Being broadsided is another way to say you’ve been T-boned. Broadside collisions can be incredibly dangerous for those inside the vehicles involved, particularly the ones who have been impacted on the side. Here, we want to examine how broadside collisions occur, the most common types of injuries in these accidents, and the process of recovering compensation for victims.
How Broadside Collisions Happen
Broadside collisions can occur in a wide variety of ways. When we examine the most common causes of T-bone collisions and Pennsylvania, we typically see that they occur as a result of the following:
- Drivers failing to stop at a stop light or stop sign. When this type of incident occurs, this significantly increases the chance that a broadside collision will occur.
- Drivers performing left turns at intersections right into the path of oncoming traffic. Intersections are inherently dangerous, and making a left-hand turn across traffic is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of intersection usage.
- Drivers rolling out of an alleyway, parking lot, or driveway and right into the path of vehicles that already have the right of way on the main roadway.
Of course, this is not a complete list of the ways that broadside collisions occur in Pennsylvania. However, most of these collisions occur when one driver fails to yield the right of way to other drivers or to traffic.
Common Injuries Resulting From Broadside Collisions
Broadside collisions often result in significant injuries for those involved. This is particularly true for those inside the vehicle struck on the side. Vehicles are designed primarily to absorb impacts from the front and rear of the vehicle. Even though safety standards have significantly increased when it comes to T-bone collisions, the reality is that there is less “heavy vehicle material” protecting occupants when they get struck on the side.
Broadside collisions can lead to a range of injuries, including whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, significant bruising, fractures or dislocations, internal organ damage, and more. In addition to these traumatic injuries, broadside accident victims may also suffer from various types of emotional and psychological trauma. This can include feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compensation Available for Broadside Collisions
T-bone accident victims may be able to recover various types of compensation from the at-fault driver. We strongly encourage any crash victim to contact a skilled attorney who can examine the facts of their case. A lawyer will get to work investigating the incident, obtaining the evidence needed to prove liability, and handling negotiations with the insurance carriers involved. Broadside collision victims should be able to recover the following from the at-fault party:
- Coverage of all emergency medical bills
- Payment of any follow-up doctor visits
- Compensation for physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Coverage of medications or medical devices
- Lost wages if they are unable to work
- Payment for household service assistance
- Rental vehicle assistance
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering damages
Your Philadelphia accident lawyer will enlist assistance from trusted medical and economic professionals who can evaluate your particular situation and help properly calculate the total expected compensation.