Side collision

From ArticleWorld

A side collision is a type of auto accident that occurs when two vehicles collide at or near a 90-degree angle. A side collision can also occur when two vehicles are traveling in same or opposite directions, however, this is a less common use of the term. Most side collisions happen in parking lots or at intersections.

T-bone

The majority of side collisions occurring at intersections involve the front end of one vehicle hitting the side of another vehicle. These types of collisions are often referred to as t-bone or broadside collisions. Speed and failure to check for approaching traffic at the intersection are the most common causes of this type of collision. Vehicle damage and occupant injuries in this type of accident vary depending on the speed of the vehicles involved, the section of the vehicle that is hit and the construction and weights of the two vehicles. In many cases a side collision will turn both vehicles in a different direction and often cause the struck vehicle to go into a spin. In this situation the spinning vehicle may thrown into other vehicles or collide with stationary objects nearby. Some vehicles are equipped with side impact airbags that can help protect the occupants from some damage

Sideswipe

When two vehicles collide while traveling in the same direction, such as passing or graze each other’s sides while traveling in opposite directions, it is often called a sideswipe. In most cases where the vehicles are traveling in the same direction, damage is usually light, sometimes only cosmetic. If the vehicles are traveling in the opposite direction damage may be considerably worse depending on the speed of the two vehicles.