Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer in Florida
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.
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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.
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.
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"Mr. Pickett and his team are OUTSTANDING! His attention to detail is amazing. He really understands his clients and puts his soul into building a case. He always kept me in the loop, valued my input, responded to any and all questions I had, and made me feel confident and comfortable throughout."
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 Florida 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.
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Courtney LaChapelle
I had an auto accident back in September, and went to Andrew Pickette Law to get a case going for my medical expenses I was having to deal with. I was working closely with Vonda and Tiffany Whitehouse through the last several months. We’ve finally come to the conclusion of my case and I am so thrilled with the outcome. These ladies have been here for every question and concern that I’ve had during this process. This is an exceptional law office and would recommend anyone seek out their services. You’re getting someone that is from our area, knows Florida laws, and truly gets to know their clients.
Luke Dow
Andrew has established his firm as a pillar of excellence in personal injury space. He and his team have a track record of successful outcomes, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the most reliable legal practices in the area. Highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law.
Sneha Das
I had a great consultation with Ashley, she was very compassionate and walked me through the entire signing process. She explained everything clearly and was very patient and understanding, as it was my first time going through anything like this. She made me feel reassured and that I am great hands with Andrew Pickett Law!
Ella-Louise Steensma
Andrew Pickett Law firm has been so helpful already, Ashley S has been so kind and helpful answering all my questions! She is understanding of what you need and helps you get it!
Tony Burns
Known Andrew for years and if you’re looking for a great attorney, he’s your guy!
Amy Crotty
Ashley was super helpful and walked me through the steps I needed to get my case started. She was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.
Brandi LEMA
Vonda has been really great she’s so sweet she stays on top of things and keeps you notified of everything!! Andrew Pickett is the BEST LAW FIRM I’ve ever dealt with hands down!!!
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Andrew Pickett law was very helpful and made the process very easy and smoothly I really appreciate the help they gave us and how they sincerely cared and that in itself means a lot I highly recommend them
Helen Keiller
I was sent a short notice to Andrew Law firm . Hailey – Intake Called me back with so much patience and concern for what happened to me . Feels so much warmer and care . They gives me more information about what I need to do for help. Very appreciate even they are not able to help me. Thanks again for her time and compassionate . Thanks Hailey – Intake
Rockeisha J
Ms.Ashley And Ms.Hailey Was A Huge Help With Myself In My Daughter , They Was Very Patient When We Ranned Cross A Few Hiccups , They Were Very Respectful And Dedicated Too Helping Us As Much As They Could Not Only Helping In Having Patience But A Listening Ear With Plenty Support In A Time Of Need They Where Great And Very Upfoward
Erin Hussey
So far, Pickett law, and Ashley in particular have been amazing. They work so quick and are very responsive. I was in an accident Friday and called Friday evening after business hours and they contacted me first thing Monday morning to let me know they were working on my case. I feel safe having this firm in my corner.
Margarita Eberline
Andrew Pickett is an exceptional attorney and an even more incredible advocate for his clients! I had the pleasure of hosting him on The Care Sandwich Podcast, where he shared his journey and passion for helping those who’ve been wronged.
Andrew’s compassion and expertise truly set him apart, he’s not just a lawyer, he’s someone who genuinely cares about making a difference. If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney who will fight for you every step of the way, Andrew is the one to call. Highly recommend!
Sue Padgett
I have had nothing but a pleasant experience with Ashley as my first time dealing with an attorney and their staff. She helped make sense out of a lot of unknowns and questions I had. She is a joy to speak to and quick to respond to you, either after a phone call or text. I hope my whole experience with this group will be as comfortable as it was speaking with Ashley. I’m sure it will be.
Primo Garcia
For almost 2 yrs Mr. Pickett and his team worked endlessly on my case. They showed tremendous dedication and drive. Lindsey was always staying in contact and always reassuring me that they got this so don’t worry. Today I get a call stating we WON, all I can say is thank God that Andrew and Lindsey took my case because without them I don’t know what would have happened. God bless them both I love you guys.
Rose Harper
Pickett Law has exceptional trial attorneys and compassionate team members. I highly recommend Pickett Law for any accident and injury accident cases in Florida.
Megan Thomas
Excellent trial law firm. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge and works hard for his clients.
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Outstanding law firm and great trial lawyer! Andrew and his team are some of the best in the business.
ranojoy guha
I had a chance to work with Andrew, he’s an incredible trial attorney and a wonderful human being.
kristie escalera
I love his dedication to the community.
Meet Andrew Pickett
When you sustain injuries in an accident due to the negligence of someone else, I am here to be your personal advocate and to navigate the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving just compensation. My Florida personal injury law firm works together to investigate your case, prepare it for trial, and ensure that justice is served due to your accident and injuries.
When you sustain injuries in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we are here to be your advocates and guide you through the often-confusing insurance policies designed to delay or limit fair compensation. Our team works together to thoroughly investigate your case, prepare it for trial when necessary, and fight to ensure justice is served for your accident and injuries. You are more than just a number; you’re someone whose story matters. We are here to help. Our team will guide you through the civil litigation process and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve so you can move forward.
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Hailey went above and beyond during my intake call. Friendly, compastionate and on top of eveything.