Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions occur when a vehicle is hit on its side by the front of another car. The second deadliest type of car accident, side-impact car accidents claim approximately 9,000 lives each year. Unfortunately, installing safety precautions to minimize the damage from side-impact collisions is not always required. It is uncommon for vehicles to contain side airbags, and until recently, most vehicles performed poorly in side-impact safety tests.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact car crash in New York, it’s important to speak with an auto accident attorney to understand your rights. When negligence leads to a side-impact collision, another driver or entity, such as a car part manufacturer, may be responsible for any resulting injuries. To find out if you are eligible to collect compensation from the liable party in your side-impact crash, fill out our free case review form on the right.
Side-impact collisions commonly occur at New York intersections when vehicles make unsafe lane changes or run red lights and stop signs. Because the side of a motor vehicle offers little protection to those inside, side-impact car crashes are inherently dangerous. The front of the oncoming vehicle is generally more powerful than the side of the car into which it crashes. Additionally, with the large number of trucks and SUVs on New York roadways, the odds of being hit by a significantly larger vehicle are increased, presenting a greater danger to motorists of smaller cars.
Safety experts agree that, in regard to side-impact crashes, safety precautions are outdated. Installing side-impact airbags and strengthening vehicles’ side structures can help prevent brain injuries, head trauma and other car accident injuries. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued new safety guidelines regarding side-impact collisions, side airbags are still not required.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact car crash, our New York auto accident lawyers can help you obtain the compensation needed to recover from your crash. Depending on the specifics of your New York auto accident case, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. To find out if you have a case, contact our New York car crash attorneys by completing the free case review form on the right.
Contact Our Experienced New York Personal Injury Lawyers