Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, often resulting in serious injuries and significant damage. Understanding the different types of collisions and how they occur can help drivers stay safer on the road. Broadside collisions, which involve a vehicle being struck on its side, are particularly dangerous and can lead to severe consequences for those involved.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a broadside collision in Pennsylvania, it’s important to know your rights and legal options. The experienced team at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can assist you with handling the claims process. Call (724) 658-8535 to speak with a Western Pennsylvania car accident attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Broadside Collision in Pennsylvania?
A broadside collision, often referred to as a T-bone accident, occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. This type of crash typically happens at intersections or when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light, resulting in the side of one vehicle being hit directly by the front of another vehicle.
Broadside collisions are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear, making occupants more vulnerable to injury. In Pennsylvania, these accidents can lead to significant damage and serious injuries, depending on the speed and angle of impact. Understanding the dynamics of broadside collisions can help drivers take extra precautions, especially at intersections or when navigating through areas with heavy traffic.
How Broadside Collisions Happen
Most broadside collisions occur at intersections, where two vehicles travel in perpendicular directions. This can happen when one vehicle runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign, causing the side of another vehicle to be struck. Intersections are particularly risky due to cross-traffic, turning vehicles, and the potential for human error. In fact, a significant percentage of crashes take place at intersections, with some reports indicating that nearly half of all accidents occur in these areas.
However, broadside collisions are not limited to intersections. Other common locations include:
- Driveways and Side Roads: When vehicles pull out of driveways or side roads, they may not see oncoming traffic and can be struck in the side.
- Parking Lot Aisles: Vehicles moving through parking lots or making turns may unexpectedly collide with other vehicles.
- Highway Merge Areas: Drivers entering highways or merging lanes may cause broadside crashes if they fail to yield to oncoming vehicles.
In all of these situations, it is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and cautious, as broadside collisions can happen in a variety of settings, often due to a failure to yield or improper judgment. Maintaining awareness of surrounding traffic and yielding the right of way when necessary can significantly reduce the risk of such accidents.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
Broadside collisions can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which involve driver error or risky behavior. Understanding the most common causes can help drivers recognize potential dangers and take steps to avoid these accidents.
Failure to Yield/Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
One of the most common causes of broadside collisions is when drivers ignore traffic signals or attempt to “beat the light.” According to the AAA, a significant number of drivers admit to running red lights, making it a widespread issue. Many Pennsylvania cities have installed red-light cameras to help combat this problem.
Distracted Driving
Texting or failing to pay attention while driving can lead to serious accidents. In broadside collisions, distracted drivers may miss a stop sign or fail to recognize they don’t have the right-of-way. Nationally, thousands of deaths have been linked to distracted driving, underscoring its dangers.
Speeding
Excessive speed increases the risk of an accident at intersections. A driver traveling too fast may have difficulty stopping for a red light, and the force of impact in a broadside crash can be catastrophic. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 29% of traffic deaths involve speeding, and speeding exacerbates the severity of collisions, including a higher chance of rollovers or severe injury.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that a driver will run a light or fail to stop when needed. Broadside collisions resulting from impaired driving are particularly dangerous and, from a legal perspective, may lead to punitive damages. Statistically, alcohol is involved in a significant percentage of fatal crashes.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue can have a similar effect to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A drowsy driver may fail to stop at an intersection or miss important cues, such as traffic signals. Data from AAA reveals that 41% of drivers have fallen asleep behind the wheel at some point, highlighting the dangers of driving while tired.
