Greenville Side-Impact Crash Lawyers
Side-impact collisions, often referred to as T-bone or broadside crashes, are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents on South Carolina roads. Unlike front-end or rear-end collisions, a vehicle struck from the side offers occupants far less structural protection. When another driver slams into the driver’s side or passenger side door, the force of impact can cause devastating injuries, long-term medical complications, or even loss of life. At Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys, we understand how catastrophic a side-impact crash can be and how overwhelming the aftermath often feels. Our Greenville side-impact crash lawyers provide the legal support, deep experience, and compassion families need during the most difficult times.
With decades of combined experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury litigation, our attorneys offer an advanced understanding of how insurance companies approach these claims. We know the strategies insurers use to dispute liability, question the severity of injuries, or push victims into accepting low settlements. Because we have seen these cases from every angle, we are uniquely equipped to anticipate challenges and protect our clients’ rights from the very beginning.
Side-impact crashes are particularly common at intersections throughout Greenville and the Upstate. Busy routes such as Laurens Road, Wade Hampton Boulevard, Pleasantburg Drive, and major highways create countless opportunities for negligent drivers to cause harm. Whether a reckless driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or ignored a stop sign, our team is ready to hold them accountable.
Why Side-Impact Collisions Are So Dangerous
The sides of a vehicle simply do not have the same crumple zones or protective structure found in the front or rear. While modern vehicles do include side airbags and reinforced door frames, these safety features cannot fully absorb the extreme forces of a high-speed impact. When a vehicle is struck broadside, occupants are positioned just inches away from the point of impact. This lack of distance and structural buffering contributes to some of the most severe injuries we see in motor vehicle accident cases.
For drivers and passengers sitting on the side that takes the impact, the risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal organ injuries, and fatal harm increases significantly. Even occupants sitting on the opposite side can experience serious trauma due to the sudden jolt, twisting motion, or secondary impacts.
In many cases, side-impact crashes also cause vehicles to spin, roll over, or collide with additional cars or fixed objects. These secondary collisions can cause further injuries and complicate liability issues. Our attorneys understand how to investigate these multi-factor crashes to determine what happened, why it occurred, and who is responsible.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Accidents in Greenville
While side-impact collisions can happen anywhere, they most often occur when one driver violates another driver’s right of way. In Greenville and Upstate South Carolina, the most frequent causes we see include:
Running a red light or stop sign
A driver who enters an intersection without stopping or slowing can strike another vehicle traveling lawfully through the crossing.
Failing to yield
Left-turn crashes, intersection merges, and uncontrolled intersections often lead to broadside impacts when drivers misjudge timing or ignore the right of way.
Distracted driving
Texting, looking at social media, adjusting controls, or being otherwise distracted increases the likelihood that a driver will miss traffic signals or other vehicles.
Speeding or aggressive driving
When drivers travel too fast for conditions or try to beat traffic lights, they drastically reduce the time available to avoid collisions.
Driving under the influence
Impaired drivers often fail to react appropriately at intersections, drift into oncoming lanes, or make unsafe or unpredictable maneuvers.
Poor visibility or obstructed sight lines
Weather conditions, nighttime driving, and visually blocked intersections can also contribute to side-impact collisions.
Because these crashes often involve disputed accounts of what happened, early investigation is critical. We work with accident reconstruction experts, review traffic camera footage when available, analyze damage patterns, examine vehicle data, and gather witness testimony to build a clear, evidence-based case.
Serious Injuries in Side-Impact Crashes
Because occupants have so little protection from direct force in a side collision, injuries tend to be severe, long-lasting, and costly to treat. Many victims face extended hospital stays, surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and long-term disability. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractured ribs, pelvis, arms, or legs
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Torn ligaments and severe soft tissue injuries
- Permanent nerve damage
- Wrongful death
These injuries can affect every aspect of a victim’s life, from physical and emotional well-being to the ability to work, care for loved ones, or engage in everyday activities. We work to ensure that clients receive compensation not only for their immediate medical bills, but also for future medical needs, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.
Insurance Company Tactics After a Side-Impact Collision
Insurance companies often approach side-impact accident claims aggressively, especially when the impact occurred at an intersection where fault may be disputed. Even when evidence clearly supports the victim, insurers may attempt to minimize the claim by arguing:
- The victim failed to yield or entered the intersection improperly.
- Traffic signals were unclear or malfunctioning.
- Injuries were preexisting or exaggerated.
- The crash was unavoidable due to weather or the sudden actions of another vehicle.
- The victim could have taken evasive action to avoid the collision.
Because our attorneys have extensive experience defending claims for insurance carriers and corporations, we know how these arguments are constructed and how adjusters evaluate risk. We use this insight to build strong cases that counter these tactics and maximize recovery for our clients.
How Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys Can Help
Side-impact collisions require thorough investigation, a strong legal strategy, and an understanding of how insurers approach liability disputes. We guide clients through the process from start to finish, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
Our team assists with:
- Collecting evidence from the scene, vehicles, witnesses, and digital data sources
- Coordinating medical evaluations to document the full extent of injuries
- Handling all communication with insurance adjusters
- Identifying all sources of compensation
- Building a detailed and compelling narrative of how the crash occurred
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Preparing every case as if it may go to trial
Our dual background in plaintiffs’ and defense work allows us to anticipate obstacles and design case strategies that address weaknesses before they can be exploited.
Compensation Available After a Side-Impact Crash in Greenville
Victims of side-impact collisions may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and long-term disability. In cases involving drunk driving, reckless speeding, or other egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Because every case is unique, we take time to understand the full impact of the injury on each client’s life. We work closely with medical experts, vocational experts, and financial professionals to ensure damages accurately reflect both current and future needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side-Impact Accidents
How do you prove who was at fault in a side-impact collision?
We use physical evidence, witness statements, accident reconstruction, vehicle data, and available traffic footage to determine exactly what occurred, even when accounts of the crash differ.
Are side-impact crashes more dangerous than other types of accidents?
Yes. Because drivers and passengers are situated so close to the point of impact, side-impact collisions often result in more severe and life-threatening injuries.
Should I speak with the insurance company after the crash?
It is best to consult with an attorney first. Statements made early in the process can be used to undermine your claim.
What if the other driver says I caused the crash?
Fault disputes are common in side-impact cases. Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to uncover evidence supporting your version of events.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
In South Carolina, most victims have three years to file a lawsuit, but it is important to start the claim process as soon as possible.
Call Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a side-impact collision in Greenville, our team is here to help. We bring extensive courtroom experience, accident investigation knowledge, and a compassionate client-focused approach to every case we handle. Contact Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
