Side Impact Collisions in Missouri

Side impact collisions are sometimes called angle collisions or T-bone accidents. They occur most often in intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way to another and collides with the side of a car already in the intersection, forming a T shape. Side-impact collisions are the most common type of car accident, making up 44.9% of collisions and causing 8,800 fatalities in 2022.

What Are the Common Causes of Side Impact Collisions in Missouri?

Side-impact accidents are a significant cause of serious injuries in Missouri and elsewhere. The severity of the injuries and damage to the vehicle depends on the speed at which the collision occurs. Higher speeds increase the crash force in a collision. Side-impact accidents most commonly occur due to the following:

• Negligent or reckless drivers who drive through red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right of way when exiting a parking lot or driveway
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Intoxicated driving
• Slippery road conditions
• Improper merging
• Improper turns
• Speeding
• Illegal U-turns

Speeding makes it more difficult to come to a stop promptly to avoid a collision, making it a factor in both the cause and severity of side-impact collisions.

What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Side-Impact Collisions?

Side-impact accidents in Missouri result in serious injuries to motorists in both vehicles since motorists in one vehicle experience a head-on collision and the other is hit on the side of the car where the body of the vehicle is thinnest and lacks the buffer zone of the front end or trunk. Typically, the motorists in the vehicle hit on the side in side-angle accidents suffer more severe injuries. Common injuries in side-impact collisions include the following:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures, including of the limbs, hips, pelvis, ribs, and clavicle
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Back and neck injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Lacerations, bruises, and abrasions

Because a side-impact collision causes impact only inches away from where passengers inside the vehicle are seated, they may suffer serious injuries from the inward collapse of the door panel and side of the car.

Who Is At Fault in a Side Impact Collision?

It’s easy to assume that the driver of the vehicle that struck the side of the other car is the party at fault in a side-impact collision but this isn’t always the case. For instance, suppose that the driver had a green light and proceeded through the intersection and the other vehicle was present in the intersection because they tried to beat a yellow light and crossed on red?

It often takes a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault in a side-impact collision. Proving fault requires documenting evidence showing the at-fault driver’s actions meet the legal components of liability which include the following:

• The at-fault driver owed a duty of reasonable care to prevent causing injuries to others
• They breached this duty through negligence
• Their negligent breach of duty directly caused the accident and injuries
• The injury victim suffered significant damages due to the injury

Damages in side-impact accidents in Missouri often include property damage, income loss, and compensation for pain and suffering, Injury victims recover compensation for these damages through a car accident claim or lawsuit.

Call The Floyd Law Firm If You’ve Experienced a Side-Impact Car Accident in Missouri

Insurance companies commonly dispute fault in side-impact collisions in Missouri, making it challenging to recover full compensation for your damages. It’s always best to hire an experienced St. Louis accident attorney after an accident and then direct all communication with the insurance company to your lawyer.