Side Impact Collision

Side impact crashes are responsible for 8,500 deaths each year; only head on collisions are more deadly. A side impact collision occurs when the front of the oncoming vehicle strikes the side of your vehicle. The severity of a side impact collision depends on several factors, including the speed and weight of the oncoming vehicle, and where that oncoming vehicle collides with yours. For instance, the occupants of your vehicle are much more likely to sustain serious injuries if the oncoming vehicle strikes your vehicle squarely in the middle (at the doors) rather than in the front or rear quarter (by your front or rear tires). Most side impact collisions occur at intersections as the result of a failure to yield at a stop sign or red light. The increasing production of vehicles installed with side impact airbags (airbags located in the doors) has helped to reduce the severity of side impact injuries (assuming that the side impact airbags work properly).

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

See Also¶

1. Automobile & Motorcycle Accidents
2. Blindness
3. Broken Bones: Overview
4. Bruises: Overview
5. Burns: Overview
6. Dislocation: Overview
7. Head & Brain Injury
8. Joints & Muscles: Overview
9. Loss of Limb
10. Mouth & Dental Disorders: Overview
11. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Overview
12. Scars: Overview
13. Spinal Cord Injury
14. Wounds: Overview
15. Side Impact Collisions, Frequently Asked Questions