Side-Impact Collision

A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone collision, can leave you grappling with serious injuries or the devastating loss of a loved one. In California, where traffic congestion and high-speed roads are common, these accidents can have devastating consequences. Side-impact collisions often bring pain, uncertainty, and financial strain, especially when another driver’s negligence caused the accident. 

If you or your family are reeling from such an event, you may qualify to obtain compensation to cover the costs of your injuries, lost income, and other damages. Pursuing a claim against the at-fault party is an essential step toward rebuilding your life, but the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on healing or mourning. 

An experienced car accident attorney can provide the guidance you need to pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation with a skilled lawyer in your area who will help you through this difficult time.

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Common Causes of Side-Impact Accidents in California

Certain factors frequently contribute to side-impact accidents in California. While each crash is unique, some causes appear more often than others.

Vehicle Type and Design

Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks pose greater risks in side-impact collisions due to their size and weight. The force exerted on smaller cars can result in catastrophic damage and severe injuries for their occupants.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Drivers who speed or behave recklessly often have less time to react, leading to side-impact crashes. Running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, or engaging in aggressive maneuvers frequently leads to devastating accidents.

Road Conditions

Slippery or uneven surfaces, debris, or poorly marked lanes can contribute to side-impact collisions. Drivers may lose control of their vehicles, creating dangerous situations for others nearby.

Tire Blowouts or Defects

A sudden tire failure can cause drivers to swerve unexpectedly, potentially leading to a T-bone crash. In some cases, the responsibility may lie with the driver, while in others, a tire manufacturer or maintenance provider could share liability.

Common Side-Impact Accident Injuries

The injuries from a side-impact collision often depend on the angle of impact, the speed of the vehicles, and whether the victims were wearing seat belts. While some injuries heal over time, others may lead to lifelong challenges.

Head and Brain Injuries

Victims often strike their heads against windows, doors, or steering wheels during a side-impact collision. This can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which might cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or ongoing cognitive impairment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The jarring motion of a T-bone accident can injure the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, along with chronic pain or limited mobility.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of impact in a side collision frequently results in broken ribs, arms, legs, or hips. Recovery may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time away from work.

Internal Injuries

Blunt-force trauma from these crashes can damage internal organs, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions. Internal bleeding or punctured organs often require emergency medical care.

Your Rights as a Victim

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation. Holding the at-fault party accountable not only helps you recover financially but can also prevent similar accidents in the future. A car accident attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and work toward securing the compensation you deserve. The first determination your lawyer must make is whether you have a valid personal injury claim. To do so, your lawyer must evaluate a few key factors:

Establishing Fault

For a claim to be valid, someone else must be at fault for the accident. This could involve reckless behavior such as running a red light, failing to yield, speeding, or driving under the influence. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, or video footage often helps establish who caused the crash.

Proving Negligence

To hold another party accountable, you’ll need to show that they were negligent. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, putting others at risk. For example, if a driver was texting or disregarding traffic signals, their actions likely meet this standard.

Demonstrating Harm

A valid claim requires proof that the collision caused you harm. This could include physical injuries, emotional distress, lost income, or property damage. Medical records, photos of your injuries, and documentation of expenses related to the accident can strengthen your case.

An experienced car accident lawyer can assess your situation and build a compelling case for compensation. A knowledgeable attorney will gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights, giving you the best chance to recover damages from those responsible for your injuries.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Under-Insured?

Dealing with a side-impact collision is challenging enough without discovering the other driver lacks sufficient insurance. In California, this unfortunate scenario happens more often than many realize. However, victims still have options to recover compensation for their injuries and losses. 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help cover your expenses. This coverage is designed to step in when the responsible party fails to carry adequate insurance. UM coverage can apply to medical bills, lost income, and even pain and suffering, depending on your policy.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance may not fully cover your losses. In this case, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and your actual damages. For instance, if your damages total $50,000 and the other driver’s insurance only covers $25,000, your UIM policy may cover the remaining $25,000.

Pursuing Other Avenues

If you lack UM or UIM coverage or your damages exceed what insurance will pay, other options may be available. You could file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver to recover compensation. Although collecting from an uninsured driver can be more difficult, an attorney can help identify assets or explore other liable parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions.

An experienced car accident lawyer can review your insurance policy, explore all available options, and fight to ensure you’re not left shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.

What Happens if a Side-Impact Accident Kills a Close Family Member?

Losing a loved one in a side-impact collision is an unimaginable tragedy. The sudden loss leaves families grieving while also facing the financial and emotional burdens that follow. When another party’s negligence caused the fatal crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible party accountable and seek financial relief.  

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim allows certain family members to recover damages after losing a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. In California, eligible parties typically include:  

• Spouses or domestic partners 
• Children  
• Other dependents, such as stepchildren or parents, if no closer relatives exist  

This type of claim is designed to address the losses experienced by surviving family members, from the financial strain of losing a breadwinner to the emotional pain of losing companionship.

Damages That May Be Recovered

A wrongful death claim can help families recover compensation for:  

• Funeral and burial expenses 
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided  
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care  
• Emotional suffering resulting from the loss  

Although no amount of money can replace your loved one, pursuing compensation can ease financial burdens and provide a sense of accountability for the harm caused. A wrongful death attorney can handle the legal complexities of filing a claim, allowing your family to focus on healing. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to ensure the responsible party is held accountable. While the legal process may seem overwhelming, having skilled legal representation can provide clarity and reassurance during this difficult time.

Compensation You Could Obtain After a T-Bone Collision

Side-impact accidents often lead to significant financial and emotional burdens. While compensation can’t undo what happened, it can provide the resources you need to rebuild your life.

• Medical Bills: Compensation can cover hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary treatments related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages/Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you lost and any future earnings you may miss.
• Pain and Suffering: The impact of an accident extends beyond physical injuries. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the emotional distress and diminished quality of life caused by the crash.
• Loss of Consortium: A spouse may seek damages for the loss of companionship or support resulting from injuries sustained in the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the crash is another form of compensation you can pursue.
• Other Related Expenses: Any additional costs, such as home modifications or transportation to medical appointments, can be included in your claim.

Legal Considerations for Side-Impact Accident Claims in Los Angeles

Filing a claim after a T-bone accident involves specific legal requirements and timelines. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

California’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

California allows you only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline may result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

California’s Comparative Negligence Laws

If both parties share fault, California’s comparative negligence system may reduce your compensation based on your level of responsibility. Even if you bear some blame, you may still recover damages.

Potentially Liable Parties

Liability may extend beyond the other driver. Manufacturers, employers, or other third parties may share responsibility for the accident under certain circumstances.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Rights Following a California Sideswipe Accident

The steps you take after a side-impact collision can affect the success of your claim.

At the Accident Scene

Call emergency services immediately. If you can, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and exchanging insurance details with the other driver.

After Receiving Medical Treatment

Continue following your doctor’s recommendations and keep all medical records. If you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, reach out to a car accident lawyer to start building your case. They can help handle communication with insurance companies and identify liable parties while you focus on your recovery.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Navigating the legal process after a side-impact collision can feel overwhelming. A personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in your case.

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

An attorney can handle the paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests throughout the process. Their experience ensures your case is presented effectively.

How an Attorney Can Help Build a Strong Case

From gathering evidence to consulting experts, an attorney can strengthen your claim and counter any attempts by the at-fault party or their insurer to deny liability.

Contact a California Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you suffered injuries or losses in a side-impact collision someone else caused, don’t wait to take action. The experienced attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to request your free consultation with a member of our team.

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