The side of the car is one of the most dangerous — and unfortunately, common — places to be hit in a collision with another vehicle. Being hit on the side of your car, where you are less likely to have an airbag and where there is little to slow the impact of the other car, will likely result in your car being totaled.
A side-impact car accident is also more likely to result in a serious injury or even death. In a city with as many reckless drivers as Chicago, knowing what to do after a side-impact car accident is important. If you or someone you know in the Chicago area has been in a side crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the attorneys at Hale & Monico to learn more.
What is a Side-Impact Car Accident?
The term “side-impact car accident” may sound self-explanatory, but it is still useful for drivers to know exactly how this sort of accident is defined. If you find yourself in one, you should know what to do and how to properly describe it.
A side-impact car accident occurs when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. It does not include situations in which the side of a vehicle is struck by or strikes something that is not another vehicle. If you have been in an accident of this sort, contact Hale & Monico to learn more about your options.
The Dangers of Side-Impact Car Accidents
Side-impact collisions are some of the most dangerous car accidents. There are several reasons for this. While some newer models of cars have begun to include side or door airbags, many cars have fewer airbags or no airbags located along their sides.
A driver’s face is also much closer to the side window glass than to the front windshield. If the glass were to shatter upon the impact of a driver’s side collision, it would be more likely to end up around the eyes and neck of the driver.
There is also no cushion to soften the blow on the sides of cars. Unlike the front or the rear, where there are bumpers and empty space, the sides of cars offer very little protection from collisions.
For these reasons, those involved in side-impact car accidents are more likely to rack up heavy medical bills on top of the cost of auto repairs. Chicagoans who find themselves dealing with the financial fallout from a side-impact car crash can call Hale & Monico to learn what help is available.
Kinds of Side-Impact Car Accidents
While all side-impact car accidents obviously involve a vehicle being struck on its side, there are many different ways that this might occur.
One type of side-impact car accident is called side-swiping. Side-swiping occurs when two cars, most often moving in the same direction, bump into each other’s sides.
Another kind of side-impact car accident is known as a T-bone collision. The phrase “T-bone” refers to the shape made when one car drives head-on into the side of another. T-bone car wrecks are incredibly dangerous and often result in fatalities.
If you or anyone you know in the Chicago area has experienced a wreck of this sort, get in touch with the lawyers at Hale & Monico.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Car Accidents
It is, of course, always best to be as careful and aware as possible while driving. However, car accidents are so common that, if you drive for long enough, you are likely to be in one. Even the most careful drivers can find themselves in accidents from time to time, often through no fault of their own.
There are many reasons a driver might be involved in a side-impact car accident, such as:
- Failure to look both ways
- Limited visibility due to poor weather
- Driving in another vehicle’s blind spot
- Being distracted by a smartphone
You can lower your risk of being in a car accident by paying close attention and following the rules of the road. However, you cannot always account for variables such as the weather or the unpredictable driving of others.
There is no way to make sure that you will never get into an accident in a city like Chicago. If you find yourself involved in an unfortunate accident in the Chicago area, do not hesitate to call Hale & Monico.
Contact Our Experienced Chicago Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney Today
Finding yourself in a side-impact car accident is scary. Aside from the physical risks and costs involved, it is also intimidating to try to walk through the unfamiliar waters of insurance settlements.
For residents of Chicago and surrounding areas, Hale & Monico are here to help you navigate these complicated processes and to fight for what you deserve. If you or a loved one has experienced a side-impact car accident, contact Hale & Monico today.