Side impact, T-bone, or broadside collisions happen when one moving vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, either driver could be at fault.
There are many factors that contribute to vehicle accidents, but one of them is almost always driver error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Examples of driver error may include:
- Failing to yield
- Making an improper turn
- Speeding, or driving too fast for the road conditions
- Drinking and driving
- Eating, texting, talking on a cell phone, or other behaviors that may distract a driver from the road
- Driving while drowsy
- Failing to obey traffic signals and other rules of the road
If you believe the careless or reckless behavior of another driver caused your side-impact collision, a Raleigh side-impact collisions lawyer may be able to help. Reach out to the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to find out more.
Car Accident Injuries
Side-impact collisions can be particularly dangerous to the driver and passengers in the broadsided vehicle. This is because there is not much between those in the impacted car and the vehicle that hit them. Seat belts also are not as effective at protecting the body from being thrown sideways as they are at protecting the body in a front-end or rear-end collision, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Side-impact collision accident victims may suffer from:
- Spinal cord trauma: A high-impact spinal cord injury, like those suffered in a car accident, can cause bleeding, fluid build-up, and swelling inside or outside of the spinal cord, according to MedlinePlus. This can cause pain, numbness, paralysis, and weakness.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A blow to the head or body often causes this type of injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, TBIs can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, memory problems, mood changes, and depression.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused when the head is violently jolted, causing the neck to snap like a whip. According to the Cleveland Clinic, whiplash symptoms may take one or two days to develop. They can include dizziness, insomnia, memory loss, and pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and/or jaw.
- Internal bleeding: If your accident was severe or happened at a high speed, you may suffer from internal injuries, like organ damage and internal bleeding. Serious cases of internal bleeding can result in a coma, organ failure, or death, according to Healthline.
- Broken bones and dislocations: Side-impact collision victims may suffer from broken bones, dislocated joints, cuts, bruises, concussions, and contusions.
If you have suffered an injury, even if the symptoms were not immediately apparent after your accident, be sure to seek medical attention. Make sure to keep records of any treatment you receive.
For a free legal consultation with a side impact collisions lawyer serving Raleigh, call (844) 730-0233
Getting Help with Your Injuries
If your accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for medical bills and other damages by yourself. A Raleigh side-impact collisions lawyer may be able to help you seek awards to help with your expenses. This may include the costs of surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, physical therapy, and more. You may also be entitled to awards for the costs related to your vehicle damages.
An attorney can help you pursue non-economic damages, as well. You may be awarded compensation for pain, depression, anxiety, stress, scarring, paralysis, disfigurement, and other suffering. If your family member was killed in a side-impact collision, an attorney can help you seek benefits in their name in a wrongful death suit.
You may be able to settle your car accident case outside of court through an automobile insurance policy claim. All drivers in North Carolina are required to carry $30,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Drivers also are required to carry coverage for collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers.
An attorney may be able to help you get started on your insurance claim right away. One of the most important things a lawyer can do is represent you in negotiations. If your injuries exceed the amount of coverage offered, your claims are denied, or a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer may take your case to civil court.
There is no statute of limitations for filing an insurance claim, but there are limits to how long you have to pursue your case in court. General Statutes (G.S.) § 1-52 allows a three-year window for actions for personal injury, and General Statutes (G.S.) § 1-53 gives two years to take action for wrongful death. If the clock on the statute runs out, you likely will not be allowed to seek compensation
Accident Reporting
To help with any insurance claims you make or any legal action you decide to take, you should obtain a copy of your accident report. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), in North Carolina, an accident report is required for any crash involving death, injury, or property damage in the amount of $1,000 or more. If a law enforcement officer did not attend your accident, you should file a report yourself as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can obtain a copy of your report by following the instructions given by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS).
Raleigh Side Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
An Attorney Familiar with Side-Impact Collisions May Be Able to Help with Your Case
The legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to assist you in seeking the awards you may deserve. You do not have to fight your insurance and legal battles alone. You may get help from a Raleigh side-impact collisions lawyer. Let an attorney worry about the law, so you can worry about your health and healing.
We ask for nothing out of pocket and no payment upfront. We will only collect a fee if we win your case. For more information, and to take advantage of our free consultation, call (844) 730-0233.
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