Most side-impact crashes happen at intersections, where drivers run red lights or stop signs, and as a result, hit the side of another car. Individuals involved in these crashes (also commonly referred to as T-bone or broadside accidents) do not typically see the crash coming – but even if they did happen to see the vehicle barreling toward them, there would be little they could do to stop the accident from happening. Sometimes, this element can do psychological damage to the accident victim.
To make matters worse, while most cars have additional protective features for front and rear impact crashes, such as airbags and bumpers, only a small percentage of newer cars offer side curtain airbags to protect passengers from injury during side-impact accidents. Sadly, this lack of protection increases the risk of serious and debilitating injuries among T-bone accident victims.
Rear Passengers at Greater Risk of Serious Injury in Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact accidents can affect everyone in the vehicle at different levels. In fact, you may be surprised to know that rear-seated occupants could be more vulnerable to injury than those in the front seat.
According to research conducted by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, more serious injuries were sustained by rear seat occupants because those in the front seat have more safety features to protect them. Adults were also found to be more prone to injury than infants and children in car seats.
Injuries Commonly Sustained by Victims in Side-Impact Crashes
Many of the injuries sustained in these accidents are to the head, neck, back, ribs, shoulders and arms, and hips and legs. Many experience whiplash or a bump on the head that results in a concussion, or traumatic brain injury. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious problems.
One of the main injuries that often happen as a result of a side-impact crash is a broken clavicle. In fact, a study conducted by the International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury found that most injuries occur to the upper body, with 41.5% of occupants sustaining fractures to the clavicle. The study also noted that side‐impact collisions cause more injuries than frontal impact collisions, with most injuries resulting from contact with the door.
Arguably one of the most debilitating and long-lasting injuries from these accidents are the mental and emotional traumas that follow. Many research studies, including one published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice Journal found that individuals who experience a serious motor vehicle accident are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can result in anxiety, depression and even chronic pain.
Contact Our Oshkosh Auto Accident Lawyers
You deserve an Appleton car accident lawyer that will fight for the compensation that you deserve. Seasoned and experienced, the personal injury team at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. will aggressively pursue the most favorable settlement possible for your situation. Schedule your free consultation by calling our offices at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2396820/
www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc17/pdf-files/20.pdf
www.traumaticbraininjury.com/symptoms-of-tbi/mild-tbi-symptoms/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045916/