends and family online. However, when you are in the middle of a personal injury lawsuit, social media activity can hurt your chances of a successful claim.
Read more from experienced auto accident attorney Lisa Levine on social media and personal injury claims.
What Is Comparative Negligence and How Will It Affect My Florida Side Impact Collision Claim?
Florida judges and juries apply what is known as “comparative negligence” when awarding damages in a personal injury case. If it’s been determined both drivers (and possibly even a third party) share some responsibility for a side impact collision, then the judge and/or jury must decide to what percentage each party’s negligence contributed to the accident.
Any compensation you are awarded for damages will be reduced by the percentage to which you are found at fault. If you are determined to be more than 50% at fault the accident will not be able to recover damages.
Learn more about how comparative negligence affects your Florida personal injury claim
Get Help from an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Side Impact Accident Lawyer After a T-Bone Car Crash
A side impact crash can be one of the most severe collisions you or your loved one can endure. With a high risk both for severe injury and a totaled car — you have enough to worry about seeking medical treatment and alternate transportation.
Let the experienced and compassionate personal injury legal team at Lisa S. Levine P.A. handle your civil case for damages incurred in a Broward County, Miami-Dade County, or Palm Beach County T-Bone collision. Your first consultation is free, so call (954) 256-1820 today.
