Side-impact collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. Although known as broadside collisions or T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions can lead to serious injuries or death.
Modern cars have improved safety features, but their sides are still the least-protected. The thin sides of a car or truck don’t provide much buffer during an accident. As a result, drivers and passengers can suffer severe injuries.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a side-impact collision, you might be eligible for compensation. Call John Foy & Associates today to discuss your legal options during a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and go over how our side-impact collisions lawyers might be able to assist you.
Side-Impact Collision Causes
Side-impact collisions can happen in many different ways. Most of the time, it comes down to another driver’s carelessness. Here are some examples we often see.
Running a Red Light
Many side-impact accidents happen when someone fails to stop at a red light or stop sign. Intersections are a frequent location for these types of accidents. The driver might think they have time to get a yellow light before it turns red.
A driver might try to run a red light, slamming into the side of a vehicle already in the intersection. The injuries can be especially severe if the first driver was speeding to run through the light faster.
Not Yielding the Right of Way
Failure to yield is a common cause of side-impact crashes. A driver might not yield to oncoming traffic before making a left turn, for example. The driver could hit the side of another vehicle traveling the same or opposite direction.
Motorists much yield the right of way in many situations, including:
- Approaching an intersection
- Entering a highway
- Stopping at a crosswalk
- Merging into another lane
A driver who causes an accident after failing to yield is probably liable for the damages.
Drunk Driving
Someone under the influence of alcohol is not going to make sound decisions. A drunk driver is more likely to run a light or make an illegal turn, causing a side-impact collision.
Distracted Driving
Examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone
- Messing with the radio
- Eating or drinking
- Putting on makeup
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and a frequent cause of side-impact accidents. In fact, a distracted driver can be as dangerous as a drunk driver. Drivers who are distracted cannot focus on the road enough to prevent crashes.
Poor Weather Conditions
Sometimes, weather or road conditions can lead to accidents. Bad weather might decrease a driver’s visibility or control over the vehicle. A side-impact collision could happen as a result.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Some side-impact collisions happen when a driver is reckless towards others. For example, someone might speed through a red light without thinking about how it puts others in danger. If aggressive driving escalates, it can turn into road rage.
These are just a few examples of side-impact collision causes. If you have suffered injuries from an accident, you might be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. Reach out to a side-impact collisions lawyer today to learn more.
To get a free consultation, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000.
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Common Injuries from Side-Impact Crashes
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact accidents made up 23% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2018. When an accident doesn’t cause deaths, it can leave victims with serious injuries.
Vehicle sides are much thinner than front and back zones. Even at low speeds, a side impact can leave drivers and passengers with terrible injuries like:
- Head and brain injuries that cause severe damage or life-long trauma
- Broken bones, such as broken ribs, collarbones, or limbs
- Severe bruising from the crash or airbag impact
- Cuts and scrapes from the crash or loss projectiles in the car
- Herniated discs if one or more vertebrae in the spine shift or rupture
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other emotional trauma after the accident
You might need emergency medical attention after the accident. If not, see a doctor as soon as possible. Save all medical bills, statements, and records. You will need proof that you received treatment for your accident injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Your Damages
If another driver caused your accident, you might deserve compensation. Accident victims often seek financial recovery by filing a claim with the driver’s insurance company. Your insurance claim should outline all damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
After you file your claim, the insurance company will respond. Most insurers will offer a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your costs. Your lawyer will work to negotiate for fair compensation.
If you can’t reach a fair settlement through a claim, you might choose to sue in court. A side-impact collisions lawyer can help you determine the best option for you. It’s important to know all possibilities and the type of settlement you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Get Started
Be mindful of the statute of limitations for your case. The deadline in Georgia is usually two years from the accident under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33. In some cases, you have more or less time.
Building a personal injury case requires time and commitment. If you wait too long, you could miss your chance at any compensation. Thankfully, your lawyer will help keep you on track while building your case.
Get Help from a Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer
The aftermath of a side-impact collision is complex. You’re already dealing with painful injuries and expenses. You don’t have to handle the legal side of things alone at the same time.
Contact a side-impact collisions lawyer to talk about holding the other driver responsible. You might be entitled to full compensation for your costs. At John Foy & Associates, we can let you know your options and help you get started.
Our lawyers always work on contingency. That means you don’t pay a fee unless we win your case. To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
