What Happens to Your Body in a Side-Impact Collision?

Side-impact collisions are often harder on the human body than other accidents. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), angled crashes made up 18.6% of fatal accidents in 2017. Below, we’ll cover what happens to a body during a side-impact collision.

If someone caused your side-impact crash, a lawyer can assist. You might need help showing the other driver’s fault. Your lawyer can help you build a strong claim for compensation.

Our car accident lawyers can help. To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (469) 998-4069, or contact us online.

What Happens to Your Body During a Side-Impact Crash

Bodies are not naturally able to endure car accidents. An accident happens quickly and forcefully. Unfortunately, the sudden transfer of energy can cause a lot of damage.

During a front collision, your car absorbs more of the crash energy. Manufacturers build modern vehicles to absorb more of the force and reduce damage. But in a side-impact accident, there’s little between you and the door. A car door is usually between four and six inches wide.

A side-impact crash hits your body from the side. The following injuries can happen:

Rib fractures
Broken pelvis
Broken neck or shoulders
Upper body injuries
Back injuries
Internal organ damage

Someone on the side of the impact is most at risk. The accident usually strikes the neck, head, chest, legs, and abdomen. Drivers or passengers on the other side tend to have head or chest injuries. Occupants can also suffer limb injuries if the other person’s body hits them.

Side-impact crash injury severity depends on the accident. Higher speeds and impacts cause more deadly injuries.

Neck and Spine Injuries

Crash simulation studies have shown that non-fatal spine injuries happen most often. Here’s why:

When a side-impact happens, the neck absorbs most of the force. The head and body move forward.
Then, the neck’s muscles and ligaments stretch past their normal limits. The motion pulls the head back.
The back-and-forth movement is known as whiplash.
Whiplash can damage the neck. It can also cause disc and root injuries in the cervical spine.

Neck, back, and spinal injuries tend to cause chronic pain or paralysis. Some of these injuries last a lifetime.

Side-impact collisions also tend to cause concussions. Concussions can cause issues like:

Memory loss
Unconsciousness
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Amnesia

Some traumatic brain injuries have long-term effects. As a side-impact accident victim, you should see a doctor right away. Don’t wait to get medical attention. You could have injuries that haven’t shown up fully yet.

If another driver caused your side-impact collision, you have legal rights. You can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. A side-impact collision lawyer can help you build a strong claim.

To learn your legal options, contact a lawyer today. We can match you with an experienced attorney today. Call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to get a FREE consultation.

Safety Issues for Side-Impact Collisions

Modern cars are safer than ever. However, they still have safety problems in side-impact accidents. A vehicle can only contain so much protection on the side. As a result, side-impact collisions tend to be more severe or deadly.

When a side-impact crash happens, drivers and passengers have less security. Even cars with higher safety ratings cannot wholly prevent crash injuries.

Drivers should be careful to:

Not drive at excessive speeds
Not drive while distracted
Follow all traffic signs and rules
Signal before changing lanes
Check blind spots before merging

Following all traffic rules helps prevent side-impact collisions. If a driver is not careful and it causes an accident, the driver is at fault.

Why Side-Impact Collisions Happen

Most side-impact accidents happen at intersections. A driver who runs a stop sign or red light is more likely to cause an accident. Larger vehicles also tend to cause more severe injuries.

Four-way stops can also lead to side-impact collisions. If a driver does not understand four-way stop rules, they might fail to yield. The driver could enter the intersection too soon and cause a side accident.

A side collision might occur because of:

Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Failure to yield
Aggressive driving

Before filing an insurance claim, you’ll need to determine the accident cause. Another driver was probably at fault, but you need to show how. You’ll also need to confirm your damages from the accident.

How to Build a Side-Impact Accident Case

Here are some ways you can gather information for your accident case. The goal is to get full compensation for your collision losses.

Document the Accident

After the accident, do the following:

Report the crash to the police.
Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver.
Take pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage.
Photograph the entire accident scene.
Talk to any eyewitnesses. Get their contact information.

Be Careful What You Say

Do not admit any fault or blame for the collision. Talk to a lawyer first.

After the crash, the other driver’s insurer might contact you. Insurance companies will use tactics to reduce what they have to pay you. The insurer might:

Offer you a lowball settlement upfront
Try to downplay your injuries
Tell you that you don’t need a lawyer
Ask you to give a recorded statement
Try to intimidate you

Avoid discussing the accident with the insurer directly. It’s best to work with a lawyer first. Your lawyer can handle communication with the insurance company to protect your rights.

Record Your Damages

Keep track of all losses you experience from the accident. You will need to calculate your damages for your claim.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 41.001 covers personal injury damages. You will probably have both economic and non-economic costs.

Economic damages include:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Vehicle damage

Non-economic damages include:

Physical pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of consortium

Your side-impact collision lawyer can help calculate your total damages. They will also be there every step of the way as you seek compensation.

Speak with a Side-Impact Collision Lawyer for Free Today

We can connect you with the best lawyer for your side-impact accident case. There is no fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE.

To get your FREE consultation, call (469) 998-4069, or contact us online today.