Arizona

Arizona Side Impact Collision Statistics: What You Should Know

August 17, 2022

A side impact collision, also known as a T-bone collision, can be a very dangerous type of car accident. This is because the impact of the collision can be directly against the driver or passenger of the car, causing serious injuries or even death.

Overall, side impact collisions can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided if possible. If you are involved in one, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and to contact an experienced car accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim.

Why Are Side Impact Crashes So Deadly?

There are a few things that can happen when someone is involved in a side-impact collision. Think of a vehicle striking a car on the side where there is very little to protect occupants from the impact. When a car is hit on the side, the occupants absorb much more of the force of impact. Additionally, windows may be smashed, and doors may collapse, which can cause additional injury.

Second, the people inside the car can be seriously injured. The force of the collision can cause broken bones, internal bleeding, and even death. It is important to be properly restrained in a seatbelt or airbag to reduce the risk of serious injury in a side-impact collision.

Third, the collision can cause serious damage to the road. The impact of the collision can create a large crater in the road, which can be dangerous for other drivers. It can also cause debris to be scattered across the road, which can create a hazard for other motorists.

Injuries Caused by Sideswipe Accidents

A side impact collision, also called a T-bone collision, can be a very dangerous type of car accident. The reason side impact collisions are so dangerous is that the struck vehicle’s passenger compartment can be crushed by the force of the impact. This can cause serious injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.

Common injuries that can occur in a side impact collision include:

  • Broken bones
  • Fractured disks
  • Paralysis
  • Internal organ damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Head injuries

Side impact collisions often occur at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle. These types of accidents can also occur in parking lots or when one vehicle sideswipes another.

If you have been involved in a side impact collision, it is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you are injured. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

Causes of Side Impact Crashes

A side impact collision is a type of car crash that occurs when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Side impact collisions are also sometimes called T-bone collisions or right-angle collisions.

Several different things can cause a side impact collision. One common cause is when one driver fails to yield the right of way to another driver who has the right of way. Another common cause is when one driver is distracted and doesn’t see another car coming.

Speed is often a factor in side-impact collisions. A driver who is speeding is more likely to cause a collision because they have less time to react to a situation.

Some other causes of side impact collisions include:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Reckless driving
  • Road rage
  • Not paying attention to the road
  • Falling asleep at the wheel
  • Bad weather conditions
  • Poorly maintained roads
  • Construction zones

Numbers and Facts About Arizona Side Impact Car Accident

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 98,788 auto accidents in Arizona in 2020. Of those crashes, there were 26,610 bodily injuries.

Here are some other pertinent statistics about Arizona auto accidents in 2020:

  • There were 970 auto accident fatalities in Arizona in 2020
  • There were 2,317 accidents involving a motorcycle
  • There were 4,506 alcohol-related crashes
  • More than 1500 crashes involved pedestrians
  • Approximately 2.89 persons were killed each day.
  • One person was killed every 8 hours and 17 minutes.
  • There were 113 people injured every day.
  • One person was injured every 12 minutes and 45 seconds.
  • Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 4.56% of all crashes and 16.80% of all fatal crashes.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 82.65% occurred in Urban areas and 17.35% occurred in Rural areas, while 68.71% of all alcohol-related fatal crashes occurred in Urban areas and 31.29% occurred in rural areas.
  • Single vehicle crashes accounted for 17.99% of all crashes and 32.37% of all fatal crashes.
  • Of all Pedestrian crashes, 15.23% were fatal while 3.98% of Pedalcycle crashes were fatal.
  • Crashes that occurred during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) accounted for 70.0% of all crashes.
  • Motor vehicle crashes resulted in $17.193 billion in economic losses to Arizona.
  • Children aged 14 and younger accounted for 41 fatalities and 2,104 injuries in motor vehicle crashes.

While the data doesn’t specifically list all side impact collisions, of the 81,012 multi-vehicle accidents, many of these crashes were likely side-impact collisions.

Arizona recorded 13,520 same-side sideswipe accidents in 2020, and 1,441 opposite side-impact collisions. The only reported accident category that was higher was rear-end impacts, with a reported 31,868 occurred during 2020.

If you have been involved in a side impact collision, or any automobile accident, you need an attorney well-versed in Arizona personal injury law. A law firm that understands the challenges that arise after a serious auto accident.

We understand that this can be a frustrating and emotionally charged time for you and your family. At Torgenson Law, we use all the legal resources at our disposal to address your case and work tirelessly to provide the best representation in your fight against insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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