Side-impact collisions, also known as “T-bone” accidents, made up 23 percent of all vehicle accidents in 2018, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). After frontal impacts, side-impacts were the second most frequent car accident type in 2018.
Side-impact crashes can cause serious injuries to car drivers and occupants as most vehicles offer no side protection for car occupants, such as airbags. Injuries can be permanent and disabling and cause considerable financial strain for an accident victim. If you or a loved one suffered from injuries and property damage in an accident in Baltimore, consult with your Baltimore side-impact collisions lawyer to find out whether you have a case and could recover compensation.
Get in touch with Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for a free evaluation of your case: (844) 730-0233.
Reasons for Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact crashes can occur in various circumstances, for example, at junctions or when cars are passing. Most accidents happen due to driver error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Reasons for side-impact accidents can be:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving killed nearly 3000 people throughout the U.S. in 2018. Most of us recognize texting or using a phone as distracted driving. However, anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as eating and drinking while driving, adjusting the stereo, or interacting with passengers in the back is distracted driving.
Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs can have several detrimental effects on drivers, such as causing a slower reaction time and impaired judgment, which can contribute to causing side-impact accidents. Some prescription drugs can also interfere with a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Drowsy Driving
A severely fatigued driver cannot operate a vehicle safely or pay undivided attention to the road. In the worst-case scenario, a tired driver falls asleep at the wheel with disastrous consequences. Drowsy driving accidents tend to happen late at night or in the afternoon.
Speeding
Speeding is responsible for thousands of deaths on U.S. roads. The consequences of speeding can be losing control of the vehicle, having an increased stopping distance, and more severe crashes. A driver is also speeding when they do not adjust their speed to weather and road conditions.
Vehicle Defects
Not all accidents happen due to driver error. Cars can have defects such as malfunctioning brakes or threadbare tires, that could contribute to an accident. Vehicle- related reasons for crashes can also include steering or engine-related defects.
If a careless or reckless driver caused your accident, you could have legal recourse. Speak to a Baltimore side-impact collisions lawyer to find out whether you could recover compensation with a personal injury lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving Baltimore, call (844) 730-0233
Injuries in Side-Impact Crashes
Injuries suffered from side-impact collisions can be severe and life-changing. They can include:
Head Injuries
Head injuries in car crashes can be serious and disabling. Traumatic brain injury, for example, can have a negative effect on a victim’s cognitive abilities for their entire life. Some of the side effects of a serious brain injury can include seizures, nerve damage, loss of memory, changes in mood, and other negative health effects. Treatment for brain and head injuries may last a lifetime and incur considerable costs.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Side-impact accidents can cause injuries to the chest and abdominal area, as well as the lungs. These injuries can cause breathing difficulties, broken ribs, and internal bleeding, requiring extensive medical treatment. Internal injuries are usually serious and difficult to detect. They also typically require emergency medical care.
Spinal Injuries and Paralysis
Herniated or slipped discs, whiplash, nerve damage, and paralysis can all result from injuries to the spinal column. Unfortunately, serious spinal injuries can cause permanent paralysis and prevent an accident victim from returning to their former life and career.
There can be other injuries in side-impact accidents, for example, cuts and lacerations, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. If you suffered injuries in a side-impact collision, you may now have spiraling medical costs and the prospect of long-term treatments and expenses.
However, if your accident happened due to the reckless actions of another driver, you may have legal options and could hold them to account for your damages. A Baltimore side-impact collisions lawyer can fight for your rights.
Baltimore Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Compensation in Side-Impact Collisions
If you and your lawyer can prove that the other driver was negligent and responsible for your side-impact accident, you could potentially recover compensation. While it is almost impossible to generalize, and compensation can differ from one case to another, you could potentially receive amounts for:
- Medical costs and future medical costs
- Rehabilitative treatments
- Lost income and future lost income
- Transport costs
- Modifications of your home or car
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of a limb
You could also receive other types of compensation as well as punitive damages.
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Your Baltimore Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Can Help
Getting stuck with the injuries, pain, and expenses of a car crash that was not your fault is simply unfair. We believe that if some else’s careless or dangerous driving caused your damages, they should be held to account for your medical treatments and other damages.
We understand that getting involved in a lawsuit can potentially be stressful, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. However, we can take charge of all aspects of your claim, so you are free to recover and heal from your injuries. We can help with your claim in various ways, including gathering the necessary evidence, building your case, and negotiating with insurances if needed. We can represent you passionately in court and fight for justice and compensation for you.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC works on a “no win, no fee” basis in car accident cases, so there are no upfront attorney’s costs for you. Do not wait to take action. The sooner you initiate legal action, the sooner a Baltimore side-impact collisions lawyer can start building your case, and the sooner you could recover compensation.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for a free consultation with one of our team members: (844) 730-0233.
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