Many people think only of catastrophic accidents as including head-on collisions and rollover accidents. Research from Injury Epidemiology indicates that the side of a vehicle does not ever provide the same amount of protection or safety for passengers as the front or back of the vehicle.
If a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle through a T-bone accident or sideswipe collision, serious injuries and fatalities may occur. If you suffered injuries as a result of a side-impact car accident, learn how a Washington DC side-impact collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries.
Understanding Side Impact Collisions
The most catastrophic side-impact collisions occur when two vehicle travel at high rates of speed. They can either sideswipe each other or cause a “T-bone” accident, which is when one vehicle hits the other directly in the side in a perpendicular fashion (creating a “T” shape).
Even if a vehicle has side airbags, these types of side-impact collisions can result in serious injuries or even deaths. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) even requires car manufacturers to take safety measures when designing cars in preparation for side-impact collisions.
For a free legal consultation with a side impact collisions accidents lawyer serving Washington DC, call (844) 730-0233
Circumstances Causing Side Impact Collisions
While any accident can happen for a myriad of reasons, the following are some of the causes of side-impact collisions.
- Failure to a fully stop at a red light or stop sign (therefore, entering into an intersection and “t-boning” another vehicle driving through the intersection perpendicularly)
- Speeding
- Negligent, careless, reckless, or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Weather conditions leading to poor visibility
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Failing to monitor ongoing surroundings and blind spots
- Drowsy driving or fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Manufacturing defects (causing a vehicle to remain unable to stop completely or failure to steer the vehicle correctly)
There are many ways a side-impact collision can occur on the highways, and in many cases, a full investigation will need to occur in order to determine liability and responsibility for any victim’s injuries.
Washington DC Side Impact Collisions Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Types of Injuries Related to Side Impact Collisions
Again, every car accident will have a different set of facts and circumstances. If you suffered an injury in any car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if you have already received medical evaluation and treatment, but notice additional symptoms or worsening symptoms, you should seek another evaluation from a physician or healthcare professional. Some of the types of injuries related to serious side-impact collisions may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Soft tissue injuries (i.e. tendons, ligaments, and muscles)
- Broken or fractured bones
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Aortic dissection (resulting from the impact of the airbag or seatbelt)
If you suffered any injuries related to your side-impact collision, you can learn how a Washington DC side-impact collisions lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
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Compensation for Victims of a Side Impact Collision
You have the right to receive compensation for injuries and losses that you received through no fault of your own but as a result of someone else’s negligence. Some of the types of compensation you can receive for losses and injuries related to a side impact collision include the following:
- Medical expenses. These expenses include medical bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, surgeries, hospitalizations, medical treatments, physical therapy, mental health therapy, medical devices, and more.
- Lost wages. Victims have the ability to receive not only salary or lost wages but also any expected bonuses, vacation pay, sick leave, vehicle reimbursements, pension contributions, employee benefits and more from the time a person was unable to work as a result of their injury related to a side-impact collision.
- Property Damage. If you experienced a side impact collision, you will likely have to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering. If you have injuries related to the side impact collision, you will also likely have pain and suffering. Pain and suffering can include any activities you normally do but now remain unable to perform as a result of the accident, such as walking up a flight of stairs, performing your job, or holding a grandchild.
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Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations, Code of the District of Columbia Section 12-301, states that a victim has three years from the date of the car accident in order to file a claim to receive compensation for their injuries and losses. While this may seem like a long period of time, side impact collisions can result in long investigations, and a determination of liability can take a considerable amount of time and resources.
Additionally, if an investigation determines that a manufacturing defect caused all or part of the accident, the investigation will become even more complex. Consider legal counsel as soon as possible following your accident so that you can understand your legal rights and have enough time to develop a personal injury case before the deadline passes.
Consider How a Washington DC Side Impact Collisions Lawyer Can Help You
You have legal rights to seek compensation for any injuries or losses that resulted from someone else’s negligence. Dealing with insurance companies of other drivers or of manufacturers can prove challenging, adversarial, and complex. Consider how a Washington DC side impact collisions lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you with all of these steps. Call us at (844) 730-0233.
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