Getting injured in any type of car accident in San Antonio can be distressing and confusing. You may not know how to recover fair compensation for your medical bills and property damage from another driver. A side-impact collision case can be especially difficult to deal with, as these car accidents are often catastrophic or fatal for the victims involved.
What Is a Side-Impact Collision?
A side-impact collision, also known as a broadside or T-bone accident, describes a motor vehicle crash that occurs when the front end of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. A side-impact collision can involve the driver or passenger side of the second car. These collisions often take place at intersections, when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light and crashes into another car that had the right-of-way.
Common Injuries Suffered in Side-Impact Accidents
Side-impact and T-bone collisions often cause severe to catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries are those that will affect a victim for an extended amount of time or the rest of his or her life, such as brain damage or a permanent spinal cord injury.
A variety of injuries can arise from a side impact crash, such as:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
- Burn injuries
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Back and spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries
- Organ failure or internal bleeding
- Psychological trauma
- Amputations
- Fatal injuries
Even with safety features such as a seat belt and airbags, a broadside collision can be devastating. Since the point of impact is so close to the driver of the first vehicle and the driver or passenger of the second vehicle, a large amount of force can be exerted upon victims.
How Is Fault Determined in a Side-Impact Accident?
Texas is a fault state, meaning the person or party at fault for causing a side-impact collision can be held liable, or financially responsible, for the victims’ losses. Determining liability for a side-impact crash often requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In many cases, the liable party is a driver who was negligent, reckless or was in the wrong place at the wrong time due to a violated traffic law. Common examples include running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, failing to yield, speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and drowsy driving.
After a side-impact crash in San Antonio, an injured victim has the right to file a car insurance claim against the at-fault driver or party. Every driver in Texas is required to maintain minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to pay for car accidents they may cause.
A successful claim or personal injury lawsuit could result in payment for losses such as past and future foreseeable medical costs, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The value of a case is based on the specific circumstances; there is no such thing as an “average” settlement. Discuss your case with an attorney to determine its value before settling for less than you deserve.
Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Side-Impact Collision?
If you or someone you love was recently involved in a side-impact collision in San Antonio, you may need help from an accident lawyer in San Antonio to get through the claims process – especially if someone was seriously hurt or killed. You can count on your lawyer to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible results for your case.
A San Antonio personal injury attorney can revisit the scene of your crash to investigate, provide legal counsel and guidance, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. While most car accident cases in Texas reach settlements, an attorney can also represent you in court if your side-impact case requires litigation.