Side Impact Collisions

A side impact collision occurs when one vehicle runs into the side of another vehicle. This type of accident often results in serious injuries and death. Twenty-five percent of all traffic deaths are a result of a side impact collision, and most commonly occurs at intersections where two or more roads intersect. Causes for these accidents include:

• Failing to come to a complete rest at a stop sign
• Running a red light
• Rushing through a yellow light
• Failure to yield to oncoming vehicles
• Illegal turns
• Turning across traffic lanes before it is safe to do so
• Ignoring a delayed green light
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Drunk and drugged driving
• Mechanical failure, such as brake or steering malfunctions
• Inclement weather
• Poor road conditions

The cause of the side impact collision is vital to determining who is liable for the accident. The driver who fails to obey traffic signs and signals is most often at-fault. Reckless driving, distracted driving, and speeding are considered negligent actions by the driver, making them potentially liable for the collision.

Injuries Related to Side Impact Collisions

Side impact collisions typically result in serious and often deadly injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain Injury (TBI)
• Neck and spinal injuries
• Severe cuts and lacerations
• Fractured and crushed bones
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Sprained or torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• Airbag injuries, such as punctured eardrums, facial injuries, and bruising
• Seat belt injuries across the chest and abdomen

Treatment of side impact injuries can be costly and require long recovery periods. The high cost of emergency rooms, hospitalizations, surgery, prescription medications, physical and cognitive therapy, ongoing doctor visits, and lost wages can place significant financial burdens on the victim.

Investigating a Side Impact Collision

If you’re injured in a side impact collision, it helps to have an experienced auto accident attorney on your side.  Your attorney will gather the necessary evidence to investigate your claim, including:

• Official police report
• Witness testimony
• Pictures and videos of the accident scene
• Medical records of both drivers and all passengers
• Physical examination of all vehicles involved in the crash
• Depositions from both drivers
• Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
• Evidence of negligent or reckless driving

Evidence is crucial in proving liability in a side impact collision. The more evidence that can be gathered at the time of the accident, the greater the chance of proving which driver was at-fault. Cell phones have become pivotal in gathering hard evidence, as video and pictures tell the story of what occurred at the scene.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Help Victims of Side Impact Collisions Claim Compensation

If you or a loved one was injured in a side impact collision, ycall the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP at 800-222-8792 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Allentown and Harrisburg.