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Side-impact crashes are also called broadside or T-bone crashes. They happen when the front of one vehicle hits the side of a second vehicle. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) statistics show that these types of accidents are responsible for 25 percent of all vehicle accident deaths each year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says side-impact collisions are the deadliest for children, and over the past 20 years, deaths caused by side-impact crashes increased by 20 percent, from 31 percent to 51 percent, because of increased speeds and the increase in the number of SUVs on the roads.

NHTSA and IIHS Side-Impact Testing: 

The NHTSA and IIHS conduct side-impact testing, along with other tests, to rate vehicles for safety.

“NHTSA's side-impact test represents a vehicle struck on the left side by a 3,015-pound car traveling at 38.5 mph. Such a scenario mimics what could happen if you were hit on the side at an intersection. Individual side-impact star-rating scores are assigned to the driver and left-rear passenger. For pre-2011 models, only a chest-injury measure dictated the score. For 2011 and later models, the score factors in head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis data for the driver and injury to the head and pelvis for the rear-seat passenger.”

“The IIHS side-impact test is more severe than NHTSA's. The test uses a heavier striking barrier at 3,300 pounds, compared with NHTSA's at 3,015 pounds. Further, the IIHS barrier strikes higher up on the tested vehicle to simulate a car being hit on the side at 90 degrees by a typical-height SUV or truck. The IIHS bases its scores on head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and leg injury. The two dummies in the IIHS side-crash test represent a small adult female or a 12-year-old adolescent. One is the driver, the other a left-rear passenger. Other crash tests performed by NHTSA and the IIHS use a dummy that simulates an average-sized adult male.”

Common Causes of Side-Impact Crashes Include:

• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Exceeding posted speed limit
• Disregarding traffic lights and signs
• Failure to obey no turn on red signs

Common Types of Injuries in Side-Impact Crashes 

The Mayo Clinic and other medical sources say the following are the most common type of injuries in side-impact crashes: 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The victim’s head can strike the vehicle’s frame or window. This causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull. Injuries can range from a mild concussion to a skull fracture, which often leads to long-term cognitive damage or even death.
• Spinal Cord and Brain Stem Injuries: The spinal cord is attached to the brain stem. Nerve damage, permanent paralysis or death can result from spinal cord injuries. The ability to control limbs after a spinal cord injury depends on the place of the injury along the spinal cord and the severity of the injury.
• Fractures: Depending on the force of the impact, a victim’s ribs, collarbone, legs, arms, wrists, and hands can fracture. Surgery may be needed if the fractures are to the pelvis, hips, and thigh bones.
• Internal Bleeding and Injuries: These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate surgical intervention. They include punctured lungs, aortic tears, and ruptured organs.
• Other Potential Injuries: Back injuries, soft tissue injuries, cuts, bruises, and scrapes, and punctured eardrums. 

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a side-impact crash, after seeking medical assistance, please contact our experienced legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one  percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.