Side-impact collisions are one of the deadliest types of car accidents, often leaving victims with serious injuries, severe property damage to their vehicle, or both. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that side-impact collisions cause an estimated 23% of vehicle occupant deaths, the second highest-rate of all types of car accidents.
Unfortunately, any type of motor vehicle accident can cause a variety of serious injuries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists car accidents as one of the nation’s leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) hospitalizations. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), nearly 40% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents as well.
No matter what type of injury or property damage you suffered in a side-impact collision, a Tacoma side-impact collisions lawyer can help you fight for compensation if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
Building Your Side-Impact Collision Case
The first step is to build a case around evidence supporting your claim—a process that can be difficult and time-consuming on your own.
A Tacoma side-impact collisions lawyer can review your claim to determine your legal options and confirm the validity of your case. The next steps include investigating your accident, helping you file a claim, and calculating the amount of compensation that will cover your losses related to the accident.
Your damages will become the basis for determining how much compensation you may be entitled to from your side-impact collision. Your legal team can help you prove the damages related to your accident by gathering medical records, auto repair bills, and other documentation that details your losses and out-of-pocket expenses.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving Tacoma, call (844) 730-0233
Determine Fair Value for Your Claim
Once we review all your damages, we can assign monetary value and use this figure to negotiate with any insurance companies involved with your claim. Most personal injury claims—including those related to side-impact collisions and other types of car accidents—are ultimately settled out of court.
Some of the damages that may be included in your side-impact collision claim include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Limited earning capacity
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death
Tacoma Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Communicating with Insurance Companies
Once you have contacted a Tacoma side-impact collision lawyer to start a claim for your accident, your lawyer can handle all communications from that point. This can help ensure that your insurance company—and especially the defendant’s insurance company—do not lure you into admitting fault over a recorded phone line.
Additionally, insurance companies typically begin negotiations with a settlement offer that is far below the value of your damages. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC will not back down after an initial offer, especially one that does not adequately cover your losses. Instead, we will continue to fight for your fair compensation and take the next step of filing a lawsuit if necessary. Contact us today at (844) 730-0233 to learn how we can successfully manage your case.
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Obtaining Evidence
A Tacoma side-impact collisions lawyer can also support your case by helping you gather evidence related to your claim. This evidence may help prove the percentage of fault of both parties, as described in Revised Code of Washington § 4.22.070.
Potential evidence may include, but is not limited to:
- Police reports
- Photographs
- Surveillance video
- Eyewitness testimony
- Proof of damages
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Negotiating a Settlement vs. Going to Trial
In most cases, your legal team will negotiate with the opposing insurance companies to attempt to reach a settlement out of court. This allows both parties to avoid the time and cost of a trial.
As mentioned above, insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation upon their first offer—in fact, initial settlement offers are notoriously low. While you may be tempted to accept a quick settlement, it is important to consult with a Tacoma side-impact collisions lawyer who can review the settlement terms. Once you accept a settlement, you lose the ability to seek compensation for your losses in the future.
If we are unable to reach a fair settlement out of court, we can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and go to trial.
Statute of Limitations
If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to know the statute of limitations—a state-imposed deadline for filing your case. According to the Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally within three years after your accident.
If you are unable to file a lawsuit within this three-year limit, your case will likely be dismissed by the judge overseeing your claim.
Protect Your Right to Seek Compensation
To avoid the risk of losing your legal right to pursue compensation for injuries you suffered in a side-impact collision, consult a Tacoma side-impact collisions lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the sooner we can start building your claim and fighting for justice on your behalf. To schedule a free case review, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233.
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