Side impact car accidents (also known as T-bone or broadside accidents) have the potential to cause a lot of harm. As the name implies, this type of accident is where one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle.
These types of accidents often happen at intersections, usually when a motorist is trying to beat a red light. A moment’s decision is all it takes to wreck a car and dramatically alter someone’s life.
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deaths associated with side-impact collisions have gone up 20% in the last 20 years. In fact, in one year of the 9,000 road accident fatalities, 29% were associated with T-bone collisions. This is likely due to more vehicles on the roads and more people traveling at higher speeds.
If you were injured in a side-impact collision that wasn’t your fault, then you should seek compensation with help from an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you were injured by a vehicle colliding with the side of your car, the driver was likely behaving recklessly. At The Law Place, we have a wealth of experience on road accident claims in Florida.
Contact us today on 941-444-4444 for a free no-obligation consultation.
How to Prevent Side Impact Car Accidents
The best way to prevent side impact car accidents is to take care on the road. Make sure that you are not distracted and that you slow down running up to traffic lights and prepare to stop.
On the other hand, there is little you can do to prevent someone from colliding into the side of your car. The best way to protect yourself from severe injuries as a result of a side impact accident is to drive a sturdy vehicle with modern safety features.
Because of the devastating effects of side impact car accidents, car manufacturers have improved safety features on modern designs. This includes steel bars modeled into doorframes and side airbags. Although current regulations do not require side airbags, many manufacturers are beginning to understand the importance of them and are making them a standard on their newest models.
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Common Injuries After a T-Bone Collision in Florida
Due to the seriousness of side impact car accidents, they often result in severe injuries. If you are suffering after a car accident that wasn’t your fault, then you should speak to a personal injury lawyer who will help you to seek the compensation you need to start getting your life back on track. Some of the most common injuries are:
Broken Ribs
Broken ribs are a common outcome in side-impact collision accidents. These types of injuries can be extremely painful and take a long time to heal. However, they are not necessarily life-threatening.
Head Injury
Road accidents are the third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which are defined as a severe impact or penetration to the head, which alters brain function.
TBI from a car accident is often the result of the head striking side of the car or the wind. Seatbelts and airbags sometimes prevent that from happening. However, the force of the accident can cause the brain to slam into the skull, resulting in injury.
Chest Trauma
According to one study published by the US National Library of Medicine, more than 70% of all chest trauma injuries are a result of car accidents. The blunt force of the crash impacts the chest cavity and can result in a restriction of airflow.
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What to Do If You Are the Victim of a Side-Impact Collision in Florida
Following a road accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries and move to somewhere safe if possible. A side-impact collision is no different, and you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
This is where bills could begin to accumulate, and you could be prevented from returning to work, resulting in lost wages. Once the fault has been established, an insurance company should compensate you. However, if your injuries are severe, then your insurance may not cover all of your expenses. If this is the case, then you may choose to take your claim to court.
There may also be a consideration for pain and suffering damages, which includes emotional anguish and inconvenience caused by your injuries. These damages are not easily quantifiable, and there is no set scale. The insurance company can offer whatever they deem appropriate, which could be nothing. It is important that you are compensated for your pain and suffering, and an experienced accident injury attorney can help you claim what you deserve.
The insurance company of the at-fault party may offer a settlement to cover lost wages and medical expenses. However, this rarely accounts for future treatment or any loss of enjoyment or trauma that you might be suffering from. They will try and do this quickly and directly with the victim, who might be eager to be compensated quickly for mounting bills. However, this settlement will prevent you from being able to fight for any further compensation. Therefore, you should wait to speak to a personal injury lawyer who will demand a higher amount.
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Speaking With Insurance Companies
You should try to avoid talking with insurance companies directly after your claim has been filled. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to save money, and anything you say to them could be used against you. For example, it is natural to say that you ‘feel ok’ or are ‘doing fine,’ but this could limit how much compensation you receive. This is true both for your own insurance company and the insurance provider of the other driver.
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The Law Place
If you have been the victim of a side-impact collision, then it is essential that you speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will help you to navigate insurance companies and the legal system to ensure that you are sufficiently compensated for your injuries. At The Law Place, we are by your side every step of the way. We understand how stressful it can be to navigate the legal process, and we want you to be able to focus on your recovery.
Contact us today on 941-444-4444 for a free no-obligation consultation.
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