No matter how careful you are when signaling and turning, you’re still at the mercy of others you’re sharing the road with. Even if they claim to see you, there’s still the possibility of an accident. And anytime you’re turning into oncoming traffic, the accident can potentially be worse. A story from WEVV detailed such an accident that happened in Madisonville on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
A 19-year-old was sent to a local emergency room when he was in a broadside collision with another car at the intersection of South Main Street and McLeod Lane. According to Madisonville police, the 19-year-old was turning left into a parking lot when he was struck by another car. He claimed he had checked and was clear to turn. The driver of the other car and a child were unhurt, but both vehicles had to be towed away from the scene.
Why Do Broadside Collisions Happen?
Turning into oncoming traffic at intersections, even when you think it’s safe, is harrowing. Usually, when there’s a collision, it ends up being like the one in the story above, where an oncoming car slams into you at an angle.
But that doesn’t necessarily tell you why these types of collisions happen. As you might expect, they can happen for a variety of different reasons, especially when someone else’s negligence is involved:
- Running red lights – One of the most common causes of broadside is when a driver tries to run a red light or stop sign, and enters the intersection where it hits another vehicle coming through the lane.
- Not yielding – When drivers misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or fail to yield at an intersection, particularly when turning left, it can end up in a broadside collision.
- Distracted driving – When drivers are distracted by their phones, GPS, or other activities, they might not notice traffic signals or other vehicles, leading to a T-bone crash.
- Driving while impaired – Impaired drivers often have slower reaction times or poor judgment, making them more likely to run red lights or fail to yield, causing broadside collisions.
- Speeding – Drivers who are speeding may have difficulty stopping in time at intersections or may run a red light, increasing the chance of hitting another vehicle from the side.
- Low visibility – Poor visibility due to fog, rain, or snow can make it hard for drivers to see traffic signals or approaching vehicles, leading to a higher risk of broadside crashes.
- Poor layouts – Some intersections are poorly designed or have unclear signs, which can confuse drivers and increase the risk of a broadside accident.
What’s important to understand is that while every broadside is different, it’s often these factors that cause them. More to the point, a broadside collision can leave you facing serious injuries like broken bones, neck and spine injuries, even traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Injuries–especially more serious injuries–means the legal process is going to be very important to your recovery, and our team at Kaufman & Stigger will be there to support you.
Experienced Madisonville Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
A broadside collision in Madisonville can be a traumatic experience, no matter where or how it happens. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, our team of skilled Madisonville personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC is here to help.
We’ll walk you through your legal options and guide you step-by-step through the process, helping you recover financial support for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to start your claim after a car accident.