What Happens When a Car Hits You from the Side?

Colburn Law

Posted by Greg Colburn in Car Accidents on April 25, 2025

A side-impact collision, often called a T-bone or broadside crash, can be devastating, leading to serious injuries and financial hardship. If you wonder what happens when a car hits you from the side, the answer depends on factors like speed, vehicle size, and point of impact. These crashes frequently result in severe injuries due to limited protection on the sides of vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact accident in Washington, our firm, Colburn Law—Accident and Injury Lawyers, can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Factors Leading to Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact crashes may occur for several reasons, often due to driver negligence or environmental conditions. Some common causes include:

Failure to Yield 

Drivers who ignore red lights and stop signs or fail to give the right of way are often responsible for T-bone accidents, which occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents can result in severe injuries, especially to passengers sitting on the impacted side. 

Distracted Driving 

Activities like texting, eating, adjusting the GPS, or using in-car entertainment systems divert attention from the road, leading to slower reaction times and a higher risk of accidents. Even a split second of distraction can have serious consequences. 

Speeding 

Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, such as traffic signals or unexpected obstacles. It also increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle and failing to stop at intersections, leading to dangerous collisions. 

Poor Weather Conditions 

Rain, snow, ice, or fog can create slippery roads and impair visibility, increasing the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, or failing to brake in time. Driving cautiously and maintaining proper tire care is essential during adverse weather.

According to Carsurance, reduced visibility and slippery roads are among the leading causes of these accidents, especially during bad weather.

Why Are Side Impact Crashes So Dangerous?

A side-impact crash may result in life-threatening injuries due to the lack of structural protection compared to front or rear-end collisions. The force from the crash can transfer directly to vehicle occupants, leading to severe trauma.

Head Injuries

Head trauma is one of the most serious consequences of a side-impact collision. A driver or passenger’s head may strike the window, steering wheel, or dashboard, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, or emotional challenges, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life and ability to work.

Additional Common Injuries from Side Impact Crashes

Side-impact collisions can result in serious injuries, including: 

• Spinal Cord Injuries: The intense force of impact can cause herniated discs or, in severe cases, paralysis. 
• Fractured Bones: Breaks in the ribs, arms, and legs frequently result from these accidents. 
• Internal Trauma: Blunt force can lead to internal bleeding and damage to vital organs.

Determining Fault in a Side Impact Collision

Determining fault when a car hits you from the side may depend on traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and evidence like surveillance footage and witness statements. In Washington, liability is established based on negligence.

Determining Fault for Different Types of Side-Impact Collisions

The fault may depend on the type of crash:

• Intersection Accidents: If a driver ran a red light or failed to yield, they might be at fault.
• Merging Collisions: Drivers who did not check blind spots or signals before merging could be held responsible.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Low-speed side-impact crashes in parking lots may require additional investigation.

Categories of Legal Remedies

After a side-impact accident, victims may pursue legal remedies such as filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement, or pursuing litigation in court. Depending on the circumstances, they may also seek compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. A Car Accident Attorney can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate for maximum compensation.

Injuries and Damage from a Side-Impact Collision

The injuries resulting from a side-impact collision can have long-term consequences, leading to significant financial losses. Damages available in a personal injury claim may include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to tangible financial losses, including medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation; lost wages due to missed work; property damage repair or vehicle replacement; future medical expenses; reduced earning capacity from long-term injuries; childcare costs incurred during recovery; and out-of-pocket expenses related to the incident.

Non-economic Damages

These damages address the emotional and physical impact of the accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. They also cover mental anguish, long-term trauma, and disruption to daily routines.

Punitive Damages

While Washington law generally does not allow punitive damages, exceptions may apply in extreme cases. According to RCW 4.56.260, punitive damages may be sought in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm. These damages are intended to punish wrongful behavior and deter future misconduct. However, they are only awarded under specific circumstances, requiring sufficient evidence to demonstrate recklessness, malicious intent, or willful disregard for safety.

Comparative Negligence

Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning a victim may still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. The compensation is reduced based on the victim’s percentage of fault.

Comparative Negligence if Both Drivers Were Negligent

If both parties contributed to the crash, the victim’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court determines the injured party was 20% responsible, they may still recover 80% of their total damages. This approach, known as comparative negligence, ensures that compensation reflects the level of responsibility in the accident, allowing victims to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the incident.

Do You Need a Lawyer if You’re T-Boned in a Car Accident?

Hiring a car accident lawyer may be essential to securing fair compensation if you have been injured in a side-impact collision. When a car hits you from the side, it can lead to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. A Washington car accident attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if needed. They can also ensure that you meet all filing deadlines and handle the legal complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries. Additionally, a lawyer can help assess any potential comparative negligence claims and work towards getting you the maximum compensation for your damages.

Contact A Dedicated WA Car Accident Lawyer

At Colburn Law—Accident and Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of side-impact accident claims. Our firm is committed to helping injury victims in Washington navigate the legal process and maximize their compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a side-impact crash, contact us at 206-919-3215 for a free consultation.

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