What You Need to Know About Side-Impact Car Accidents

Side-impact car collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. These types of car accidents are often serious and may increase the vehicle occupants’ risk of suffering severe injuries or death.

Although side-impact collisions are common, it is important that you understand how these crashes occur and which driver is at fault for the collision. Lynch Law Firm, PC’s New Jersey car accident lawyers understand how to recover compensation for victims of side-impact collisions. We will thoroughly investigate your claim to help you understand if you have a case against the at-fault driver.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. If you believe another driver is at fault for your car accident, we will not hesitate to pursue maximum compensation for your claim.

Causes of Side-Impact Collisions

Determining fault in a side-impact collision often depends on several factors. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, side-impact collisions are often divided into three categories:

• Same-direction sideswipes: These occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle without while traveling next to it. This type of collision may happen when one driver makes an incorrect turn or tries to change lanes without looking and strikes the other vehicle’s side.
• Opposite direction sideswipes: When two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions, one vehicle may cross the center line and strike the side of another vehicle.
• Right-angle collisions: This occurs when two vehicles approach each other from non-opposing directions and crash. This type of side-impact collision is often called a “T-bone” accident, and can occur when one vehicle travels straight through an intersection as another vehicle enters the intersection from the right or left, striking the vehicle’s side.

Side-impact collisions are often serious and can cause significant damage to drivers and passengers. Often, these collisions are the result of driver negligence and occur when one driver fails to yield, becomes distracted or acts recklessly by failing to follow traffic laws.

Injuries Resulting from a Side-Impact Collision

Side-impact collisions can result in many types of injuries. Right-angle collisions often result in more severe injuries than other types of accidents, as the side of a vehicle does not have the same level of impact absorption as the front and rear do.

The most common injuries victims sustain in side-impact crashes are head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis injuries, including:

Who is At Fault for a Side-Impact Collision?

There may be several factors to consider when determining fault for a side-impact collision. This often depends on the cause of the collision and each drivers’ actions during the accident.

For example, right-angle side-impact collisions are often caused by drivers failing to yield to oncoming or approaching traffic. This may happen when one vehicle neglects to stop at a red light or stop sign and strikes another vehicle as a result.

In most cases, the driver of the vehicle that struck the other vehicle is found to be at fault for the accident. This seems like liability would be clear-cut, but other factors may be considered. When more than one driver is at fault for a car accident, New Jersey’s law of contributory negligence is used to determine fault.

Under contributory negligence, each driver involved in the collision will be assigned a percentage of fault based on his or her negligence during the accident. The amount of compensation you may receive will be reduced by the percentage you are assigned.

For example, if you are assigned 30 percent of fault for the crash, your claim’s value will be reduced by 30 percent. However, if you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault for the crash, you cannot recover compensation from the other driver.

Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC for Help After a Car Accident

If you were injured in a side-impact car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Lynch Law Firm, PC’s New Jersey personal injury attorneys will review your case and inform you of any legal options available for pursuing compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our accomplished New Jersey personal injury lawyers. We require no upfront fees and payment for our services is only due if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call (800) 518-0508 and speak to a lawyer today.