Sometimes the greatest dangers are those nobody sees coming. Side impact car accidents, also known as either broadside accidents or T-bone collisions, are a violent and often unexpected type of car crash where 40% result in serious injury. In a side impact collision, one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle at or close to a 90-degree angle. In these crashes, the impact can often send the struck vehicle into another vehicle, an object, oncoming traffic, or even onto its side or roof. Massive damage or death often occur even when side impact airbags operate properly, because the vehicle may move unpredictably, the occupants often have no notice the crash is going to occur, and the sides of vehicles have less structural protection from the collision’s impact for its occupants. As a result, these collisions make up 21% of all fatal accidents and 25% of non-fatal injury accidents in the entire United States.
Menifee, a town of 93,000 and growing, is a high traffic area where these collisions are all too common. Close proximity to busy freeways like the 15 and 215, as well as a heavy daily commuter population to the LA and San Diego metro areas, mean motorists are at elevated risk for involvement in side impact collisions at busy intersections. Earlier this year, a person was killed and another injured in a broadside accident at the corner of Newport and Menifee Roads. The force of the impact overturned one vehicle and pushed both cars onto the sidewalk. According to the NHTSA, the large number of SUVs on the road and elevated speed limits on roads in and around Menifee has caused a 20% death rate increase in these types of crashes. If you were hurt during T-bone collision, contact a Menifee Side Impact Car Accident Attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
What Kinds of Injuries Occur in a Side Impact Collision?
Because broadside accidents are unexpected and the driver or passengers in the struck vehicle have less protection from the impact, they’re extremely dangerous and often cause serious injuries even at low speeds. At higher speeds, it’s not uncommon for the accident to be fatal. Victims of side impact collisions often suffer traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, broken bones, and neck injuries like whiplash. These injuries can result in permanent disability or require long-term rehabilitation and keep victims from returning to work for extended periods of time or forever.
How Do I Win My Case?
The most common way side impact accident victims seek compensation for their injuries in California is by filing a civil lawsuit and arguing someone’s negligent behavior caused their harm. After you establish negligence, that party will be liable for injuries you can prove. Negligence is usually proven by showing it’s more likely than not the defendant owed you a legal duty of care, breached that duty, and that breach caused your injuries. However, a presumption of negligence can also be created if you show the defendant broke a law or regulation when they caused the harm.
In the case of side impact car accidents, breaking a traffic law is sufficient to create a presumption of negligence per se. Common violations that may establish negligence per se include:
- Running a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Texting and driving
- Failure to yield
- Failing to use your turn signal when turning or changing lanes
- Intoxicated driving
If a victim can prove someone was responsible for their injuries through either negligence or negligence per se, the wrongdoer must establish a valid defense or else be liable for harms you can prove.
What is My Case Worth?
Due to the violent nature of side impact accidents, it’s common for victims to suffer very severe or even fatal injuries. Anyone lucky enough to survive may find themselves with expensive medical bills piling up, as well as the chance they will need a lifetime of rehabilitation or accommodations to live normally. No amount of compensation can undo the traumatic effects of a T-bone collision, but it’s possible for victims to recover from a negligent party for injuries that can be proven to a judge or jury.
Victims of negligence may be able to recover damages for both quantifiable injuries such as medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, funeral or burial expenses, and property damages. It’s also possible to receive an award of money for injuries that don’t come with a fixed price tag such as pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium (companionship).
In some situations, a wrongdoer’s vile or reprehensible conduct is so bad that victims may be able to recover additional damages. These punitive damages are meant to punish the terrible conduct and encourage the wrongdoer and others to avoid repeating the behavior in the future. Because damages can be difficult to prove and require meeting a high burden of proof, it’s wise to work with an experienced Menifee Side Impact Car Accident Attorney to avoid costly legal pitfalls in your case.
Contact an Attorney Today
A side impact car accident is a violent event that can leave anyone fortunate enough to survive the crash in long-term emotional, financial, and psychical pain. Contact the experienced skilled Menifee Side Impact Car Accident Attorneys at Walton Law, APC today if you or a loved one were involved in one of these crashed in or around Menifee. Our attorneys can help you maximize your chance for recovery – we have years of experience delivering compassionate, dedicated representation for victims just like you and have recovered millions in compensation for their injuries. Call (866)-338-7079 or fill out our online Contact Page to schedule your confidential initial case review today. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing until we win your case. Don’t wait; let our team of attorneys review the facts of your unique situation and work to secure the best possible outcome for you starting today.