Different Types of Car Accidents Can Lead to Different Injuries

Different types of car accidents can lead to different injuries, legal questions, and insurance challenges. Understanding how collisions happen — and what steps to take afterward — can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. Wolfson & Leon helps car accident victims throughout Fort Myers navigate the claims process and pursue fair compensation.

Intersection Crash Types in Fort Myers: Rear-End, Sideswipe, Broadside, and Rollover – What They Mean

Intersections in Fort Myers can be busy, fast-moving, and unpredictable. Roads like U.S. 41, Colonial Boulevard, College Parkway, Daniels Parkway, McGregor Boulevard, and Summerlin Road each have high-volume traffic and multiple turning points. When drivers are distracted, speeding, or fail to yield, different types of collisions can occur — each with its own impact pattern and injury risks.

Wolfson & Leon has represented accident victims in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida since 1963. We help injured individuals understand what happened, who may be responsible, and what compensation may be available.

Rear-End Collisions

What They Are

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle strikes the vehicle in front of it. These crashes often happen at:

• Stoplights on Colonial Blvd
• Traffic slowdowns on U.S. 41 / Cleveland Ave
• School pickup and commuter traffic zones
• Construction or lane-shift areas

Common Causes

• Distracted driving (phone use, adjusting navigation)
• Following too closely
• Speeding in stop-and-go traffic
• Sudden braking without sufficient distance

Injuries That May Result

• Neck strain and whiplash
• Herniated discs
• Shoulder and upper back injuries
• Headaches or concussion symptoms

Key Legal Point

Florida law does not automatically assign fault to the rear driver — but the rear driver is frequently found partially or fully responsible if they failed to maintain safe distance.

Sideswipe CollisionsWhat They Are

A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling next to each other make contact.

Where These Commonly Occur

• Lane merges on Six Mile Cypress
• Daniels Parkway near I-75 entrance ramps
• Bridge or causeway transitions to Sanibel or Cape Coral

Why They Happen

• Improper lane changes
• Not checking blind spots
• Drifting out of lane due to distraction or fatigue
• Fast merges during heavy traffic

Injuries

Even “minor” sideswipe collisions can cause:

• Spinal soft tissue injury
• Shoulder impact injuries
• Concussion from rapid head turn / bounce
• Knee injuries from dashboard bracing

Key Legal Point

Fault may depend on lane position, turn signals, and whether the driver changed lanes safely. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence often matter.

Broadside (T-Bone) CollisionsWhat They Are

One vehicle strikes another at a right angle — often called T-bone collisions.

Where They Commonly Occur

• McGregor Blvd intersections
• Colonial & US-41 traffic lights
• Neighborhood intersections without turn arrows

Common Causes

• Running a red light or stop sign
• Misjudged left turns
• Speeding through a yellow light
• Distracted or impaired driving

Injuries

These collisions can be severe because the side of the vehicle provides less protection:

• Head trauma and concussion
• Rib and hip fractures
• Pelvic or spinal cord injury
• Internal organ damage

Key Legal Point

Liability often turns on who had the right-of-way and whether traffic signals or stop signs were obeyed. Intersection camera footage can be extremely valuable.

Rollover AccidentsWhat They Are

A rollover occurs when a vehicle tips or flips onto its side or roof. Rollovers may involve:

• A single vehicle
• A vehicle struck at a high angle
• Vehicles with higher centers of gravity (SUVs, trucks, vans)

Common Conditions Leading to Rollovers in Fort Myers

• Sudden swerving to avoid another driver
• High-speed turns on divided roads
• Impact with raised medians or curbs
• Hydroplaning during seasonal storms

Injuries

Rollover injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and spinal trauma
• Fractures or crush injuries
• Psychological trauma from violent motion

What to Do After Any Type of Intersection Crash

1. Call 911 — get medical support and a police report.
2. Seek medical evaluation immediately — even if symptoms seem minor.
3. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic controls.
4. Get witness contact information if available.
5. Do not provide recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.

If injuries are involved, you should never assume the insurance company will treat you fairly without representation.

How Wolfson & Leon Helps

We work to:

• Identify what type of collision occurred
• Determine fault using evidence and legal standards
• Document injuries and long-term medical needs
• Negotiate directly with insurance companies
• Prepare the case for trial if needed

We represent your interests — not the insurer’s.

Damages You May Recover

• Medical bills and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of mobility or independence
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Call Wolfson & Leon

If you were hurt in an intersection accident in Fort Myers, you do not need to face the insurance companies alone.

Call (239) 777-9954 for a free consultation.We serve Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Lehigh Acres, Sanibel, and all of Southwest Florida.

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