Side-impact collisions, often referred to as broadside or angle crashes, are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. When one car strikes the side of another, especially at high speeds or at vulnerable points like intersections, the damage can be devastating. These crashes often lead to severe injuries or fatalities, particularly when there’s minimal structural protection between the point of impact and the occupant.
At Andrew Pickett Law, we understand the life-altering consequences of a side-impact crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in such a collision in Florida, speak with a trusted car accident lawyer who knows how to build and win these cases.
What Causes Side-Impact Collisions in Florida?
Side-impact crashes happen in a variety of driving environments, but they’re especially common at intersections where visibility, timing, and signaling all play critical roles. The most common causes include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or using in-vehicle technology)
- Speeding through intersections
- Improper or illegal turns
- Driving under the influence
In many of these cases, the driver who caused the collision violated Florida traffic statutes such as Florida Statutes § 316.075, which governs obedience to traffic control devices, or § 316.123, which addresses stop signs and right-of-way.
Free Case Evaluation
Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.
5000+ Cases Reviewed
Sebastian Martinez
$200,000 Verdict
"Our family is flat out impressed with the Andrew Pickett Law firm technical mastery, they never wavered with kind direction as our recovery prolonged during the COVID-19, and they delivered the maximum settlement possible."
How to Prevent Side-Impact Crashes
Many of these collisions are preventable. While you can’t control what others do behind the wheel, defensive driving reduces your risk. Key preventive measures include:
- Slowing down at intersections, even with a green light
- Avoiding distractions, especially when approaching cross-streets
- Yielding properly, even when the right-of-way is unclear
- Checking both directions, not just traffic signals, before entering an intersection
- Avoiding high-risk maneuvers, such as U-turns across busy intersections
Vehicle safety technology, such as blind spot monitoring and collision-avoidance systems, can also reduce impact severity. But ultimately, it’s driver behavior that determines whether these systems are needed at all.
Your Legal Options After a Side-Impact Collision
If you’ve been injured in a side-impact crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you have legal options. Florida is a comparative fault state under § 768.81, which means your compensation may be reduced if you share fault, but as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
- Access your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) under Florida’s no-fault system (§ 627.736)
- Pursue a personal injury lawsuit if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold
- Claim under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable
A skilled car accident lawyer can help you navigate these options, build a case with solid evidence, and maximize your recovery.
how the claim process works
Step 2
We take action
Our dedicated team gets to work investigating your claim.
Step 3
We fight for you
If we take on the case, our team fights to get you the maximum compensation legally possible.
Free Case Evaluation
Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.
5000+ Cases Reviewed
Beatrice Maxime
$1,000,000 Verdict
"I am so very grateful to have had this firm represent me. I was in a car accident a few years ago, but the car insurance company of the person who totaled my car would not replace my car, nor pay for my medical bills. We ended up going to court and because of Mr. Pickett, we won the case. Thank you so much for all you did for us!!!!"
When Can You Sue After a Side-Impact Crash in Florida?
You can file a lawsuit when:
- Your injuries are serious enough to surpass Florida’s no-fault threshold (including permanent injury, significant disfigurement, or loss of bodily function)
- The at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to pay a fair settlement
- You’ve suffered losses beyond the limits of PIP coverage
In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations (§ 95.11(4)(a), as amended in 2023). Miss this deadline, and your case may be dismissed, no matter how strong it is.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Victims of side-impact crashes often suffer:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and spine damage
- Fractures, particularly of the pelvis and ribs
- Chest trauma from side airbags or vehicle intrusion
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety or PTSD
Compensation can include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term disability costs
As a Melbourne, FL personal injury law firm, we take a comprehensive approach to valuing your claim, ensuring nothing is overlooked, especially if your injuries are likely to affect your life for years to come.
Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer Who Understands Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact accidents can raise difficult legal questions, especially when fault is contested or multiple vehicles are involved. At Andrew Pickett Law, we have the experience, resources, and courtroom readiness to pursue justice, whether your case settles or goes to trial.
Melbourne Office: 927 E New Haven Avenue, Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901
Titusville Office: 605 S Palm Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Call 321-415-8053 or visit andrewpickettlaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
We don’t get paid unless we win. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Meet Andrew Pickett
Dealing with the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving compensation is our expertise.
15+ years experience as a personal injury attorney.
Specialized in battling insurance companies.
95% settlement rate for clients.
Handled 500+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $38 million for clients.
500+ people have chosen
Andrew as their attorney.