Poor Visibility/Weather
Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, can obstruct a driver’s ability to see clearly, leading to poor judgment and collisions. Visibility issues, like turning left with a blocked line of sight, are also common contributors to broadside accidents. Older drivers, in particular, may struggle with judging gaps in traffic, especially during left turns, leading to a higher likelihood of these types of crashes.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Failure to Yield/Running Lights | Ignoring stop signs or red lights, often attempting to “beat the light.” |
| Distracted Driving | Includes texting or inattentiveness, leading to missed traffic cues or signs. |
| Speeding | Makes it harder to stop in time and increases crash severity. |
| Drunk/Impaired Driving | Alcohol or drugs impair decision-making and reaction time. |
| Drowsy Driving | Fatigue causes slow responses and missed signals, similar to drunk driving. |
| Poor Visibility/Weather | Rain, fog, snow, or obstructed views impair judgment—especially during turns. |
Why Broadside Collisions Are So Dangerous
Broadside collisions are particularly dangerous due to the way the force of impact affects the occupants of the vehicle. Unlike front or rear crashes, where the vehicle’s crumple zones can absorb some of the impact, side impacts offer very little protection. With only the door and window between the occupant and the force of the collision, the risk of injury is significantly higher.
While modern vehicles are often equipped with side airbags and reinforced side-impact bars to provide additional protection, these features may not be enough to prevent serious injuries, especially at higher speeds. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side impacts accounted for 22% of passenger vehicle deaths in 2022, further emphasizing the dangers associated with these types of collisions.
Common Injuries
T-bone accidents can result in a range of severe injuries, many of which require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries in broadside collisions include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: The force of the impact can cause the head to strike the side window or pillar, or result in whiplash movement, leading to brain injuries. These injuries can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries that can have long-lasting effects.
- Neck and Spinal Injuries: Whiplash injuries are common in side-impact collisions, but the lateral force of the crash can also directly affect the spine, increasing the risk of severe injuries, including paralysis.
- Chest and Abdominal Injuries: The intrusion of the side of the car can cause broken ribs, damage to internal organs, and internal bleeding, all of which can lead to life-threatening conditions and require urgent medical attention.
- Broken Bones: Fractured arms, legs, or pelvis are common in side-impact crashes, particularly for the driver or passenger on the side of the vehicle that was hit.
- Lacerations: Shattered glass or metal from the door and window can cause deep cuts and lacerations, adding to the trauma of the collision.
These injuries often require significant medical intervention, including surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care. The impact on the victim’s quality of life can be profound, with many people facing permanent disabilities or a long recovery process. Even at moderate speeds, a broadside hit can lead to life-changing injuries, and the risks are even higher when a larger vehicle, like a truck or SUV, strikes a smaller car.
Pennsylvania Law: Who Is Liable for a Broadside Collision?
In Pennsylvania, the driver who violated traffic rules and caused the broadside collision will generally be found at fault. This is typically the driver who ran a red light, failed to yield during a left turn, or disregarded other right-of-way rules. When a driver does not follow traffic laws, they are considered negligent, and their actions can directly contribute to the accident.
Police often issue a traffic citation to the at-fault driver, and this citation can play a crucial role in supporting an injury claim. However, there are situations where fault may be disputed. For example, both drivers may claim the other had the red light. In these cases, additional evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, skid marks, and accident reconstruction can help determine who was truly responsible for the crash.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if both drivers share some level of fault for the accident, their liability will be divided based on their percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages from the other driver.
If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but the amount will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault (perhaps because you were slightly speeding), and the other driver is 80% at fault, you could still receive compensation. If the total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000 after the 20% reduction for your own fault.
This rule means that insurance companies often try to place some of the blame on the victim in order to minimize their payout. For this reason, having an attorney is extremely helpful. An experienced Western Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help ensure that unfair blame isn’t placed on you, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Claims in Pennsylvania (Limited Tort vs Full Tort)
Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system is designed to ensure that your medical bills are paid quickly after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, your own insurance company will cover medical expenses up to the policy limit (at least $5,000). This means that if you are injured in a broadside collision, you don’t have to wait for fault to be determined before receiving treatment. PIP coverage helps you get the necessary care without delay. However, it’s important to note that while PIP provides coverage for medical expenses, it does not cover pain and suffering, lost wages, or other non-medical damages.
When it comes to pursuing additional compensation, Pennsylvania offers two options: Limited Tort and Full Tort. The type of coverage you choose will impact your ability to seek damages beyond medical expenses, particularly for things like pain and suffering.
