Houston Side Impact Car Accidents

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Side impact car accidents, often called “T-bone” collisions, can leave victims facing severe injuries, overwhelming expenses, and a long road to recovery. These crashes occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, creating a devastating impact. If you’ve been involved in this type of accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options.

At Bandas Law Firm, P.C., our Houston car accident lawyer is here to help you fight for your deserved compensation. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.

What Are Side Impact Collisions?

Side impact collisions, often called T-bone accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of a second vehicle. These crashes often occur in parking lots, at intersections, or when vehicles change lanes while traveling.

Drivers may fail to yield, ignore traffic signals, or misjudge distances, causing severe and sudden impacts that leave victims vulnerable to serious injuries.

These accidents can occur anywhere, but they are most common at busy intersections where drivers fail to stop at red lights or yield signs. Even low-speed side impact crashes can cause significant injuries, especially when the struck vehicle lacks side airbags or sufficient protection.

Common Causes of Side Impact Collisions

Side impact accidents happen for many reasons, often due to careless or reckless behavior. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Drivers who ignore traffic signals or fail to stop at intersections put others at risk. T-bone accidents often result from one vehicle barreling through an intersection and slamming into another.

Distracted Driving

Everyday distractions, such as texting, eating, or adjusting in-car devices, take drivers’ attention off the road. A single moment of distraction can result in a catastrophic side-impact collision.

Impaired Driving

Drunk or drugged drivers have slower reaction times and poor decision-making abilities. This makes them more likely to cause crashes, especially at intersections or during lane changes.

Failure to Yield

Misjudging right-of-way or failing to yield during turns or merges frequently leads to broadside accidents. These errors can have severe consequences for the struck vehicle’s occupants.

Speeding

Excessive speed not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also makes the impact more severe. High-speed side impact crashes often lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Sometimes, the fault lies with a defective car part, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts. When a vehicle becomes uncontrollable, it may collide with another car, causing a side impact crash.

Our no-win, no-fee side impact car accident lawyer in Houston will work hard to determine who is liable for your crash and take the steps needed to hold them accountable.

Injuries in Side Impact Crashes

Side-impact crashes can lead to severe injuries due to the limited protection provided by the sides of most vehicles. Unlike the front or rear, the side structure offers minimal cushioning during a collision, leaving occupants more vulnerable to harm.

The severity of injuries often depends on the crash’s speed, angle, and impact force. Some of the most common injuries associated with side-impact collisions include:

Head Injuries

The sudden force of impact of a crash can result in concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often occur when a passenger’s head strikes the window, door, or another hard surface inside the vehicle. Even seemingly minor head injuries should be taken seriously, as they can lead to long-term complications.

Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a frequent outcome of side-impact crashes. More severe cases may involve damage to the cervical spine, which can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or even nerve damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is particularly vulnerable during a side collision. Injuries can vary widely, from herniated discs to paralysis, depending on the severity of the impact. Even less severe spinal injuries can cause ongoing discomfort and restrict daily activities.

Chest Injuries

The force of a side-impact collision can cause broken ribs, lung injuries, or even trauma to the heart. These injuries often result from seatbelt pressure or contact with the vehicle’s interior, such as the steering wheel or door panel.

Severe chest injuries can also lead to complications like difficulty breathing or internal bleeding, requiring urgent medical care.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma to the torso can seriously harm vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries often demand immediate attention and may require surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Delayed treatment can worsen the damage, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

Broken Bones

The powerful impact of a crash can easily fracture bones. Depending on the severity, recovery may involve surgery, physical therapy, or extended rest periods. Occasionally, fractures can lead to long-term mobility challenges or chronic pain.

Shoulder Injuries

Rotator cuff tears and dislocations commonly occur due to the strain on the upper body during a collision. These injuries can limit arm mobility and may require physical therapy or surgery to restore full function. Severe cases can even lead to permanent weakness or reduced range of motion.

Facial and Limb Injuries

Broken glass or deploying airbags can cause facial cuts, bruises, or fractures. Limbs may be crushed or pinned when the vehicle’s side is pushed inward, leading to severe injuries that might require reconstructive surgery or extensive rehabilitation. These injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.

Compensation for Side Impact Crash Victims

After a side impact crash, victims often face mounting expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. The types of compensation you may be entitled to include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes immediate costs like visits the emergency room, surgeries, and medications, as well as long-term expenses for ongoing treatment or therapy.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery.
• Loss of Future Earnings: Compensation may cover lost earning potential or the need to take a lower-paying job due to injuries that permanently affect one’s ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensation accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the crash on your quality of life.
• Property Damage: Victims can recover costs to repair or replace their vehicles and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Rehabilitation Costs: If your recovery requires physical or occupational therapy, these expenses may also be covered.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses and family members may seek compensation for the loss of companionship or support caused by the victim’s injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological harm caused by the crash may also be compensated.
• Transportation Costs: Travel expenses to and from medical appointments or therapy sessions can also be reimbursed.

In extreme cases, punitive damages may be recoverable. Our T-bone accident attorney near me will work hard to ensure you recover the maximum possible compensation.

Why Choose Bandas Law Firm, P.C.?

At Bandas Law Firm, P.C., our side impact car accident attorney in Houston, TX, understands how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a side impact collision. Our experienced Houston side-impact car accident lawyer is here to handle your case with care and dedication.

We offer compassionate support and legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

When you are searching for the best side impact car accident lawyer in Houston, we are committed to fighting for your rights. Don’t let the stress of medical bills and legal challenges keep you from getting the help you need.

Contact Us for Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact car accident, call Bandas Law Firm, P.C. today. Our top-rated car accident lawyer in Houston is ready to guide you through the process.

Contact us for a free consultation, and let our Houston personal injury lawyer handle the hard work so you can focus on recovery. You don’t have to face this alone—help is just a phone call away.