A side-impact collision is also known as a broadside or T-bone accident. This type of crash takes place when the front of one automobile makes contact with the side of another.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that roughly 25% of all fatal car accidents every year are the result of side-impact collisions. These accidents occur most often at intersections when drivers run stop signs or red lights.
Even at lower speeds, a side-impact crash can lead to serious injuries for the occupants of the struck vehicle. If you were injured in a side-impact or T-bone accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you are likely entitled to financial compensation.
Working with an experienced nationwide car accident attorney will help ensure that your right to damages is protected and that you receive a fair financial settlement that covers your losses.
At Local Accident Reports, we deliver dependable legal advice and support for victims of traffic accidents across the country. Our mission is to help our injured clients obtain the maximum compensation available for their injuries.
We offer a free case evaluation to all new clients, and our firm works on a contingency fee. That means you pay nothing if we don’t win your case. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you recover physically and financially after a side-impact accident.
What Should I Do After A Side-Impact Collision?
Knowing what you should do after any kind of auto accident is crucial information that every driver needs to know. Not only will taking the correct steps after an accident keep you and your passengers safe, but it will also ensure you have everything you need to seek compensation later on.
After being involved in a side-impact collision, you should:
Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do is make certain that you and your passengers are safe. If you are physically able to do so, check on the other vehicle’s occupants. Accidents are extremely frightening and stressful, but keeping calm is the best way to ensure that the incident is dealt with as effectively as possible.
Clear All Vehicles From the Flow of Traffic
If your car is drivable, you need to move it to the shoulder or as far from the flow of oncoming traffic as you possibly can without leaving the scene. Set out road flares or turn on your car’s hazard lights to warn approaching traffic.
Notify the Police
Although someone else probably already has, you should call 911 after you check for injuries and move the vehicles. It is vital that police and paramedics are at the scene as quickly as possible.Once officers arrive, answer any questions they have honestly and in as much detail as possible. Be prepared to give them your driver’s license details and insurance information. Make sure you request a copy of the accident report, as well as the names and badge numbers of every responding officer with whom you engage.
Take Pictures and Exchange Information
While the formal police report will serve as the official record of your car accident, you should take your own videos and pictures as well. Take pictures from as many different angles as you can safely manage. This includes pictures of the damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries, the accident scene itself, and anything else you feel might be important or relevant. These pictures and videos will help establish which driver is liable for the crash. It is also important that you write down the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of every other driver involved in the collision. If any bystanders happened to witness the incident, you can approach them and ask politely for their contact information so they can give a statement later on.
Reach Out to a Side-Impact Collision Lawyer
Before you speak to anyone from an insurance company or submit your claim, it is important that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The nationwide car accident lawyers at Local Accident Reports will handle all the legal aspects of your injury claim so that you can rest assured that you are doing everything necessary to receive full and fair financial compensation.
Why is an Attorney Important After a Side-Impact Collision?
Attorneys know all the tricks and gimmicks that insurance companies use to defend themselves against claims. Due to the fact that side-impact collisions generally result in very serious injuries, the claims they give rise to generally involve large amounts of money.In other words, the insurance carrier is going to be very aggressive in its defense against your valid claim. Enlisting the aid of a lawyer who knows how to predict which defenses the insurance company is going to raise can help you sidestep expensive mistakes and create a compelling case for liability.A reputable personal injury attorney will fully investigate the cause of your side-impact accident and work with industry professionals to prove the other driver’s liability and the true extent of your injuries and other damages.
Potential Damages in a Side-Impact Collision
The damages available to you after a side-impact crash will depend on the severity of your injuries, your total anticipated recovery time, and the extent of your damages. In a personal injury suit for a side-impact collision, these will most likely include both economic and non-economic damages.Economic damages include things such as medical bills, physical therapy expenses, out-of-pocket costs, lost earnings, and property damage.Non-economic damages include loss of fellowship, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and emotional trauma. Your lawyer will know how to value your claim, so you have a general idea of how much it’s worth.
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a side-impact collision or any other kind of traffic accident, reach out to the nationwide car accident attorneys at Local Accident Reports as soon as you can. Our case histories show that we have earned our reputation for achieving successful outcomes for our clients in even the most challenging of cases. Call Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to schedule your free consultation and learn what course of action our experienced lawyers recommend for your situation.
