A side-impact crash occurs when one vehicle collides with the side of another, often leading to severe injuries for drivers and passengers alike. Individuals injured in these accidents often consult experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers to help navigate the aftermath, from handling medical bills to pursuing compensation.
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, having legal representation may help you better understand your options and protect your rights. An attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, identify potentially liable parties, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
At Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, a team member is available to speak with you about your accident in a free consultation. During this meeting, you can learn more about your potential legal rights and whether a Los Angeles side-impact collision lawyer may be able assist you in evaluating your claim and the amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive, if any. Call (888) 522-6291 to schedule a 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 were caused by the crash, you may be able to seek compensation for 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: If you want to claim an expense in a lawsuit, you must provide evidence to support the amount of compensation you are requesting. If you are seeking compensation for medical bills, for example, you must provide hospital bills showing the amount that you were charged.
Why You Should Consider Working with a Lawyer
There are various ways an attorney can help you through this stressful and overwhelming time. From navigating complex rules and procedures to handling settlement negotiations, having legal support makes all the difference. While many cases do settle, some still go to trial, so being prepared for any situation is essential.
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.*
Other ways your lawyer can assist you include contacting experts to consult on your case, gathering evidence, responding to emails and phone calls, scheduling hearings with the court, filing court documents, and more. Your lawyer is also available to answer any questions you have about your claim and legal rights. This can save you time when it comes to researching how the process works and what you can do to pursue compensation.
*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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