Where Do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?

• A broadside accident or T-bone accident occurs when two cars are traveling in different directions when one strikes the other in a “T” shape, generally with the front or rear of the vehicle hitting the side of the other car.
• Filing an accident claim in a broadside collision requires fully understanding your rights and showing proof of the at-fault driver and your injuries over and above allowable expenses.
• If you are facing serious injuries or fatalities in your family due to the loss of a loved one in a T-bone accident or side collision, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your legal options after completing a police report and seeking medical care for your injuries.
• Matz Injury Law offers a free case evaluation in traffic accidents involving one driver striking another, including car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents, resulting in serious injuries or wrongful death.

Broadside collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, are some of the most terrifying, dangerous accidents you can get in on the road.

In 2022, around 8,800 American drivers were killed in broadside collisions. These accidents are more likely than most to seriously injure or kill the people involved.

Learn about broadside collisions, why they happen, and how a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation in the aftermath.

What is a Broadside Collision?

A broadside collision occurs when a vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, meaning the front or rear of one car strikes another vehicle along one of the sides. Often, broadside car accidents occur in intersections due to negligence by one of the drivers. In most cases, one of the drivers enters the intersection without providing the right of way to the other driver, resulting in a T-bone collision.

These accidents often occur because a driver is speeding, not paying attention, trying to change lanes without looking first, or otherwise engaging in reckless behavior. The impact can be serious, in some situations causing catastrophic injuries and losses.

Where Do Most Broadside Collisions Happen?

Many broadside car accidents occur when one driver fails to yield the right of way to another driver at an intersection. These types of accidents usually occur due to one driver failing to obey traffic signals to stop and yield.

A common situation involves one vehicle running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign while another vehicle is entering the intersection. Broadside accidents may also occur when one driver is making a left-hand turn in front of an approaching car, a type of reckless behavior that can lead to devastating results.

Common Causes of Broadside Collisions in Michigan

Various factors may contribute to why a broadside collision may occur. Some of the most common causes of them include:

• Drunk or drugged driving, which makes it difficult for drivers to gauge distance or adhere to posted signs and signals
• Distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone, eating, or otherwise engaging with something other than the roadway
• Fatigued driving, when a driver is so tired that their reflexes are impacted, or they fall asleep at the wheel
• Speeding, in which a driver may not have enough time to stop to yield the right of way, or a vehicle may be approaching an intersection at a very high rate of speed, leading to a driver misjudging the distance while turning left
• Poor visibility, including around corners, due to obstructions like trees and bushes or weather conditions that block the driver’s view of oncoming traffic
• Drivers not paying attention when pulling out of a driveway or navigating a parking lot
• Aggressive and reckless driving, including disregard for the law, engaging in racing, or otherwise driving in a way that puts others at risk
• Broadside crashes can lead to serious injuries even at slower speeds.

Who is At Fault for a Broadside Accident in Michigan?

Fault in a broadside crash is dependent on what led to the incident. Determining fault relies on gathering the facts of the incident and using that information to understand who had the right of way at an intersection and which driver failed to yield the right of way. This is not always simple to determine. Police officers at the scene may use information such as the following to get an idea of fault:

• The type and location of property damage
• Witness testimony of the accident
• Traffic cameras that may catch drivers running traffic lights or traffic control devices
• Blood alcohol tests to determine whether a driver is impaired

The at-fault driver may be difficult to identify. While a police report may identify the motor vehicle most likely to have caused the accident, contact a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Related Article: Understanding Fault in Michigan T-bone Accidents

Related Resources

• Understanding Whiplash and TMJ After a Car Accident: Those in side-impact or T-bone collisions face a higher risk of injuries, including whiplash and TMJ.
• What to Do After a Car Accident Leaves a Passenger Injured: You may be eligible for compensation after a car accident, even if you were not driving. Learn the process for seeking compensation as a passenger in a car accident (even if you were in the at-fault driver’s car).
• Michigan Accidents Resulting from Failure to Yield: Failure to yield is a common cause of serious car accidents. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident in which a driver failed to yield the right of way, leading you to cross paths at dangerous intersections, hire a car accident attorney to protect your rights to compensation.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

If you suffered serious injuries in a broadside collision or lost a loved one due to the mistakes of another person, you need to seek out legal support you can count on. Do not let the insurance company limit your medical expense claims or compensation. Hire Matz Injury Law, a law firm that has recovered over $300 million in results for our personal injury accident clients. As a compassionate and trusted legal team, you can expect our attorneys to help victims suffering to get the justice they deserve.

Our Southfield car accident attorneys have helped victims recover damages in many types of collision cases, including an instance in which a cement truck crossed a center line, causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4-year-old boy. In this case, our Michigan car accident attorneys helped recover $3.45 million, which was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.

Testimonials

I have used Matz Injury Law over the years, and they are the most honest and trustworthy attorneys I have ever used. They go above and beyond for their clients. I would recommend them to anyone.” — David L.

“Steve is nothing short of amazing! He is currently helping me with my lawsuit and has been THE best, very knowledgeable, and works hard!!! Very guiding and informational, and the guidance he gives every step of the way is phenomenal. I’d be lost without help!” — Tiffany L.

Here to Help You in the Aftermath

Matz Injury Law knows how challenging the injuries from a broadside accident can be. If you suspect the other party was driving under the influence, acting recklessly, or otherwise negligent, and that caused severe injuries or fatal injuries to you or a family member, contact our legal team for immediate help. Set up a free consultation with Matz Injury Law by calling 1-866-22NOT33 or using our online contact form.