A side-impact crash occurs when one vehicle collides with the side of another, often resulting in severe injuries for both drivers and passengers. Those injured in these collisions frequently consult with experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers for assistance in managing the subsequent legal and financial processes, from coordinating medical documentation to seeking recovery for their losses.
Many people injured in side-impact crashes find themselves in stressful situations—unable to return to work, facing significant expenses, and in the most serious cases, living with permanent disabilities that affect daily life.
Why You May Consider A Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer After a Side-Impact Crash
After a side-impact accident, legal representation can provide essential clarity regarding your options and the protection of your rights. An attorney manages the investigation into the crash, secures necessary evidence, and identifies potentially liable parties to advocate for the recovery you may be entitled to under California law.
At Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, a team member is available to speak with you about your accident during a no-cost consultation. This meeting is an opportunity to learn about your legal rights and discuss how a Los Angeles side-impact collision lawyer can assist in evaluating your claim and determining the types of recovery for which you may be eligible. Call (888) 522-6291 to schedule your consultation.
Side-Impact Collisions Can Lead to Serious Injuries
The seriousness of a T-bone or broadside collision can range from minor injuries to fatalities. The severity of the accident often depends on several factors, such as the type of vehicles involved and the speed at which the crash occurred. If your vehicle was broadsided by an 18-wheeler, for example, the risk of severe injury may increase.
Here are some injuries that you may result from a side-impact crash:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Severe bruising
- Scars, burns, or other disfigurements
- Emotional distress
This is not an exhaustive list. If your injuries resulted from the collision, you may have grounds to pursue a claim for your related losses.
Causes of Side-Impact Accidents
One of the most common places for a side-impact crash to occur is at an intersection. If a driver enters an intersection without the right-of-way, a collision may occur with vehicles lawfully proceeding through the intersection. Other causes of side-impact crashes include:
- Running a red light
- Making an illegal U-turn
- Turning right on a red light while other vehicles have the right-of-way
- Merging without ensuring the way is clear
- Distracted driving, such as texting or surfing social media
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to come to a complete stop at an intersection
In addition to driver behavior, other contributing factors may include severe weather, poor visibility, road hazards, or vehicle defects. In California, distracted driving remains a significant safety concern, with nearly 60% of drivers reporting that they were hit or nearly hit by someone who was using their cell phone, according to Go Safely California.
You may wish to speak with a Los Angeles side-impact collision lawyer to discuss the circumstances of your accident and determine whether another party may be legally responsible. California law generally provides two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1.
Proving your Right to Compensation
A side-impact crash is a type of personal injury case that typically requires proof of negligence. Four key elements must be established to show that someone acted negligently:
- Duty: Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. You must show that the other party owed you this duty at the time of the accident.
- Breach of duty of care: If a driver fails to act with reasonable care and skill, then that driver has breached their duty of care. Examples include running red lights, distracted driving, and drunk driving.
- Causation: It is not enough to show that the other party breached their duty of care. You must also show that there is a connection between this breach and the injuries you suffered. This element sometimes requires working with expert witnesses, like doctors and accident reconstructionists.
- Damages: To include an expense as part of a legal claim, you must provide documentation to substantiate the loss. For example, when seeking recovery for medical costs, it is necessary to provide billing statements or invoices that document the specific expenses incurred for your treatment.
Why You Should Consider Working with a Lawyer
An attorney can provide essential support during this challenging time by navigating complex legal procedures and managing communications with insurance providers. While many cases reach a resolution through negotiation, our team remains focused on thorough preparation for every stage of the process, including trial, to ensure your interests are represented in any scenario.
If you would like to review examples of prior matters handled by the firm, you may look at our case studies, where we share past case results and summaries.*
Your lawyer provides comprehensive support by consulting with industry experts, gathering critical evidence, managing all case-related communications, and handling all court filings and hearings. Our attorneys are also available to address your questions regarding your claim and legal rights. This guidance allows you to focus on your recovery while we navigate the complexities of the legal process and the options available to you.
*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Call for a Free Consultation
A Los Angeles side-impact collision lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices may be able to help you during this difficult time. Speaking with an attorney may help you understand your legal options and next steps. Call now at (888) 522-6291 to schedule a consultation.
Side-Impact Collision Lawyer Near Me
We serve the whole of California with 14 satellite offices. You can visit us at our Main Los Angeles Office at Ave of the Stars
Jacoby & Meyers 2000 Ave of the Stars Suite 1150S, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Call us +12132960792 Fill out a form today for a free case assessment or give us a call to talk to a live legal expert.
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