Broadside collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when one vehicle crashes into another vehicle’s side. After hitting the side of another vehicle, the two perpendicular vehicles resemble a “T” shape.

These types of car accidents are especially dangerous given the angle of impact and reduced protection at a vehicle’s side. Broadside collisions frequently occur at intersections, which can be prone to accidents considering the intersecting lanes and paths that cars and other vehicles travel along.

If you’ve been involved in a broadside collision, it’s important to speak with an experienced Kentucky car accident attorney. T-bone accidents can lead to serious injuries and physical and psychological harm. If another driver’s negligence caused your injury, you are owed monetary compensation for your accident-related expenses. Call the Kentucky car accident attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads Injury Lawyers at 888-709-9329 and ask for a free initial consultation about your case.

How Do Broadside Accidents Happen?

So, where do broadside collisions most commonly occur? T-bone accidents almost always occur when two vehicles are traveling in different directions. Therefore, intersections are the most common place where such accidents occur. Drivers making left turns or pulling out of driveways and parking spaces can also be prone to broadside accidents.

At any point where traveling cars intersect, all drivers must use their judgment and spatial awareness to gauge vehicle speed, distance, and other factors. Traffic lights, stop signs, and other mechanisms control traffic, but motorists still have to exercise caution and awareness while driving.

However, broadside accidents often occur as a result of negligence. Drivers who do not exercise care are often demonstrating negligence. Example actions and behaviors include:

• Speeding – Drivers who exceed the speed limit open themselves up to risk and potential accidents. T-bone accidents at high speeds are incredibly dangerous to both vehicles involved.
• Distracted driving – Driving through intersections while distracted by cellphones, car radios, passengers, and other sources of distraction can be very dangerous. Drivers who don’t pay attention to the task at hand open themselves up to broadside collision risk.
• Intoxicated drivers – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never safe or permitted. The risk of T-bone accidents, and all matter of other accidents, increases when negligent drivers operate vehicles while impaired.
• Aggressive driving – Drivers who take their emotions out on the road and drive aggressively while angry or agitated pose a great risk to other drivers. Such drivers can pose an especial risk at intersections by driving recklessly around other vehicles.

Why Are Broadside Accidents So Dangerous?

All types of car accidents pose dangers. Broadside accidents can be so dangerous, however, because of the nature of their impact. When a vehicle traveling in one direction hits another vehicle’s side, all of that force and momentum go into the vehicle’s side, meaning its doors, windows, and other side components take the brunt of the impact.

The sides of cars have little buffer to absorb force and impact. A car’s hood and trunk, on the other hand, can absorb some impact by bending and crushing to lessen the blow, creating a crumple zone. Windows, doors, and sides of vehicles offer little space and material for such absorption.

Therefore, even low-speed T-bone accidents can cause significant injury to all drivers and passengers in an accident. Broadside collisions are also more likely to cause vehicle rollover compared to head-on or rear-end collisions. Rollovers can cause further injuries.

Receiving Compensation Following a Broadside Collision

If another driver struck your vehicle and caused a broadside collision, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. A negligent driver can be held liable for your damages, and a Kentucky car accident lawyer can help you obtain just compensation. You shouldn’t be stuck having to pay large medical bills after an accident, and you should not have to worry about missed work and other added expenses after an accident. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as you’re able to following an accident.

Car Accident? Contact Rhoads & Rhoads

If you’ve been injured in a broadside collision, the Kentucky car accident lawyers at Rhoads & Rhoads want to learn more about you and your case. Our experienced legal team knows how to negotiate with insurance companies so that you aren’t shortchanged when it comes to monetary compensation.

We’ll provide a free case evaluation after you call us at 1-800-709-9329. Don’t settle for paltry compensation from an insurance company; instead, seek full compensation with the help of an expert car accident legal team.