person inside a car involved in a side impact car accident

Side impact accidents—also called T-bone or broadside crashes—can result in severe, life-altering injuries. When a vehicle is struck on the side, there is far less protection than in a front- or rear-end collision. These crashes often happen at intersections and are commonly caused by reckless or distracted driving.

At Nagel Rice LLP, our New Jersey car accident attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for injury victims throughout the state. If you were in a car accident hit on the driver’s side, or your loved one was injured in a broadside collision, we can help you seek justice and compensation. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim. 

What Causes Side Impact Collisions?

Most side impact crashes happen when one driver ignores traffic laws or fails to pay attention. Common causes include:

  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Failing to yield at intersections
  • Distracted driving (e.g., texting)
  • Speeding or reckless lane changes
  • Driving under the influence
  • Poor weather or road visibility

In many cases, the driver who struck the side of the vehicle is at fault, but proving liability requires a thorough investigation. That’s where Nagel Rice comes in. We will leverage our skills and resources to build a successful claim, based on a comprehensive review of the evidence, including police reports, video surveillance, eyewitness accounts, and medical records. 

Common Injuries in Side Impact Accidents

A car accident involving a collision on the driver’s side can lead to devastating injuries, especially when the impact is directly where a person is seated. Victims may suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Fractured ribs, hips, or limbs
  • Internal organ damage
  • Cuts and lacerations from shattered glass
  • Whiplash or nerve damage\
  • Psychological trauma and PTSD

If you or a family member is facing a long recovery, our legal team is here to make sure the financial burden doesn’t fall on you.

Who’s Liable in a Side Impact Car Accident?

Liability in a side impact crash depends on the facts of the case. Our side-impact car accident lawyers work with investigators and reconstruction experts to determine fault. Liable parties may include:

  • The at-fault driver
  • Employers (if the driver was working at the time)
  • Vehicle manufacturers (if a safety failure contributed to the crash)
  • Government entities (if poor road design played a role)

Nagel Rice knows how to hold negligent parties accountable, even in complex multi-party cases.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

After a side impact crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehab)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Long-term care costs
  • Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)

We pursue maximum compensation based on the unique facts of your case. We don’t settle for quick payouts that fall short of what you truly need.

How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

When you hire Nagel Rice, you gain a team with decades of litigation experience and a long track record of successful outcomes. We help clients by:

  • Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
  • Handling all communications with insurance companies
  • Calculating full damages and losses
  • Filing claims or lawsuits within legal time limits
  • Negotiating for a fair settlement or going to trial

We offer personalized, attentive service and aggressive representation—because your recovery deserves nothing less.

Side Impact Accidents Are Serious. So Are We.

At Nagel Rice, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a serious car accident can be. You don’t have to deal with insurance companies or legal paperwork alone. Our team is ready to take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Whether you were in a car accident hit on the driver’s side or suffered injuries in another side impact collision, we’ll work to secure the financial support you need. We handle side impact accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.