You are minding your business when suddenly a car hits you from the side. Maybe you were just going through an intersection or driving on the highway when another driver makes a wrong move. The consequences of a side-impact crash can be expensive and life-altering.
Your vehicle does not take crashes from the sides as well as from the front- or rear-end. The hood and trunk areas are crumple zones, and they absorb some of the impact’s energy. Without the crumple zone, drivers and their passengers feel the full force of the collision.
An Anaheim side-impact collisions lawyer puts the parts of your case together while you gather up the pieces of your life. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can fight on your behalf while you and your family focus on recovering. To speak with someone from our team about your car accident, call us today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
The Impact of Crashes from the Side
Airbags and seat belts are two features that keep passengers safer. Airbags protect the driver and front passenger from smashing their faces into the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield. Seat belts keep passengers from being thrown around the car. However, these features do not protect as well when a vehicle is hit from the side.
Although airbags can stop you from hitting the windshield, they do not always help protect you from hitting your side window or the area around it. Likewise, rear-seat passengers typically have no airbag support and can hit the door with incredible force.
Collisions from the side are also more likely to result in a rollover. Rollover accidents are dangerous and deadly, as the vehicle flips occupants in several directions rapidly. Common areas injured from a side collision include the following:
- Brain
- Chest and abdomen
- Head and face
- Pelvis and hip
- Neck and spine
Some of the most common types of injuries from a “T-bone” car crash are concussions, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries. The effects of a side collision on the body are more devastating than other types of car crashes. Because of their bodily impact, medical bills and other expenses tend to be higher following a broadside accident.
It would be best if you did not have to suffer financially because of another driver’s fault. You have the right to seek compensation for your losses, even if you are partially responsible. California determines liability using a comparative negligence model. You might be 25% to blame, but the other driver is responsible for 75% of the damages.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving Anaheim, call (844) 730-0233
Seeking Compensation for Side-Impact Damages
Instead of directly dealing with the other driver, you will need to file a claim with their insurance company. All drivers must meet the state’s minimum requirements for vehicle coverage, according to California Vehicle Code (VEH) §16430:
- $15,000 for personal injury to, or death of, one person
- $30,000 for personal injury to, or death of, multiple people
- $5,000 for property damages
While these are the state’s minimum coverage requirements, many drivers in California carry higher coverage. If losses are greater than their policy limits, the motorist might be personally responsible for covering the remaining costs.
According to California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you must start legal proceedings for personal injury or wrongful death claims within two years of the accident. Before you file a lawsuit, however, you will file a claim with the insurance company.
You will need to calculate your total losses from the accident. An Anaheim side-impact collisions lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can assist you by ensuring all damages are considered. You might find you need more than you initially request. Give us a call today to discuss your accident during a free consultation. We can advise you further based on the specifics of your situation.
Anaheim Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Losses from Car Accidents
The most apparent financial loss is often the vehicle. A side-impact collision can damage panels, doors, windows, mirrors, a vehicle’s frame, and more. Vehicle damage can cost thousands to repair.
In some cases, an insurance company may consider your car a total loss because the repairs are more than the vehicle’s value. This amount may be less than you need for a replacement. For example, your car is a total loss if repairs are $5,000, but your car is only worth $4,000.
Other financial losses you might experience from the accident are those related to your injuries or the injuries of your passengers. You will want to include the following in your calculation:
- Emergency medical expenses. An ambulance ride, urgent medical services, surgeries, and more can result in substantial medical bills. Even if your health insurance covers a portion of the fee, you may still have a copayment or a high deductible.
- Ongoing treatment. If your crash injuries are severe, your future might include more medical costs. Speak with your doctor about what treatments and therapies you will need in the future and add these into your financial demand.
- Lost wages. Whether it was a day, a month, or for the rest of your life, you can request lost income reimbursement. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, paychecks can show your lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering. You may seek payment for the anguish you experience because of the accident. For example, you can request compensation for disfigurement, like losing a limb or permanent scarring.
- Wrongful death. If you lost a close family member, you could request compensation for their death. In addition to the emotional trauma, your request can include the decedent’s income and expected financial contributions. Your family should not continue to suffer financially after the wrongful death of your loved one.
Your Anaheim side-impact collisions lawyer can review your case’s details and gather evidence, such as photos, reports, and other documents, to support your case for compensation.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, works on a contingency basis, which means you do not have any upfront costs. Our fee comes from your award settlement, so you do not pay us unless we win. Call us with your questions today at (844) 730-0233 during a free consultation.
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