A side impact car accident, also referred to as a broadside accident or T-bone collision is a dangerous type of motor vehicle collisions which happens when one vehicle crashes into another vehicle’s side at close to a 90-degree angle. The impact of these crashes can result in the vehicle struck rolling over or being pushed into a nearby object or vehicle. The movement of a vehicle struck on the side, in combination with the issue that only a door stands between the occupants in the struck vehicle and the force of the collision, often results in massive damage and fatalities even when side impact airbags are present and deploy. Side impact car accidents make up 21% of all fatal accidents and 25% of non-fatal injury accidents in the country. 40% of all side impact accidents result in serious injuries.
In high traffic areas like Murrieta, side impact car accidents are a common occurrence. Busy intersections along Jefferson Avenue, State Route 79, Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and Washington Avenue are all prime locations for side impact collisions to occur. The city’s close proximity to the major 15 and 215 freeways also present a high risk for collisions from improper merging, unsafe lane changes, and drivers who lose control of their vehicles. Higher speed limits on these roads, along with the greater presence of SUVs, account for the NHTSA’s finding that side impact deaths increased 20 percent. Because T-bone collisions are usually the result of negligence, if you’ve been hurt contact a Murrieta Side Impact Car Accident Attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Side Impact Accident InjuriesDue to the unexpected nature of side impact accidents, it’s no surprise they are particularly dangerous. Even low speed crashes can cause serious damage; at higher speeds a victim’s injuries can easily be permanent or even fatal. The lack of structural barriers between the driver of a vehicle broadsided and the striking vehicle is an extremely grave situation for anyone in the vehicle receiving the brunt of the collision. Common side impact injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Head trauma;
- Spinal cord injuries such as paralysis;
- Neck injuries including whiplash and other soft tissue injuries;
- Amputations;
- Fractures;
- Internal injuries; and
- Back injuries.
Accident victims may end up permanently disabled and potentially unable to work the rest of their lives. Permanent or not, side impact injuries can incur astronomical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
Recovering for Your InjuriesWhen trying to recover compensation for their injuries, side impact accident victims commonly file a lawsuit alleging their injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence. Once a victim establishes negligence, the responsible party will be liable for your injuries. Normally a victim must breach a duty of care to the victim and cause their injuries. However, if they can establish another driver broke a law, regulation, or rule – including any traffic laws – the driver is automatically presumed negligent. Side impact accidents are commonly caused by traffic law violations including:
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Making cell phone calls without a hands-free device
- Texting and driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield – Drivers must yield to drivers already in the lane they want to enter, so it’s required that they wait until it’s safe to attempt a right turn into the oncoming flow of traffic. Also, drivers approaching a four-way intersection at the same time are required to yield to the vehicle on their left before proceeding. Motorists in oncoming vehicles are also expected to yield to vehicles turning left.
After a victim has established another driver injured them by behaving negligently, they are liable for damages a victim can prove in court unless they establish a valid legal defense. Establishing causation as well as establishing the full extent of damages incurred can be difficult, so seeking out experienced counsel can be a wise move when seeking compensation for your side impact accident injuries.
What Can I Recover for My Injuries?Due to the violent nature of side impact accidents, it’s a tragic reality that severe injuries and death often occur. Those who survive often face astronomical medical bills, extensive rehabilitation, and after-effects that will impact their quality of life forever – no amount of money will change that. However, a victim who proves they were injured by someone else’s negligence can recover damages that are intended to compensate them for their harms. Victims may be awarded damages for both quantifiable and subjective injuries such as:
- Hospital bills,
- Future medical expenses,
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity,
- Property damage,
- Funeral expenses or burial costs,
- Pain and suffering,
- Permanent disability, disfigurement, and/or scarring,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Some cases involving particularly reprehensible conduct by the defendant may entitle victims to an additional award of damages intended to punish the behavior and discourage its repetition. These damages are entirely up to the court and difficult to prove, so working with an experienced Murrieta Side Impact Car Accident Attorney to navigate these issues is advisable.
Contact an Attorney TodayA side impact car accident can leave you hurting physically, financially, and emotionally for a long time – if you’re lucky enough to survive. If you or a loved one were hurt in one of these violent collisions, contact the experienced skilled Murrieta Side Impact Car Accident Attorneys at Walton Law, APC today to start your recovery on the right path. Our attorneys have years of experience providing personalized representation for victims like you and delivering results; we’ve used our resources and knowledge to secure millions in recovery on their behalf. Schedule your confidential, no obligation initial case consultation by calling (866) 338-7079 or using our online Contact Page today. The initial evaluation is free, and you don’t pay until we win your case. Let us review the unique facts of your situation and work to secure the best possible outcome from a tragic, avoidable situation starting today.