The most common causes of side-impact collisions involve careless or reckless mistakes on the part of the at-fault driver. Some actions that lead to this type of collision include:
- Failure to yield
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Distracted driving
- Drinking or drug use
Side-impact collisions generally occur in intersections. They are sometimes called T-bone collisions or broadside accidents because of how the vehicles collide, with the front of one car impacting the side of another and forming a “T.”
Causation of Side-Impact Collisions
While speed, distraction, and other factors may trigger a crash, you will need to prove exactly what happened to allow your car to collide with the other vehicle as a part of building your case against the at-fault driver. In general, this usually means identifying the traffic law the other motorist violated immediately before they slammed into your vehicle.
Many of these accidents occur after a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic. This can occur when making a right or left turn. Sometimes, motorists will glance for vehicles but not thoroughly look. In many cases, psychological distractions may be in play. However, all you need to prove is that the driver failed to uphold their duty of care while driving.
Other traffic violations that can cause this type of crash include:
- Running a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Going out of turn at a stop sign
- Ignoring a traffic sign or signal
Proving Your Side-Impact Collision Case in Ohio
All of the most common causes of side-impact collisions come down to negligence on the part of the at-fault motorist. Once you know the precipitating event and the traffic laws the driver violated that led to your accident, you need to confirm the remaining factors to prove negligence.
The four factors necessary in a negligence case include:
- The driver had a responsibility to take a specific action, such as yielding before turning on green.
- The driver failed to take that action, turning without ensuring there was no oncoming traffic.
- Their traffic violation caused a collision and your injuries.
- You suffered harm because of the accident.
Evidence to Prove Your Accident-Related Losses
If you have evidence to show what caused the collision and to tie your injuries to it, the only thing left to prove is that you sustained physical and financial harm in the crash. This may require documentation of your:
- Medical treatment
- Injuries
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
- Prognosis
- Future care needs
- The value of your expenses and losses
Side-Impact Crash Injuries That May Qualify You for Compensation
In a broadside collision, the occupants of the car struck in the side are at significant risk of injury, permanent disability, and even death. According to data analysis published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), over a quarter of the fatal collisions in the United States in 2018 were side-impacts.
While side airbags, reinforced side panels, crumple zones, door foam, and safety standards have all reduced the risk associated with these collisions, they are still dangerous.
Injuries may include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Serious lacerations and contusions
- Limb injuries
Developing a Claim Based on a Side-Impact Collision
If you suffered injuries in an Ohio T-bone crash, speak with an attorney from our firm as soon as you can. We may be able to help you pursue damages based on the injuries and other harm you suffered.
An attorney with our firm can:
- Handle all communication about your case
- Help you understand the value of your damages
- Gather evidence to prove negligence and liability
- Take other steps to put your best interests front and center
While it may be possible to reach a settlement agreement without suing the at-fault party, you generally only have two years to file a lawsuit if you need to do so. This is found in Ohio Revised Codes:
- Personal injury: ORC § 2305.10
- Wrongful death: ORC § 2125.02
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Get a Free Case Evaluation of Your Side-Impact Collision Case Today
You can speak with the Fitch Law Firm LLC about your Ohio traffic accident today. We provide free case assessments and can help you understand your options for pursuing damages. If our team handles your insurance claim or sues the at-fault motorist on your behalf, we will do so based on contingency. We never ask our clients to pay for our services upfront.
Call (614) 545-3930 to learn more and get started with your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.