Side Impact Car Accidents

Getting hit from the side is one of the scariest types of crashes you can experience. Unlike a rear-end collision, where your trunk and bumper absorb some of the force, there is very little protecting you from the impact when another vehicle slams directly into your door. Side impact crashes—often called T-bone or broadside accidents—can change your life in a split second.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we understand the shock, pain, and stress that follow these collisions. Our attorneys have helped Miami car accident victims since 1976, and we know what it takes to hold careless drivers and their insurance companies accountable. When you work with us, you can focus on your recovery while we handle on your behalf the fight for maximum compensation.

When you think about your car’s design, the sides provide much less protection than the front or rear. Even with side airbags, there is only a thin door between you and the other vehicle. That means injuries from side impact crashes are often severe—especially if the collision happens at an intersection where speeds are higher.

Some of the most common reasons these crashes happen include:

• Drivers running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield when turning left
• Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
• Speeding through busy intersections
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If another driver made one of these mistakes and you paid the price, you should definitely not have to carry the financial burden alone.

Side impact accidents can cause injuries that affect every part of your life. Depending on where you were sitting and how hard the impact was, you may suffer:

• Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
• Broken ribs, hips, or arms
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Cuts and scars from shattered glass
• Lasting back or neck pain

These are not just short-term injuries. Many clients come to us facing long recoveries, time away from work, or medical treatments that may continue for years.

It is not unusual for insurance companies to claim you were partly to blame for a crash. Maybe they argue you were driving slightly over the speed limit, or that you could have reacted differently. Florida law now follows a modified comparative negligence rule.

This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may not recover any damages. For example, let’s say your damages total $100,000 but you are found 30 percent at fault. You could still recover $70,000. But if you were found 55 percent responsible, you may receive nothing.

That is why it is so important to have a lawyer who knows how to push back against the insurance company. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we gather traffic camera footage, talk to witnesses, and work with experts to make sure the blame is placed where it truly belongs.

Another important rule to know is Florida’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. That means you have two years from the date of your side impact crash to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and your right to compensation could be lost forever.

Two years might sound like plenty of time, but evidence disappears quickly—video gets erased, witnesses move, and cars get repaired. The sooner you call an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

The obvious answer is usually the other driver, but liability in a side impact crash can be more complicated. Depending on the circumstances, others who may be responsible include:

• An employer, if the driver was on the job
• A rideshare or delivery company
• A local government, if broken traffic lights or missing signs contributed to the crash
• A vehicle manufacturer, if airbags, door latches, or other safety features failed

Our job is to look at every possible source of responsibility so you are not left with unpaid bills or unfair settlement offers.

If you were injured in a side impact accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
• Future treatment needs and therapy
• Lost income and reduced future earning ability
• Pain and suffering, past and future
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral expenses in fatal cases

We take the time to understand how the accident has impacted your health, your family, and your future. Then we use that information to demand a full settlement and, if needed, present your case in court.

After a side impact crash, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and protect your rights from day one.

We offer free consultations, and we only get paid if and when we recover compensation for you. That means there is no risk in reaching out for help. Call us today at 877-448-8585 to learn how we can help you move forward after a side impact collision.