When most people think of car accidents, they picture rear-end collisions during heavy traffic or sudden stops. Others imagine the devastating crunch of a T-bone crash at a busy intersection. But when it comes to injury severity, which type of accident is more dangerous—rear-end or side-impact? If you’ve been injured in either type of crash, a Bakersfield car accident lawyer at Bojat Law Group can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These accidents are often the result of distracted driving, tailgating, speeding, or sudden braking. While rear-end crashes can happen at any speed, they’re especially common in stop-and-go traffic, near intersections, or on congested highways.
Common injuries in rear-end accidents include:
● Whiplash and neck strain
● Back and spinal injuries
● Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
● Seatbelt-related bruising and chest trauma
● Wrist and shoulder injuries from bracing for impact
Rear-end collisions are often labeled “minor,” but that doesn’t mean the injuries are. Even a crash at 10–15 mph can leave a victim with chronic neck or back issues. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), rear-end collisions account for nearly 29% of all crashes resulting in injury.
Side-impact crashes—also known as T-bone collisions—typically occur at intersections when one vehicle strikes the side of another at a perpendicular angle. These accidents often happen due to failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging oncoming traffic when turning left.
Unlike rear-end crashes where the front and rear bumpers absorb some of the impact, side-impact collisions leave occupants dangerously exposed. Most vehicles have limited space and structural protection between the door and the person seated beside it.
Injuries in side-impact accidents tend to be more severe and include:
● Pelvic and hip fractures
● Internal bleeding and organ damage
● Brain injuries and skull fractures
● Broken ribs and punctured lungs
● Paralysis or spinal cord injuries
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report revealed that side-impact collisions account for nearly 25% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths, despite being less frequent than rear-end crashes. The risk of fatality increases dramatically if the struck vehicle is smaller, lacks side airbags, or if the crash occurs at high speeds.
Severity matters. While rear-end accidents may be more common, side-impact crashes are statistically more dangerous and more likely to cause life-threatening or disabling injuries. That said, every accident is unique. Injury outcomes depend on:
● The angle and force of impact
● The vehicles involved (size, safety features)
● Passenger position
● Use of seat belts and airbags
● Age and physical condition of the occupants
In general:
● Rear-end collisions tend to cause soft tissue injuries and concussions
● Side-impact crashes more often lead to broken bones, internal injuries, and fatalities
Regardless of the type of crash, the emotional and financial toll can be devastating. Medical bills, missed work, physical therapy, and psychological trauma can add up fast—especially if the other driver was negligent or reckless.
Determining liability in a rear-end collision is often more straightforward. The rear driver is typically presumed to be at fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance. However, there are exceptions—such as sudden stops, brake-checking, or malfunctioning brake lights.
T-bone crashes can be more complex. The fault may lie with:
● A driver who ran a red light or stop sign
● A left-turning driver who failed to yield
● A distracted or intoxicated driver
● In rare cases, even a municipality for improper signage or signal malfunction
This is where an experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyer comes in. At Bojat Law Group, we investigate your case in detail, gather evidence from dash cams, witness statements, and crash reconstruction experts to prove who was truly at fault—and who owes you compensation.
Insurance companies don’t care about your recovery—they care about minimizing payouts. They might offer you a fast settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your injuries. If you accept, you waive your right to future claims, even if you discover new complications later.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer before agreeing to anything.
If you’re involved in a rear-end or side-impact accident in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, follow these steps:
Both rear-end and side-impact crashes can alter the course of your life. If you were hurt in either type of accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. A seasoned Bakersfield car accident lawyer from Bojat Law Group can stand by your side, protect your rights, and demand the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
📞 Call us today at (818) 877-4878 for a free consultation. You only pay if we win.
