Sarasota Lawyer Explains Why Side-Impact Collisions Are Do Dangerous
In Sarasota, rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and side-impact accidents are the most prevalent type of auto accident that lead to injury lawsuits. While rear-end collisions might be the most frequent, it's the head-on crashes that often lead to fatalities. However, side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents or broadside collisions, because of their are notorious for causing some of the worst injuries as well. As an experienced Sarasota auto accident lawyer, I've seen firsthand the devastating aftermath of these accidents.
Side impact accidents often occur at intersections and can be attributed to a variety of reasons, from running red lights to failing to yield the right of way. The design of most vehicles leaves their sides vulnerable, lacking the protective crumple zones found in the front and rear. Consequently, the injuries sustained in such collisions can be particularly severe, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
Having represented numerous clients as a Sarasota auto accident lawyer, I've had the unfortunate opportunity to witness the devastating aftermath of these accidents. The physical, emotional, and financial toll they take on victims and their families is immense. At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, our commitment is not just to provide legal representation, but to guide and support our clients through these challenging times, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Side-Impact Collisions in Sarasota?
Predominantly, side-impact collisions in Florida transpire at intersections. These accidents can be attributed to various reasons.
Running Red Lights: One of the most common causes of side-impact collisions is a driver's blatant disregard for traffic signals. When a driver approaches an intersection and chooses to run a red light, they put themselves directly in the path of vehicles that have the right of way. This impulsive decision, often fueled by impatience or distraction, can lead to catastrophic collisions.
Ignoring Stop Signs: Stop signs are placed at intersections to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and prevent accidents. However, some drivers, either due to haste or sheer negligence, fail to come to a complete stop. This oversight can result in their vehicle entering the intersection at the wrong time, leading to potential side-impact collisions with vehicles that have the right of way.
Left-Hand Turns Without Yielding: Intersections often require drivers to make left-hand turns across oncoming traffic lanes. This maneuver demands acute attention and judgment. Misjudging the speed of an oncoming vehicle or assuming they have enough time can result in a direct collision with the side of the turning vehicle.
In essence, the underlying factor in most of these scenarios is a lapse in judgment or negligence on the part of the driver. Whether it's due to distractions, impatience, or a simple oversight, the consequences of these actions can be severe, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. As a Sarasota auto accident lawyer, I cannot stress enough the importance of adhering to traffic rules and exercising caution at intersections.
Side-Impact Collisions Can Have More Severe Consequences
Unlike the front and rear of a vehicle, which are equipped with crumple zones to absorb some of the impact, the sides of a vehicle lack this protective feature. This design disparity means that during a side-impact collision, the occupants inside the vehicle bear the brunt of the crash's energy. The human body is just not designed to deal well with being hit from the side. The sharp jerking motion can be very traumatic to the neck, spine, brain and more. The repercussions of this can be dire, leading to a range of injuries, including but not limited to:
Fractures, such as broken clavicles, Scapula, femur fractures, and fractured tibias.
Broken Clavicles: The clavicle, or collarbone, is a slender bone that runs horizontally between the sternum (breastbone) and the shoulder blade. In a side-impact collision, the force can cause the seatbelt to exert significant pressure on the clavicle, leading to fractures.
Femur Fractures: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. However, a strong lateral impact can cause it to break, leading to intense pain and long recovery periods.
Fractured Tibias: The tibia, commonly known as the shinbone, is located at the front of the lower leg. Direct blows from side-impact collisions can fracture this bone, necessitating surgical interventions in severe cases.
Side Impact Crashes Often Lead To Shoulder And Knee Injuries
Rotator Cuff and Knee Injuries: The sudden jolt from a side-impact collision can strain or tear the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. Similarly, the knees, which might hit the door or dashboard, can suffer from torn ligaments or meniscal injuries.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) injuries: The TMJ acts as a hinge, connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. A side-impact collision can cause trauma to the face or jaw, leading to TMJ disorders, which can manifest as pain, difficulty chewing, or a clicking sound when moving the jaw.
Herniated Disc Injuries: The spine consists of vertebrae separated by discs. A violent impact can cause these discs to rupture or herniate, leading to pain, numbness, or even paralysis if the herniated disc compresses spinal nerves.
Severe head trauma, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries from side-impact crashes.
Head and Brain Injuries: The head, when thrown sideways against the window or car frame, can suffer from concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. These can have long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical implications.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Perhaps one of the most devastating outcomes of a side-impact collision is damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, victims can experience partial or complete paralysis.
In the most tragic cases of side-impact crashes are crashes with deaths.
Fatalities: In the gravest of scenarios, the sheer force and trauma from a side-impact collision can lead to loss of life, leaving families grappling with immeasurable grief and loss.
Seeking Legal Counsel After a Side-Impact Collision
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a side-impact collision in Sarasota, it's imperative to understand that these accidents often stem from someone's negligence. Protecting your rights and interests is imperative. As an experienced Sarasota auto accident lawyer, I recommend seeking legal counsel promptly. At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, we're committed to ensuring that victims of such accidents receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
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