Side-impact collisions occur when a vehicle strikes another on the side. These accidents are different from frontal accidents which are those in which two moving vehicles strike each other head-on. They also differ from rear-end accidents which are those in which the front of one vehicle strikes the rear of another. If someone strikes a vehicle anywhere else, such as toward the front, rear, or dead center in the middle of the vehicle, as happens in T-bone accidents, the accident is typically classified as a side-impact collision.
If you suffered injuries in this type of traffic accident, contact a Johns Creek side-impact collisions lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for assistance. We can help you identify damages that you may be able to file a claim for and help you understand the insurance rules that apply to your case. Call us today at (404) 888-8888.
Side-Impact Collision Incidence Rates
According to some estimates, 25% of all non-fatal motor vehicle accidents are side-impact collisions, and these types of accidents account for 40% of crashes that involve serious injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) routinely researches the causes and effects of side-impact collisions, partly because vehicle accidents are the number one public health issue in U.S. transportation. There are roughly three million side-impact car accidents in the United States every year with 9,000 or more related deaths.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving Johns Creek, call (404) 888-8888
Common Causes of Side-Impact Crashes
The causes of side-impact collisions are similar to the causes of other types of motor vehicle accidents. Driver inattention, drowsiness, intoxication, or recklessness can all lead to a side-impact car accident. Speeding, neglect of safe driving rules, ignoring traffic control signs and signals, and aggressive driving can also cause a side-impact collision. Poor lighting, vehicle failures, slippery roads, road damage, and driver inexperience are contributing factors to side-impact crashes also.
Side-impact collisions often occur at intersections, stop or yield signs, intersections with blinking yellow or red lights, and anywhere else drivers may not see or be sure of who has the right of way on a given road, crossing, or intersection. Side-impact accidents also often occur in parking lots, driveways, and on busy roadways where distractions, blocked views, and other factors can increase the risk of a wreck.
It is important to note that side-impact crashes can also involve pedestrians and motorcyclists, and these two categories of road users tend to be disproportionately injured in accidents involving other vehicles.
Contact a Johns Creek side-impact collisions lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers if you suffered injuries or losses of any kind in this type of traffic accident. We can be reached at (404) 888-8888.
Johns Creek Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Determining Side-Impact Car Accident Damages
The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more likely it is to be involved in an accident. A faster vehicle is also likely to cause more damage than a vehicle that is involved in an accident at a lower speed. Heavier vehicles such as SUVs and trucks can cause more damage in a side-impact collision than smaller and lighter vehicles also.
Another determinant of the severity of a crash is the angle at which two vehicles strike each other. A vehicle is less likely to be totaled or severely damaged if it is struck toward the front or the back. This is because the front and back of a vehicle can crumple in a side-impact collision, absorbing much of the force of the impact. Occupants of the vehicle are also less likely to be seriously injured if this happens.
However, a vehicle that someone strikes right in the middle is more likely to be severely damaged, and the occupants are also more likely to suffer serious bodily injuries in the crash.
In addition to the vehicle and property damage that a side-impact collision can cause, these types of car wrecks can also lead to serious personal injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Organ damage
- Head, neck, and back trauma
- Eye and dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractures, cuts, and lacerations
- Amputations and disfigurement
- Paralysis and death
The costs of treatment for these personal injuries can quickly add up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the average vehicle accident results in care and treatment costs of up to $57,000 per person per accident. This is a substantial figure, and you may wish to seek compensation to cover these types of expenses if you are legally entitled to doing so.
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Contact the Office of a Side-Impact Collisions Attorney in Johns Creek to Learn More Today
The aftermath of an accident can be a traumatic and confusing time, and you may not know what to do or where to start with regards to getting your life back on track and handling the fallout of your accident.
This is where we may be able to help. A Johns Creek side-impact collisions lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you with the following:
- Gather evidence of fault and prove the extent of your losses using the police report of the accident, video or photo evidence that may be available, healthcare and treatment expenses, and pay stubs to prove lost income.
- Understand your rights and responsibilities after an accident.
- Understand the accident laws and insurance rules that apply to your case.
- Identify the at-fault party responsible for your accident.
- Determine which of your losses you are eligible to file a claim for.
- Quantify your losses and damages so that you seek a fair amount via settlement.
- Negotiate and handle discussions with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Prepare and file all relevant legal documents and paperwork with the right entities within the required statutes of limitations.
You must collect the right evidence and understand which of potentially several insurance policies to seek compensation from before you file a claim. A failure to meet your filing deadlines or to submit the correct paperwork can harm or delay your case. Contact our office today at (404) 888-8888 to learn more about the legal options that may be available to you.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form