How do side-impact crashes affect injuries and legal cases?

How do side-impact crashes affect injuries and legal cases?

On Behalf of | Dec 16, 2024 | motor vehicle accidents

Side-impact crashes are some of the most dangerous car accidents, often causing serious injuries. 

Learning how these crashes impact injuries and legal cases can help those injured know what to do and get the help they need.

Why side-impact crashes cause bad injuries

Side-impact crashes, also called T-bone accidents, can cause serious injuries because cars don’t have much protection on their sides. Unlike the front or back of a car, the sides don’t have enough padding or strong enough parts to absorb the impact. This makes it easier for people inside to get hurt, including head injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, or spinal cord injuries. Many serious injuries in cities happen because of side-impact crashes.

Legal issues in California after a crash

Figuring out who is at fault in a side-impact crash is very important for legal cases. California uses a comparative negligence system, which means both drivers might share responsibility. For example, if one driver ran a red light and hit another car, they would be mostly at fault. However, the other driver might also be partly to blame if they didn’t follow the rules of the road. The amount of blame affects how much money a victim can receive.

California law lets those injured in side-impact crashes ask for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. To have a strong case, injured parties need proof like police reports, witness statements, and video footage.

Why having a lawyer helps

People hurt in side-impact crashes should talk to a lawyer who knows California laws. A lawyer can help figure out how much the case is worth, deal with insurance companies, and make sure the victim meets deadlines for filing a lawsuit. In California, the deadline is usually two years after the crash.

Moving forward after a crash

Side-impact crashes can change your life in significant ways. By understanding your rights, you can work toward healing and getting the compensation you need.