Although all car accidents are dangerous, the location of the impact can affect the extent of vehicle damage and the severity of victims’ injuries. Side impact collisions—also called T-bone or broadside collisions—are potentially more dangerous than other motor vehicle crashes. Serious injuries can occur when the front end of a vehicle hits the side of another. Only the door and frame of the victim’s vehicle serve as protection, which can increase the risk of broken bones, spinal fractures, and brain injuries. Additionally, a broadsided vehicle can be pushed towards oncoming traffic or roll over completely when the force of impact is severe.
If you or your loved one has been hurt after a negligent driver hit the side of your vehicle, you might fight yourself suddenly facing mounting medical expenses and unable to go back to work. When this happens, an Orlando side impact collisions lawyer may be able to guide you and help pursue compensation and justice for your suffering and losses. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233, for a free consultation.
Pursuing a Claim in a Side Impact Accident
Broadside collisions often occur when motorists disregard traffic control signals due to distracted driving, recklessness, intoxication, and other careless behavior. In other instances, side impact crashes happen at turns when one vehicle is either going too fast or is turning too soon. Any of these causes can become the basis for negligence and, if so, would grant the victim the right to seek damages. A driver who has not been reasonably careful in preventing your accident may be accountable for your losses.
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Liability in Car Accidents
Generally, negligence arises when a driver fails to operate a vehicle safely. Motorists are supposed to stay away from distractions, follow traffic control devices, abide by road rules, and keep their eyes on the road. According to Florida Statute § 316.1925, careless driving endangers other people and is a violation of the law. It can be grounds for a civil traffic offense that is punishable by penalties ranging from fines to license suspension. Take note that, in comparison, reckless driving can lead to a criminal traffic offense that entails fines and jail time.
Before you can bring a claim against those responsible for your accident, you have to establish negligence and show how the incident led to your injuries. Afterward, you may be able to collect compensation that will cover expenses related to your crash. Although it is rare, a defective car part may be why another driver hit the side of your vehicle. An Orlando side impact collisions lawyer may be able to lend a hand in proving the other motorist’s liability and other parties involved. You may also want to ask your attorney about what the state considers a serious injury to understand how this could affect your eligibility to take legal action and the compensation you receive.
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Comparative Negligence in Florida
In Florida, both parties in a side impact collision can share accountability. Nevertheless, the state’s pure comparative fault system, as outlined in Florida Statute § 768.81, allows you to collect compensation even if you are partly responsible for the crash. As long as you are less than 100 percent accountable, you can obtain damages that the court has reduced in proportion to your degree of negligence.
Bringing a claim against the other driver allows you to have access to additional compensation if you suffer from serious injury. On many occasions, devastating car wrecks give rise to suffering and losses that exceed insurance policy limits. You may be able to file a civil case as long as you satisfy legal requirements. Get in touch with an Orlando side impact collisions lawyer to learn more about filing a lawsuit.
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Dealing with Insurance Companies
While you should tell your insurance company about the accident promptly, you may wish to hire a lawyer before speaking to your insurer. Be aware that long-term consequences stemming from a side impact collision may not be immediately apparent. An Orlando side impact collisions lawyer may be able to fully appreciate the extent of your injuries and effectively negotiate with insurance companies.
If you want to resolve a dispute with your insurer legally, you can turn to your attorney for advice. Florida has certain insurance requirements for drivers, as outlined by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), and conforms to a no-fault insurance system to reduce the number of car accident-related lawsuits. However, it may become necessary to take legal action when you cannot collect the benefits stated in your policy. Schedule your free consultation with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today.
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Determining How Much Your Claim Is Worth
Courts take into account many factors when ruling on settlement amounts in car accident cases. Some common examples include the severity of your injuries, your degree of fault, related medical expenses, insurance coverage, and the evidence you present. In other words, it is not easy to arrive at an exact formula for computing the amount of compensation you may receive. An Orlando side impact collision lawyer may be able to help you investigate your accident, assess your claim’s value, and offer the best possible representation.
Protect Your Rights
It can be challenging to get your life back on track with your injuries holding you back. If you wish to secure compensation for your damages following a serious vehicle crash, it is essential to establish the other party’s liability. An Orlando side impact collisions lawyer may be able to help you investigate the facts of your case and overcome legal challenges you may encounter. Reach out to Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233, and we will determine if you have a case.
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