Being involved in a side impact collision can turn your life upside down, especially when it leads to unexpected injuries and financial strain.
At the Law Office of Shane Kadlec, we’ve spent years helping Houston-area victims pursue fair compensation. We understand how devastating these crashes can be—and we’re here to offer the legal support you need.
Below, you’ll find key information about side impact accidents, common injuries, your rights under Texas law, and how we can help protect your future.
What to Know About Side Impact Collisions?
Side impact collisions—often called T-bone accidents—occur when one vehicle’s front end strikes the side of another. Since vehicle sides offer less protection, these crashes often cause serious injuries. They typically happen at intersections or when drivers ignore traffic signals, leaving victims with lasting physical and financial burdens.
These accidents are especially dangerous because seat belts and safety features may not fully protect against broadside impacts. Even with modern side-impact tech, passengers near the struck door remain vulnerable.
Such crashes account for a large share of severe car injuries, making it vital to understand your legal options.
Insurance claims can be complex due to factors like multiple vehicles and disputed liability. That’s why experienced legal guidance is crucial in pursuing fair compensation.
Next, we’ll look at how these crashes happen and ways to help make Houston roads safer.
Causes of Side Impact Collisions
Although side impact accidents can happen in many circumstances, certain issues often appear in these cases. Knowing these causes might help you stay more prepared while on busy roads.
Here are a few leading reasons behind side impact collisions:
- Failure to stop or yield: Rolling through red lights, ignoring stop signs, or misjudging the gap at intersections can create T-bone crashes.
- Improper turns: A driver making a risky left turn without checking oncoming traffic often causes a direct impact into the side of another vehicle.
- Merging errors: Sideswipes or side impact collisions arise if a driver merges incorrectly, neglecting to check mirrors or blind spots.
- Distracted driving: Phone use, texting, or any other distraction can cause a driver to miss a stoplight or fail to notice opposing traffic.
- Driving under the influence: With impaired judgment and slower reactions, intoxicated drivers are far more likely to cause a broadside collision.
When you add high speeds or heavy vehicles into the mix, the results can be extremely harmful for everyone involved. Although these crashes sometimes involve multiple interacting factors, a full case review can identify who should be held responsible.
Next, let’s look into the most frequent injuries people face after a side impact crash.
Common Injuries in Side Impact Accidents
Because a vehicle’s door offers less protection than the front end, side collisions often lead to more serious injuries. Those on the impacted side are at higher risk, but the sudden force can affect all passengers. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Occupants may strike windows, doors, or other surfaces, leading to concussions or more dangerous trauma.
- Neck and back injuries: Forces on the spine during impact can cause whiplash or disc damage, frequently resulting in ongoing pain.
- Chest, rib, and abdominal trauma: Crushing impacts may lead to broken ribs, internal bleeding, or damage to major organs.
- Fractured bones: Arms, pelvis, and even legs are susceptible if the passenger compartment is forced inward.
- Internal injuries: The blunt force can cause organ damage or internal bleeding, which may require immediate attention.
Practical medical care is essential soon after the crash, both to protect your health and to ensure there is a record of your injuries. The costs can run high, especially if you need surgery, physical therapy, or follow-up treatments over time.
If you decide to seek representation, our firm strives to develop a thorough plan focusing on your recovery, financial relief, and future well-being. Let’s go over exactly how we can support clients like you.
How We Can Help
Choosing the right legal representation is vital after a side impact collision. We provide customized support, maintain open communication, and always keep your best interests at the forefront of our efforts. Below are some ways we approach your case.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We begin with a careful review of the overall situation, collecting police reports, visiting the crash site if needed, and securing evidence. Our goal is to build a solid picture of exactly how the collision happened.
By gathering details such as vehicle damage reports and statements from witnesses, we can better understand the factors that led to your injuries. This process allows us to pursue compensation from the party responsible.
Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies
We know that insurance adjusters frequently aim to settle quickly and for less than the full amount you may need. Our attorneys firmly stand up for your interests, communicating with the insurance representatives on your behalf.
You deserve support that covers medical costs, lost earnings, and pain or distress. Our team works to secure a fair outcome that takes both immediate and future expenses into account.
Litigation When Necessary
There are times when a fair settlement is not possible through direct negotiations. In those circumstances, we are prepared to bring your case to court. Trials can be complex, so having a team that understands the framework of legal proceedings can be highly beneficial.
Our history includes helping many clients receive positive verdicts when insurers were unwilling to reach reasonable agreements. While the court is never a step we take lightly, we are ready to move forward if it will advance your goals.
Seeking Full Compensation for Your Losses
Damages in side impact collisions can include past and current medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and intangible losses. We strive to factor in every cost related to your injuries, from ongoing rehabilitation to the emotional toll of your accident.
Our concern is not only to help cover immediate bills but to look toward your long-term comfort and stability. That means factoring in any treatments you might need in the months or years ahead.
With our approach in mind, let’s look at some Texas-specific legal considerations that may come into play in your claim.
Texas Law and Side Impact Collisions
Like most states, Texas enforces certain laws around negligence and how fault is assigned in car accidents. It follows a form of comparative fault, meaning you may still have an option to recover funds, even if you bear partial responsibility for the crash. As long as your portion of blame is not over 50 percent, you may still obtain damages.
Another key point is the two-year window to file a personal injury claim. The clock starts running from the date of the collision. Delays often complicate your path to fair compensation, so it helps to begin your claim process sooner rather than later.
In some unusual instances, you may also seek punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted recklessly or was driving under the influence. These additional damages aim to penalize very risky actions.
Contact The Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec Today
You shouldn’t have to face medical bills, car repairs, and stress alone. We’re here to offer sincere, personalized support every step of the way. Whether you’re unsure about your next move or wondering if you qualify for damages, we’ll guide you with care and clarity.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a side impact crash, call us at 281-643-2000 or visit our contact page.
We’re committed to easing your burdens, exploring your options, and helping you move forward with confidence.