What is a Broadside Collision?

Broadside collisions, also called T-bone accidents or side impacts, occur when the front of one car strikes the side of another car traveling perpendicular to it. Because vehicles provide less occupant protection on the sides than in the front and rear, people sitting on the side of the vehicle that sustains the impact are more likely to suffer severe injuries in a broadside accident.

Common Types and Causes of Broadside Collisions

Broadside collisions can happen in a variety of situations in which vehicles driving perpendicular to each other converge on the same spot at the same time. Some of the most common places where broadside accidents happen include intersections, parking lots, and when vehicles are entering or exiting driveways or side streets, where visibility may be limited and speed can be difficult to gauge. It’s also common for these accidents to happen when one vehicle turns in front of oncoming traffic.

Most broadside collisions in Tennessee occur due to negligence by one of the drivers involved. Some common causes of broadside accidents include:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving

Broadside car accidents may have more than one cause. For instance, a driver who’s speeding while looking at their phone when approaching an intersection may not realize they’re coming up on a red light and fail to stop before hitting another vehicle that has the right-of-way.

Weather and road conditions can also contribute to T-bone accidents. For example, slick pavement may make it harder for drivers to stop in time to avoid entering an intersection, increasing the risk of colliding with another vehicle that’s lawfully crossing the street.

Where Do T-Bone Crashes Occur Most Often?

T-bone crashes often occur at traffic lights and stop signs where vehicles converge in different directions. For the front end of a car to strike the side of another vehicle, the second car usually needs to be turning in front of the first car or traveling across the intersection from a different direction. Without these particular circumstances, it’s less likely that two vehicles could align in such a way that a broadside collision will occur.

Why Side-Impact Collisions Cause Serious Injuries

Side-impact collisions often cause severe injuries because the sides of vehicles have less structural protection than the front and rear. This limited protection means the impact force is more likely to directly reach the occupants.

Additionally, some older vehicles lack features like side airbags to protect occupants from broadside collisions. Even when cars have side airbags, they can be less effective than front airbags in preventing injuries. The impact from these crashes often occurs closer to the occupants, leading to greater trauma to areas such as the head, chest, and abdomen. The combination of these factors often makes broadside collision injuries more severe.

Get Help from Our Tennessee Broadside Collision Attorneys

A broadside accident is a traumatic experience, and you have the right to demand compensation for the harm you’ve suffered when someone else was at fault. The Terry Law Firm can manage a personal injury claim for you and fight to hold the driver who caused your injuries accountable for their actions.

Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.