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Are You More Vulnerable in a Side-impact Crash Than a Head-on Collision?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

No one wants to suffer either a side-impact crash or a head-on collision, but of the two, the driver and passengers are less vulnerable when vehicles hit head on. That is because most vehicles have airbags deploying in a head-on collision, and there is only a thin barrier of metal and glass between the car’s occupants and a side-impact vehicle.

These two types of collisions are responsible for the bulk of automobile fatalities. While more people die in head-on crashes, the front of the vehicle makes up a considerable “crumple zone,” which offers more protection than a side-impact, or T-bone, crash.

A car accident lawyer for Rockland and Bergen Counties at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. can help you receive the maximum amount of compensation for serious injuries sustained in broadside crashes caused by the other driver’s negligence. We protect your rights during this difficult time.

Side-Impact Crashes

When it comes to automobile design, the weakest parts of any vehicle are the sides. If a car door was truly protective, it might prove too heavy for the average person to open. Much of the car door is devoted to the window, which offers no protection whatsoever, and can cause serious injury when the glass shatters upon impact.

Even worse is a situation where a larger vehicle, including SUVs, hits the side of a smaller car. In this scenario, the grill of the large vehicle may collide at the window level of the smaller car, resulting in even more devastation.

Side-impact crashes occur most often at intersections. A reckless driver going through a red light or stop sign may broadside another car at a high rate of speed, increasing the intensity of the impact. Drivers making left-hand turns or failing to yield may also strike another car in the side.

Another issue with t-bone crashes is that the impact may cause the vehicle to spin off the road or out of its lane, where it collides with a stationary item such as a telephone pool or tree, or another vehicle. Rollovers are frequent in these secondary impacts.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions, when the front of one vehicle strikes the front of another, most often occur when one driver crosses over the center line on a two-way roadway, or when one vehicle passes another without realizing there is a car coming right at it. A driver may cause such a crash by going the wrong way on a one-way road. Head-on collisions often happen due to driver fatigue, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.

Head-on collisions have a high injury and fatality rate.

Injuries

Injuries sustained in either type of accident are usually serious and may result in permanent impairment. Such injuries include:

Burns
Internal organ damage
Loss of limbs
Multiple fractures
Paralysis
Quadriplegia
Traumatic brain injury

After suffering such severe injuries, many people can no longer work again, and may need long-term care.

Damages

While both New York and New Jersey are no-fault states when it comes to automobile insurance, these types of serious injuries and their long-term consequences generally allow the accident victim can go outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Damages, or compensation, for serious injuries suffered in a side-impact or head-on collision may include:

Medical expenses, present and future
Lost wages
Future lost earnings
Property damage
Pain and suffering

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Side impact and head-on collisions are among the most deadly types of car accidents. If someone succumbs to their injuries, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations for filing such a lawsuit is three years from the death date, not the date of the crash.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Rockland and Bergen Counties

If you or a loved one were injured in a side-impact crash or a head-on collision, you need the services of an experienced car accident attorney at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. Schedule a free consultation by submitting our online form or calling or texting us 24/7. Our dedicated attorneys work on a contingency basis, so there is never a fee unless we win.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   LWelsh 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 108 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 151 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

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Are You More Vulnerable in a Side-impact Crash Than a Head-on Collision?

Why Trust Us?

Rockland County, New York

Bergen County, New Jersey