Side impact collisions, also called t-bone accidents, happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another car. Because side-impact car accidents often occur when one vehicle is parked or at a stoplight, these accidents can often lead to serious injuries and property damage.
If you or a loved one have been in a side-impact collision in Florida, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Learn how to file a side impact accident injury claim and how a Florida personal injury lawyer can help you successfully win compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes Of Side-Impact Collisions
Side impact auto accidents can happen for a number of reasons and in a variety of ways. People may be struck in their car while at a stop sign or red light or while parked in a parking lot. While many t-bone collisions occur while the car accident victim is parked or stopped, others happen while both vehicles are moving.
The nature of these motor vehicle accidents—one car crashing into another—means they can lead to serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, or broken bones.
The seriousness of accident injuries may be affected by whether a person’s airbag deployed or whether they were wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash. Seeking medical treatment right away is important in order to make sure a person does not suffer greater injury.
Some of the most common causes of broadside car accidents include:
- distracted driving, such as texting while driving or using a cell phone
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (drunk driving)
- recklessness
- poor road conditions
- low visibility
- failing to yield the right of way
- disobeying traffic laws
Regardless of how broadside collisions occur, an experienced Florida car accident lawyer may be able to help you seek damages for your injuries.
Some of the most dangerous driving areas in Florida where side impact collisions occur:
1. Miami: I-95 & SR 836 Interchange
A critical hub in South Florida’s highway network, this interchange channels dense commuter and commercial traffic into a compact space. Vehicles merging at high speeds from multiple directions often must negotiate abrupt lane changes and short exit ramps. Side-impact collisions occur here when drivers misjudge gaps, fail to yield, or attempt hurried maneuvers while surrounded by fast-moving traffic.
2. Tampa: Hillsborough Avenue & Dale Mabry Highway
Located near busy commercial zones and dense neighborhoods, this intersection sees drivers rushing to access shops, restaurants, and service stations. Multiple turn lanes and complex signal patterns can confuse even experienced motorists. Drivers attempting quick left turns against oncoming traffic or those slipping through on yellow lights can collide with cross-traffic, leading to side-impact crashes.
3. Orlando: Colonial Drive (SR 50) & Semoran Boulevard (SR 436)
A major east-west route meets a busy north-south corridor near shopping centers, restaurants, and residential areas. The high volume of cars, coupled with frequent turning movements and tight spacing of intersections, increases the odds of vehicles crossing paths at right angles. Frustrated or impatient drivers may rush turns or fail to properly gauge oncoming traffic, resulting in T-bone collisions.
4. Fort Lauderdale: U.S. 1 & Sunrise Boulevard
This intersection lies close to key destinations like beaches, hotels, and retail districts. Tourists unfamiliar with local roads mix with commuters on tight timetables, and multiple lanes of traffic complicate navigation. Sudden lane changes, drivers making hasty U-turns, or vehicles emerging from parking lots can lead to side impacts when oncoming cars don’t have enough time or space to react.
5. Jacksonville: Atlantic Boulevard & Southside Boulevard
A busy crossroad linking residential areas to commercial hubs, this area channels a steady flow of cars during morning and evening commutes. Multiple exit ramps, feeder roads, and access lanes to nearby shopping centers create intricate traffic patterns. Drivers often try to dart across lanes to reach their desired turn or avoid congestion. Such hurried moves can catch others off guard, contributing to side-impact collisions.
6. West Palm Beach: Okeechobee Boulevard & Military Trail
This intersection sits near shopping plazas and community amenities, causing traffic volumes to spike throughout the day. The heavy presence of turn lanes and complex light cycles gives drivers numerous opportunities to cut across other vehicles’ paths. Mistiming a left turn or failing to yield right-of-way often results in angular collisions where the sides of vehicles bear the brunt of impact.
7. Sarasota: Fruitville Road & U.S. 301
A key junction connecting travelers to downtown Sarasota, local parks, and cultural attractions, this area experiences a constant mix of locals and out-of-towners. Multiple approach lanes, frequent turning vehicles, and pedestrians crossing in various spots intensify the complexity. Drivers may rush through stale green lights or underestimate the distance and speed of cross-traffic, increasing the potential for side-impact incidents.
