Side-impact accidents, also called T-bone or broadside crashes, occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle (forming a T shape). These collisions are most likely to occur at intersections where cars are turning across multiple lanes of traffic, and they take the lives of thousands of victims nationwide every year. 
Side-Impact Accidents Can Have Lifelong Consequences
Cars are designed with safety systems to protect occupants who are rear-ended or struck head on. However, there is far less protection on the sides of the vehicle, with only a door and a window separating passengers from the steel front end of an oncoming vehicle. As a result, victims in these crashes are especially likely to suffer catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, arm and leg fractures, and spinal cord injury.
Broadside accidents are usually caused by another driver’s negligence, including:
Making an improper left turn
A driver who turns left without checking to see if the intersection is clear can strike a car continuing forward, spinning the car with the right of way and forcing it into oncoming traffic.
Running a red light
A driver who does not stop at a traffic signal may collide with another car with such speed that it forces the broadsided vehicle to roll over, causing it to strike other cars, light poles, guardrails, or leave the road completely.
Making mistakes
Drivers may cause a crash because they misjudge the amount of space between vehicles, miscalculate the amount of time it takes to cross an intersection, or fail to understand traffic signals. Others may miss traffic cues because they are distracted by cellphones or other non-driving activities.
Driving while impaired
Drunk and drugged driving are often factors in broadside collisions. Since impaired drivers typically do not brake before a collision, victims in these accidents may be hit with such force that they are partially or completely ejected from the vehicle.
Have You Been Injured In A Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a car accident you need to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help accident victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.
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