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Lafayette County, MO Auto Accident Lawyer Discusses The Danger of Side Impact Collisions

What are side-impact collisions?

Many people believe that head-on collisions are the most dangerous of Missouri traffic accidents. However, more than thirty years of improvements to vehicle design and safety features such as seat belts and air bags have increased the survival rate and decreased injuries from head-on collisions.

Side-impact collisions and angled crashes are far more common and more likely to be deadly. There are twice as many fatal side-impact crashes (20.7%) as head-on crashes (10.1%). Side-impact crashes are also more likely to produce injuries; they account for 32.3 percent of all injury crashes. Injuries from side-impact crashes include: spinal injuries, neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures and internal injuries.

Why are side-impact crashes so dangerous?

The sides of most passenger vehicles offer far less protection from impact than the front or the back of the vehicle. There is no hood or trunk to provide a barrier between the occupant and on-coming traffic. Not only is there less physical space, but there is less vehicle space in which engineers can add impact-absorbing features. Many cars don't even have side-curtain air bags.

Because there is less space between the side of the vehicle and the occupant, side-impact crashes are more likely to result in intrusions where another vehicle intrudes into the passenger cabin. As the vehicle is pushed in, glass breaks and steel crumples and the occupants are put at high risk of injury and death.
Injuries from side-impact collisions

• Brain injury: 59%
  
• Injuries to the chest or back: 65%
• Injuries to the head or face: 23%

What causes side impact collisions?

Most accidents can be traced to negligent driving. Side-impact crashes are no exception. More than 70 percent of side-impact crashes take place at intersections. They are especially likely when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and hit another driver who had the right of way.

Other factors include:

• Speeding
• Driver distraction
• Failure to yield
• Aggressive driving
• Drunk driving
• Drowsy driving
  

The severity of a side-impact crash depends on:

1.The speed and weight of the oncoming vehicle
2.Which part on the vehicle sustains the impact

A side-impact accident can leave its victims permanently disabled and unable to work. There may be extensive hospital bills. If you are a victim of a side-impact accident, you should speak to a Lafayette County, MO auto accident lawyer. The attorney will be able to advise you of your rights and will determine if you are eligible for compensation. Contact a Lafayette County, MO auto accident lawyer before considering an insurance settlement. The initial consultation is free and you don't want to sign away your rights. To learn more or discuss your own case, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616

For information about what you can do after a Lafayette County car crash, download a free copy of our book "10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim".

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