Like any other kind of accident, Broadside collisions can be scary and traumatizing. These types of collisions can come out of nowhere, leaving the driver and passengers vulnerable and unprepared. In addition to the emotional distress from being in an accident, victims can also suffer from severe injuries that require expensive medical treatments and time off work.
If you or a loved one are involved in a broadside collision, the car accident attorneys at McCoy & Sparks can assist you. We understand how devastating the aftermath of a car accident can be and are dedicated to helping our clients recover damages to get the compensation they deserve.
What Is a Broadside Collision?
Broadside collisions, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when one car collides with the side of another vehicle, making what appears to be a “T” shape. These types of accidents are incredibly dangerous and often fatal because they tend to happen when you least expect them, and the side of a vehicle is not built to withstand as much impact as the front or the rear.
In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact (t-bone/broadside) accidents are the second most dangerous kind of collision, with nearly 5,200 deaths reported in 2019.
Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Often Occur?
While a broadside collision can happen anywhere, they tend to occur most often at intersections with cross-directional traffic. This means they can happen at stop signs, intersections with traffic lights, or any other point where traffic intersects—such as where driveways meet roads or entrances and exits to businesses or parking garages.
Intersections, in general, are where most accidents tend to occur are considered highly dangerous. As such, many cities are starting to build more roundabouts and other types of intersections to avoid cars crossing paths. Still, even when the flow of traffic is better managed, these accidents can still occur due to driver negligence, especially when a driver is speeding or distracted.
What Causes Broadside Collisions?
There are numerous reasons why a broadside collision may occur. At intersections, it can happen as a result of:
- Drivers running red lights
- Speeding through the intersection without looking (even if there is a green light)
- Failure to yield the right-of-way at a light or a stop sign
- Faulty traffic lights or signals
- Drivers making left-hand turns in front of oncoming traffic
However, there are numerous other factors that can contribute to a broadside accident no matter where it occurs, including:
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving (such as using a cell phone)
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Poor road or weather conditions
- Lack of adequate signage or traffic signals
How the Car Accident Attorneys at McCoy & Sparks in Central Kentucky Can Help
If you are involved in an accident, the first thing you should take care of is yourself and your injured passengers. Your health and the health and wellbeing of your loved ones should always be your number one priority. This means calling for emergency services to have the accident reported and your injuries addressed.
After a police report has been filed and you have sought medical attention, you should get in touch with a local attorney. Personal injury claims are not easy to navigate, and it is not uncommon for insurers to offer low settlement amounts when victims do not have the support and representation they need to adequately prove fault and provide evidence.
With an attorney on your side, you will have someone advocating for your rights who can fight against insurance companies to ensure the guilty party is held accountable and you are adequately compensated for all that you have suffered. This includes coverage for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firms for over a decade and counting, McCoy & Sparks works to help those in need, representing thousands of clients in Central Kentucky with a focus on providing premium service and delivering superior results. Our goal is to develop a strategy that best serves your personal needs to help you reach the best possible result.
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Make the right call to (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.