Side-Impact Collisions in Los Angeles
Side-impact collisions, also known as broadside or angle crashes, occur when the side of one vehicle is struck by the front or side of another. These crashes can happen at intersections, parking lots, on highways, or anywhere vehicles cross paths or merge. Because the sides of vehicles provide less structural protection than the front or rear, side-impact accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions on Los Angeles roads.
At Kosnett Law Firm, we represent victims of serious side-impact crashes, helping them pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers understand how devastating these collisions can be and how complex it can be to establish fault and recover fair compensation.
Types of Side-Impact Collisions
Broadly speaking, side-impact crashes fall into one of three categories:
- T-bone collisions: Occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another head-on, often at intersections.
- Sideswipe collisions: Involve two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions that make side contact, sometimes at high speed.
- Angle impacts: Occur when a vehicle strikes another at an oblique angle, such as while merging or entering traffic.
Each type of side-impact collision poses unique dangers. In a T-bone, one vehicle absorbs a direct hit with minimal buffer. In a sideswipe, even light contact at highway speeds can cause spinouts, rollovers, or multi-vehicle pileups.
Why Side-Impact Collisions Are So Dangerous
Unlike the front and rear of a vehicle, which contain crumple zones and reinforced structures, the sides offer little protection. Even with airbags and safety features, the physical space between the occupant and the impact point is small. As a result, side-impact crashes frequently cause severe injuries.
The risk is even greater in Los Angeles, where congested intersections, multi-lane highways, and unpredictable traffic patterns increase the likelihood of lateral impacts. Urban driving also means more pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and motorcyclists, all of whom are especially vulnerable to side-impact crashes.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions in Los Angeles
Most side-impact accidents occur because a driver fails to yield or misjudges traffic. Common causes include:
- Running red lights or stop signs — A leading cause of T-bone crashes at intersections.
- Unsafe lane changes or merging — Drivers who fail to check blind spots or use signals often sideswipe others.
- Distracted driving — Looking at a phone or social media app can lead one to drift into another lane.
- Speeding or reckless driving — Higher speeds magnify the force of impact and reduce reaction time.
- Impaired driving — Alcohol, drugs, or fatigue slows reflexes and impairs judgment.
- Poor visibility or weather conditions — Glare, fog, or rain can obscure traffic signals or lane markings.
Because many of these accidents involve intersections or lane changes, questions of right-of-way and visibility frequently arise, making the retention of an experienced legal advocate essential.
Serious Injuries in Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact collisions can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the angle and speed of impact. Victims may experience head and brain injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injury (TBI) from striking windows or pillars. Neck and back injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage, are possible as well. Other severe outcomes in a side-impact crash include chest and rib injuries caused by seat belt restraint or intrusion of vehicle panels, pelvic or abdominal injuries from crushing or twisting forces, and fractures and lacerations from broken glass or side panel intrusion. Even at relatively low speeds, these injuries can result in chronic pain, long-term disability, or the need for surgery and rehabilitation.
Determining Liability in Side-Impact Collisions
Establishing who is at fault in a side-impact collision can be challenging, particularly when both drivers claim the other ran a light or veered into a lane. California’s comparative negligence law allows victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, but insurers use this rule to minimize payouts by alleging shared fault without evidence.
A skilled personal injury attorney investigates every detail, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle data. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts can help determine the precise sequence of events. This kind of evidence is crucial for proving negligence and ensuring fair compensation.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often move quickly after side-impact crashes, contacting victims with settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known. These offers may seem tempting, especially when bills are mounting, but they rarely cover the true cost of recovery.
Your attorney acts as a buffer between you and the insurer. By handling all communication and negotiation, Kosnett Law Firm ensures your rights are protected and you don’t unknowingly accept an offer that undervalues your claim.
Proving the Extent of Your Damages
Financial recovery after a side-impact collision depends on accurately proving your damages. In addition to immediate medical bills, victims may suffer long-term or non-economic losses. These can include:
- Ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life or reduced mobility
- Costs of vehicle repair or replacement
A comprehensive legal claim takes all these factors into account. By documenting every impact — financial, physical, and emotional — your attorney helps ensure that you are compensated for the full scope of your loss.
Preventing Side-Impact Accidents in Los Angeles
While not all collisions can be avoided, drivers can take precautions to reduce risk:
- Slow down at intersections. Even when you have the right of way, anticipate that others might not yield.
- Check blind spots before changing lanes. Mirrors alone don’t provide the full picture.
- Avoid distractions. Keep phones and in-car devices out of reach while driving.
- Maintain safe following distances. Space allows time to react to sudden lane changes or braking.
- Drive defensively. Expect the unexpected, especially in heavy traffic or at poorly marked intersections.
Public safety improvements such as better intersection design, functioning traffic lights, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws can also help reduce side-impact collisions citywide.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Even a seemingly straightforward accident can become complicated once insurance companies become involved. Determining fault, gathering evidence, and quantifying damages require legal skill and persistence. Without an attorney, victims risk being overwhelmed by paperwork, deadlines, and low settlement offers.
The team at Kosnett Law Firm understands how to build strong personal injury claims, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take cases to trial. We focus on handling the legal burden so that you can focus on recovery.
Speak with a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact collision in Los Angeles, help is available to get medical care, compensation, and justice for the harm done. Kosnett Law Firm provides skilled, compassionate representation for accident victims throughout Los Angeles. We investigate each case thoroughly, pursue every liable party, and fight for maximum compensation.
Call Kosnett Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let our experience and dedication work for you so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
