According to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration, an average of 8,000 people lose their lives in New Jersey and around the county in side-impact crashes. This number accounts for over 17% of all traffic fatalities each year in the United States. The potential for serious injury or even death increases with side-impact accidents because of the driver and passenger exposure to impact.
The considerable danger of side-impact car crashes
A head-on collision is one in which two vehicles hit each other in the front area of the car. While these accidents are serious and can cause extreme injury, there is at least more protection from the front of the vehicle to the passengers. The side of a vehicle offers the least amount of protection to passengers in an accident and increases the degree of potential personal injury.
Additionally, there is glass on the side of the vehicle that can shatter and cause injury to passengers. The doors can also be impacted in an accident and cause damage.
Avoiding a side-impact accident
Paying close attention to traffic signs and signals is so important in protecting yourself from side-impact injuries. You should also be highly alert to other vehicles when you are driving across intersections, and be prepared to stop quickly if another car runs a red light or stop sign. Never drive when you are sleepy and certainly not after drinking or taking medication that could affect your driving.
If you have been the unfortunate victim of a side-impact accident, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and prove liability. If you are able, take pictures of the accident and document everything possible. Have medical records available from the accident to prove injuries, and be sure to understand how your injuries will affect you for years to come.