Broadside Collision Defined

What Is a Broadside Collision?

A broadside collision is a car accident that occurs when the front of one vehicle slams into the side of another vehicle, typically at a high speed. Although any car accident on the road can result in severe injuries, broadside collisions are particularly serious. This is because there is very little space and protection between the person inside the car that is struck and the point of impact.

It can take months, and sometimes even years, for broadside accident victims to recover. Many crash victims face enormous costs in medical bills and rehabilitative expenses. Most of the time, accident victims are also left unable to work, leading to intense financial stress.

Our Texas car accident lawyers at KRW Lawyers work with victims of broadside collisions to determine what full and fair compensation should be after these devastating crashes. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal rights after an accident.

How Our Lawyers Help Victims of Broadside Accidents

Broadside accidents are so extremely complicated. Even though it may seem obvious that one driver is at fault, proving liability is not always straightforward.

At KRW Lawyers, our lawyers have the necessary resources to thoroughly investigate these claims and to determine which driver was at fault. We will collect extensive evidence to prove liability in these complex crashes. Our team will also work to document the full extent of your losses, including future expenses that you could face as a result of your crash.

Throughout the personal injury claims process, our lawyers will manage all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers use a number of tactics to deny, delay, and reduce the value of claims. Our lawyers know how these insurers operate, and we will not be intimidated. We will hold insurance companies accountable and demand the maximum compensation you need to recover.

Common Causes of Broadside Collisions

Most broadside collisions, like most car accidents, are due to driver negligence. The most common causes of broadside collisions include:

• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous. A fatigued driver can easily veer into another lane or run a stoplight, causing a broadside collision.
• Failing to yield right of way: When drivers make a left turn, they must ensure that the way is clear and that there are no cars heading straight in the opposite lane. When motorists fail to do this, a driver could easily strike the side of the vehicle and cause a broadside collision.
• Drunk driving: Impaired driving causes many accidents. Driving under the influence slows a motorist’s reaction time, causes them to lose focus, and results in perception issues. All of these can result in a broadside collision.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Traffic signs and signals are there for a reason. When they are not followed, it places everyone on the road at risk.

These are just a few of the most common causes of broadside collisions. When you work with our dedicated car accident lawyers, we will conduct an investigation into your crash to determine exactly what happened and who is at fault.

Where Do Broadside Collisions Occur?

A broadside collision can happen almost anywhere. However, the most common location for broadside accidents is at intersections because this is where vehicles most often cross paths. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately half of accidents occur at intersections, and many of these are broadside crashes.

However, not all broadside collisions occur at intersections. Any place where an alley or driveway meets a road also poses a strong possibility of broadside accidents. This is because the driver of a vehicle exiting the alley or driveway could fail to look to ensure the way is clear. Or a driver in a vehicle on the road may be speeding around a curve, and the driver in the alley or driveway may pull out thinking the way is clear.

Injuries from Broadside Accidents

A few of the most common injuries suffered in broadside accidents include:

• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Severe cuts and bruises
• Multiple broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Disfigurement
• Amputation
• Internal injuries
• Burns

Any time a person suffers from any of these injuries, it is crucial that they seek medical attention immediately. After getting proper treatment, accident victims should speak to a knowledgeable lawyer about their legal right to compensation.

Compensation for Accident Victims

Texas law allows injured individuals to claim compensation when they are in an accident caused by another person’s negligence. In personal injury claims, this compensation is referred to as damages. The most common types of damages available in these claims include:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Disfigurement or physical impairment

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are meant to punish the defendant, or negligent party, rather than compensate the victim. The courts award this type of damages only when the defendant has shown gross negligence or extreme recklessness.

In Summary

Broadside collisions are extremely dangerous for everyone involved, as they can result in serious injuries to both drivers and passengers. Accident victims can claim compensation when someone else’s negligent actions led to their injuries. However, crash victims should not attempt to file a personal injury claim on their own.

At KRW Lawyers, our powerful team of San Antonio car accident lawyers can help. We know how to hold negligent parties accountable for the damage they have caused. Our team fights fiercely for maximum compensation, with the goal of helping our clients make a full recovery as quickly as possible.

If you have been hurt, contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn how we can help with your case.