TL;DR: Side collisions (T-bone or broadside crashes) are among the most dangerous car accidents, often resulting from driver errors like running red lights or failing to yield. These accidents are particularly risky because of limited protection on the side of vehicles. If involved, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information.
In Illinois, the at-fault driver’s insurance usually covers the damages. Need help? Call 773-202-5060 for guidance.
What Causes Side-Impact Crashes?
Side collisions are typically caused by driver errors or traffic violations. Common scenarios include:
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: A driver failing to stop at an intersection causes a T-bone crash.
- Improper Turns or Pulling Out: A driver making an improper left turn or not yielding when pulling out of a side street.
- Distracted or Intoxicated Driving: Distractions or impaired driving can lead to missed signals or poor judgment.
- Sideswipe Accidents: A driver making an improper lane change or drifting into another lane on highways.
While T-bone accidents are the most common type, sideswipe accidents—often caused by lane changes or merging without proper awareness—are also considered side collisions. They may be less intense but can still cause significant damage and loss of control, especially at higher speeds.
Why Are Side Collisions More Dangerous Than Other Crashes?
Side collisions are especially dangerous because vehicles offer less protection on the sides compared to the front or rear. In a T-bone crash, only a door and a few inches of side frame stand between the occupants and the force of the collision. This can lead to severe injuries to the head, neck, and chest.
Additionally, side collisions can happen unexpectedly. Drivers often don’t have time to react, as they may not see the crash coming. Side-impact crashes can be fatal at much lower speeds than head-on collisions, with serious injuries occurring at speeds as low as 31 mph for a side collision compared to 43 mph for a frontal crash.
Modern safety features, such as side airbags and reinforced door beams, have helped reduce injuries, but they can’t fully protect against the high-risk nature of these accidents. Despite advancements in vehicle safety, side-impact crashes still account for roughly 22% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
What Should You Do After a Side-Impact Collision?
Being in a side collision can be frightening, but staying calm and following these steps is crucial:
1. Check for Injuries
- Ensure everyone, including passengers and the other driver, is okay. Call 911 immediately if there are injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical evaluation since adrenaline can mask symptoms.
2. Get to Safety
- If possible, move vehicles to a safe location, especially if they are blocking traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
3. Call the Police
- Always report the accident to the police. A police report helps document the scene and will be valuable when dealing with your insurance claim.
4. Exchange Information
- Exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Don’t discuss fault at the scene—just gather the facts.
5. Document the Scene
- Take photos of the vehicles, the accident site, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This evidence is essential for determining fault and processing your claim.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
- Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Most insurance policies require accidents to be reported quickly to protect your rights.
In the event of a severe side-impact collision, your health and safety are the top priority. Once stable, reach out to your insurance company and consider seeking legal advice if injuries are serious.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Side Collision?
Fault in side collisions is typically attributed to the driver who violated a traffic law. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits another vehicle that has the right of way, the driver who ran the light is usually at fault.
However, in some cases, both drivers might share fault. For instance, if one driver is speeding while another fails to yield, both actions could contribute to the accident. In Illinois, the comparative negligence law means that each driver can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the crash. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your fault percentage). However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
To determine fault, insurance companies and police use evidence such as:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Damage patterns
- Intersection camera footage (if available)
It’s important to share your version of events with your insurance company and the police to help build a complete picture of what happened.
How Does Illinois Car Insurance Handle Side Collisions?
Illinois operates under an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver who is found at fault for the side collision will be responsible for paying damages.
Here’s how insurance typically works after a side collision:
1. Liability Coverage Pays for the Victim’s Damages
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s vehicle repair costs and medical expenses, up to the policy limits. In Illinois, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage.
2. Collision Coverage for Your Own Vehicle
- If you have collision coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance to repair your vehicle. Your insurer will pay for repairs (minus your deductible) and may pursue reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- If the driver who caused the accident is uninsured (or a hit-and-run driver), your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage will pay for your medical expenses. In Illinois, UM coverage for bodily injury is required, but it doesn’t automatically cover vehicle damage. You would need Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) or collision coverage for vehicle repairs.
4. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
- If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all your damages (due to low coverage limits), your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help cover the shortfall, up to your policy limits.
Summary:
After a side collision, if the other driver is at fault, you will typically make a claim against their insurance. Your own collision coverage, UM, or UMPD can help cover your expenses if necessary. It’s a good idea to carry coverage above Illinois’ minimum requirements to protect yourself financially in the event of a side-impact accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side Collision Accidents
Q: Can both drivers be at fault in a side-impact collision?
A: Yes. Fault can be shared if both drivers contributed to the accident, such as one driver failing to yield and the other speeding. In Illinois, comparative negligence allows for assigning a percentage of fault to each driver.
Q: Are sideswipe accidents considered side collisions, and are they as dangerous?
A: Yes, sideswipes are a form of side collision. They can be dangerous at high speeds, even though they are typically less severe than T-bone crashes. However, if the vehicles lose control, the consequences can escalate quickly.
Q: Which is more dangerous, a side-impact collision or a head-on collision?
A: Both are dangerous, but side-impact collisions can be deadly even at lower speeds due to the lack of side protection. Head-on collisions are more violent overall, but side impacts often result in severe injury even at lower speeds.
Q: How can I avoid getting into a side-impact accident?
A: To reduce the risk, obey traffic signals, check cross-traffic at intersections, avoid distractions, maintain a safe speed, and always yield the right of way when necessary.
Q: Who pays for my injuries if I’m a passenger in a side collision?
A: If you’re a passenger, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your injuries. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy’s coverage (such as UM/UIM) can help cover the costs.
Ready to Protect Yourself? Contact Us for Help.
Side-impact crashes can be traumatic, but having the right insurance coverage makes dealing with the aftermath easier. Insure on the Spot is here to answer your questions and help you navigate the claims process. Call 773-202-5060 to speak with a representative about affordable coverage options or to get a free quote.