Last updated on May 12, 2022
Being hit in the side is one of the worst things that can happen to you in a vehicle. Side crashes tend to cause catastrophic injuries because there is no “crumple zone” – and not all vehicles have a side impact protection system installed, especially if they were manufactured prior to 2009.
If you have been the victim of a crash in King County, Pendergast Law will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve. We understand that getting T-boned is a fraction of what you have to deal with now, and our Seattle car accident lawyers are just a phone call away. Call 888-539-9211 to learn about your legal options today.
Side Impact Accident Recoveries
- $390,000 recovery for a woman who injured her back when she was sideswiped by another car on I-90.
- $165,000 recovery for a man who injured his low back when he was broadsided by another car in Federal Way.
- $165,000 recovery for a man who had knee surgery as a result of being T-boned by another car in Kent.
- $150,000 recovery for a man who fractured his hand when he was T-boned by another car in Kent.
- $140,000 recovery for a woman who injured her neck when she was broadsided by a car that pulled out from an alley in Seattle.
- $120,000 recovery for a woman who fractured her ankle when she was T-boned by another car in Snoqualmie.
What Are Types Of Side-Impact Collisions?
Generally, there are three types of side-impact collisions:
- T-bone or broadside: When one car strikes another in its center at a right angle, creating the impression of a crumpled “T” shape, it is called a T-bone, a broadside, or a right-angle collision. Broadsides are the most dangerous side-impact collisions and often fatal if high speeds were involved.
- Sideswipe: Sideswipes seem minor in themselves, but a hard sideswipe near the rear or front of a moving car can turn the vehicle around, spinning it into traffic and creating secondary accidents or a chain-reaction collision.
- Angled collision: Somewhere between a sideswipe and a T-bone, an angled collision is any other impact to the side of a car from the nose or rear of another vehicle. These are common in areas where moving traffic interacts with stopped or slow traffic, such as parking lots or intersections.
A car can also be hit by another vehicle in the front or rear and pushed or spun into another object that strikes its side, such as a bollard, traffic pole or tree. Side-impact collisions can also be more likely to cause a rollover and vehicle occupant ejection, which lead to catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured in a side-impact collision, contact a Seattle car accident lawyer immediately to ensure that your rights are protected. You may be entitled to compensation.
How Do These Accidents Happen?
The majority of side-impact accidents are a result of human error, which means they are almost entirely preventable. Side-impact crashes happen all the time when a driver fails to drive cautiously and defensively. He or she may be:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Violating other traffic laws
If your accident was the result of another driver’s wrongdoing, our Seattle intersection accident attorneys will go to work to build a strong case against the at-fault driver.
Injuries Are Worse In Side-Impact Crashes
Most vehicles are equipped with seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones and other safety features designed to withstand front or rear-end collisions. However, there is little to shield the occupants along the left and right sides of the vehicle. Studies have found the front of most automobiles can withstand at least five times more energy than the sides. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), side-impact crashes are more likely to cause injuries to the head, neck and spine than front or rear impacts. Victims may also suffer:
- Chest injury
- Abdominal trauma, including internal organ rupture
- Pelvic fractures
- Femur fractures
- Crush injuries, especially on extremities nearest to the impact
- Traumatic amputation
- Severe lacerations, from the broken glass and metal
The greater the difference between the two vehicles’ speeds, the worse the injuries will probably be. When you suffer severe injuries, you deserve aggressive advocacy to ensure your rights are fully protected. You may be entitled to receive financial compensation for all the damages caused by the side-impact crash, including your medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.
Call Our Experienced Team And Let Us Investigate
At Pendergast Law, we strongly believe innocent victims should have fair and just compensation from the negligent party. Our Seattle car accident attorneys will use the full scope of our experience and resources to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us no fees unless we receive fair and just compensation for you. Call 888-539-9211 to set up your free consultation.