Can I Sue For A Side Impact Collision?
It’s often possible to sue the at-fault driver for a side-impact crash in Florida. This is largely because these accidents involve negligence, or a person’s failure to act with reasonable care. Florida law requires negligence in car accident cases in order to result in compensation for the car accident victim.
You may have to file an auto insurance claim through your insurance company first. The state of Florida requires all motorists to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This policy covers drivers in case of personal injury from auto accidents and property damage.
If medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses related to the accident extend beyond your Florida PIP plan, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.
Proving Negligence In A Side-Impact Car Accident
To win a settlement offer in a side impact car accident claim, your personal injury lawyer will need to prove negligence.
This requires proving that:
- the person who struck your car had a duty of care toward you
- the driver breached that duty of care
- breaching that duty of care contributed to or led to your injuries
Getting compensated for injuries caused by a negligent driver requires showing that your injuries caused actual damages. Medical bills, proof of changes to your working ability, or permanent disability are ways your life may have been affected by the accident.
How Much Compensation Can I Win For My Side Impact Injury Claim?
Accident victims can schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney to seek a settlement for a side impact accident. After explaining your legal rights and reviewing the details of your car accident claim, a Florida personal injury lawyer can give you an estimate for how much compensation you may be able to win.
Many factors can affect the amount of compensation you could be awarded.
Some of these include:
- whether you have serious injuries
- how the injuries affected your life
- whether you will make a full recovery
- if you or loved ones were emotionally injured
Florida has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is four years. If you or a loved one are considering filing an accident claim, it may be a good idea to consider a free consultation with an injury lawyer to discuss your case.
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Types Of Damages In Florida Side Impact Accident Cases
There are two types of damages awarded in Florida side-impact accident cases: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include any expense related to the accident or your injuries that have a measurable price. This usually includes medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages include things that are more difficult to put a number on, such as pain and suffering, emotional damages, or loss of a loved one (wrongful death).
Florida courts will determine a settlement amount based on the damages you incurred because of the broadside accident, taking each detail into account. In order to get the most for your settlement, an experienced Florida car accident attorney can ensure you claim all damages that apply to your case.
Filing A Side Impact Car Accident Claim
One of the first steps to take in filing a side-impact collision claim in Florida is to contact a car accident lawyer. It’s possible to file a personal injury claim without legal advice, but an attorney can provide support and experience you may need to win your case.
First, they will hold an initial consultation to discuss the details of the accident with you and begin establishing the attorney-client relationship. During this appointment, the collision lawyer will review medical records, eyewitness statements if you have them, and any other documents that relate to the accident. After this, they will likely be able to tell you whether you have a strong car accident case.
Filing a car accident claim with a Florida personal injury lawyer by your side helps ensure you make all necessary deadlines, have all the documentation you need to make a strong case, and have the best opportunity to win fair compensation for your injuries.
List Of Florida Side Impact Injury Attorneys
When you need to file a personal injury lawsuit after a side-impact crash, you want the best legal representation you can find. The law offices of Florin|Roebig are home to some of the best, most experienced car accident attorneys in the state of Florida.
With over 30 years of experience, we have helped many personal injury clients successfully bring home a fair settlement offer for their injuries.
Our legal team includes the following personal injury lawyers:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
Our legal professionals have experience in multiple personal injury practice areas, including side-impact car crashes.
We service areas throughout Florida, including:
- Miami
- Fort Lauderdale
- Tampa
- Miami-Dade County
- Broward
- Boca Raton
- Orlando
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find A Florida Side Impact Injury Lawyer Near You
Knowing what to do after a side-impact collision may be tricky, especially if you are experiencing serious injury or mental anguish from the accident. Let a capable collision lawyer help you today.
Florin|Roebig law firm can help you or your loved one file a claim and seek a fair settlement offer in Florida for your accident injuries. Learn more by calling today to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.