- Full Tort: If you select Full Tort, you have the unrestricted right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for all damages resulting from the accident. This includes not only medical costs but also pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. Essentially, Full Tort gives you full access to the legal system to seek compensation for the entire range of consequences caused by the accident, without limitations.
- Limited Tort: On the other hand, with Limited Tort coverage, your ability to seek compensation for pain and suffering is restricted. In most cases, you can only pursue non-economic damages if you suffer a serious injury. Pennsylvania defines “serious injury” as one that involves:
- Death
- Serious impairment of bodily function
- Permanent serious disfigurement
Many of the injuries that occur in broadside collisions, such as broken bones, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and internal injuries, often meet Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold. Therefore, even if you have Limited Tort coverage, you may still be eligible to pursue compensation for pain and suffering if your injuries qualify.
Exceptions to Limited Tort
There are exceptions to the Limited Tort rule where you can still pursue non-economic damages, even if you don’t meet the serious injury threshold. These include:
- If the at-fault driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI): If the other driver was impaired at the time of the accident, Limited Tort restrictions do not apply, and you may be able to sue for pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
- If you were a pedestrian: Pedestrians hit by a vehicle are not subject to Limited Tort restrictions. As a pedestrian, you can always pursue pain and suffering claims against the at-fault driver, regardless of your level of injury.
It’s important to understand that, while Limited Tort provides some cost savings on premiums, it may significantly limit your ability to seek fair compensation if you’re seriously injured. Many people who opt for Limited Tort assume they won’t need to file a lawsuit for pain and suffering, but accidents—especially high-impact ones like broadside collisions—can lead to severe injuries that meet the serious injury threshold.
What to Do After a Broadside Collision
Being involved in a broadside collision can be a traumatic experience, but knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what you should do immediately following an accident:
Ensure Safety and Health
First and foremost, check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Your safety and health should be your top priority. If you are able to do so, move to a safe location to avoid further accidents or injury, but only if it is safe to do so.
Call the Police
It’s important to have law enforcement respond to the scene, especially in intersection accidents like broadside collisions. The police will create an official report, which serves as an impartial record of the accident. This report will be crucial for any injury claims and can help establish who was at fault.
Exchange Information
Make sure to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision. This includes:
- Names and contact details
- Insurance information
- Vehicle details (make, model, license plate number)
Additionally, get contact information for any witnesses, such as passersby or other drivers who may have stopped to help. Their statements could be valuable if fault is disputed.
Document the Scene
If you’re able to, take photos of the scene. Capture:
- The vehicles involved, including the angle of impact and visible damage (this will help demonstrate that the collision was a broadside hit)
- The location, especially if the crash occurred at an intersection, showing any traffic signals or signs
- Skid marks or debris, which can provide important clues about the speed and movements leading up to the crash
This visual evidence can play a key role in establishing the facts of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have apparent injuries, it’s critical to get a medical evaluation. In the aftermath of an accident, adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries may not show up immediately. Delayed injuries, such as concussions or soft-tissue damage (like whiplash), are common in broadside collisions, and seeing a doctor creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash. This is essential for your insurance claim and any legal action you may pursue later.
Notify Your Insurance
In Pennsylvania, reporting the accident to your insurance provider promptly is required. Let them know what happened, stick to the facts, and avoid admitting fault. Your insurer will activate your PIP coverage to help pay for your medical bills. It’s important to be accurate in your report, as any discrepancies could complicate your claim later on.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
After a serious broadside collision, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can guide you through the claims process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery. The complexity of dealing with insurance companies, understanding your rights, and proving fault can be challenging, which is why having legal representation can significantly benefit you.
Why Choose Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
If you’ve been involved in a broadside collision, it’s essential to have a dedicated team on your side to protect your interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., we understand the legal nuances involved in car accident cases and can assist you every step of the way. With our experienced attorneys by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a broadside collision, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. at (724) 658-8535 today for a consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
