Broadside car accidents are among the most damaging and deadly. A broadside collision is also known as a T-bone. It occurs when the front of one car collides with the side – usually the passenger’s side – of another. The shape of the collision resembles a capital “T”. Â
Broadside crashes represent a high percentage of car accidents in California. Broadsides represent 10% of all car crashes in California, but that rate goes up in cities. For example, they represent 30% of all crashes in San Francisco
In a broadside collision, the side of the impacted car has much less capacity than the front or back to protect the passengers from harm. This can result in severe injury including broken bones, concussions, internal injuries, and loss of life.
What Causes Broadside Collisions?
Nobody plans for a broadside collision. Unlike rear-ending or even side-swipes, t-bone collisions are usually caused by a failure to realize that both cars will be in the same place moving in opposing directions. These collisions are extremely dangerous for everyone involved. They can be caused either by the person who impacts the side of the other vehicle or by the impacted vehicle when crossing the flow of traffic without clearance.
Here are the most common causes of a broadside collision.
Running a Stop Sign or Red Light
Traffic lights and stop signs are designed to prevent cars going in different directions from colliding. If a person fails to stop at the right time, they will enter the flow of traffic going in the cross direction.
A person who runs a red light when the other light has turned green may plow into the side of crossing traffic. A person who rolls into an intersection without stopping may be hit by someone going in the authorized direction.
Failing To Yield
The same is true if a driver fails to yield. Yield signs and areas marked for cautious driving intend for drivers to carefully self-sort who will go in each direction. A driver who fails to yield may find themselves in the intersection to hit or be hit by a driver with the right-of-way going in the cross direction.
Driving Distracted
No matter where the collision occurs, distracted driving is often the cause of a T-bone accident. No driver would willingly slam into the broadside of another vehicle or put themselves in a position to be hit. But driving distracted can mean entering an intersection without first checking the safe flow of traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
Intoxicated drivers may lack the ability to fully understand an intersection or traffic situation. They may not move fast enough or may run traffic lights without consideration, becoming either the arm or the stem of the “T” in a T-bone collision.
Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?
Broadside collisions almost always occur at an intersection. This is because intersections handle perpendicular traffic with cars going in all four directions. The busier the intersection, the higher the risk there is of a T-bone collision if even one car breaks the regulated flow of traffic.
More people means a higher chance of
- Someone driving distracted
- A car speeding through at the wrong moment or going faster than expected
- A car moving much more slowly than the others
- Irregular timing of vehicles passing through the intersection
This is why it’s important to always drive defensively and be aware of the drivers around you – from every direction. Human error is dangerous and you can’t always count on the traffic regulations to save you.
Look both ways even when the light is green, and move very carefully on a flashing green or yellow where you are expected to judge open spaces in traffic to cross.
Common Injuries Resulting From Broadside Collisions
Many possible injuries can come from a broadside collision. This is because the people in both cars are subject to opposing forces. Passengers in the impacting car are thrown forward while those in the impacted car are thrown to the side. Those near the impacted side may bear the brunt of the force as the side of the car crumples into their passenger space.
This can result in injuries including:
- Spinal Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis
- Head injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Death
- etc.
Preventing Broadside Collisions
- Obey Traffic Lights and Stop Signs – Pay attention at every marked intersection. stop at stop signs and obey traffic lights. Move with the flow of traffic and diligently follow traffic safety routines.
- Know Your Right-Of-Way Rules – Yield to the person who stopped first, or the person to your right. Left turn yields to all others
- Always Come to a Complete Stop – Take the time to fully stop and consider each intersection at stop signs and flashing stop lights.
- Carefully Evaluate Every Intersection – Never enter an intersection without actively taking note of the cars coming and going in every direction.
- Watch Out for Speeding Vehicles – High-speed vehicles approaching an intersection can surprise you and are a common cause of broadside accidents.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Pay attention to the circumstances and other drivers around you at all times.
- Avoid Distractions While Driving – Make sure you are not doing anything distracting while driving. Find a place to park even adjust your navigation or significantly change the radio or climate control in your car. Never use your phone while driving and only use hands-free apps with your eyes on the road.
Steps To Take After an Accident
If you have experienced a broadside collision, it’s important to know what to do next. Especially because these accidents are highly traumatic and disorienting. Memorizing post-accident steps can help you navigate the moments, days, and months after the accident and help you receive the insurance settlement you will need to cover the cost of injuries and vehicle repair/replacement.
- Get to Safety – If possible, remove the vehicles from the road. Make sure everyone is safe.
- Call 911 – Call for emergency services. Let them know everyone who is injured and request assistance.
- Do Not Say “I’m Sorry” – After a traumatic experience, many people say “I’m sorry” without meaning. But this can be construed as an admission of fault in a car accident. So try not to.
- File a Police Report – Broadside accidents almost universally require a police report due to the amount of damage they cause.
- Collect Contact Information – Get the name, license, phone, email, and insurance information from any other drivers. Collect details from available witnesses, as well.
- Take Photographs of the Accident Scene – On-site, same-day photos are extremely important evidence. If you are unable to take photos yourself due to injuries or trauma, ask an uninjured passenger or witness to take them for you and send them to your phone or email.
- Notify Your Insurance ASAP – As soon as you are able, call your insurance agent and open the claim. You can complete the details over time, but get the process started.
- Call a Car Accident Lawyer – Making an insurance claim, fighting the at-fault blame game, and getting a fair settlement are not battles you have to fight alone. A car accident lawyer can help while you focus on healing and recovery.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident? Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may benefit from contact with an experienced California car accident lawyer. The legal team at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers is here to help when you need us. We want to help you reach out through our online contact page or call (800)718-4658 for a consultation on your accident and situation.
