Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyers

Physical injuries are always possible when two vehicles collide. But when one vehicle strikes another at a right angle, the occupants of the vehicle getting hit are particularly vulnerable. T-bone accidents, as they are called, kill innocent motorists every year in Orange County. Negligent driving is usually to blame.

Side impacts are a worst-case scenario. Unlike a vehicle’s front and rear, its sides are not designed to crumple and absorb the force of a crash. Safety features like seatbelts, headrests, and child car seats are also less effective in a side impact, and older vehicles may have airbags only in the front. In such unfortunate situations, it’s important to consult experienced car crash attorneys to ensure you receive the rightful legal guidance and support.

Uncertainty regarding the cause of these accidents is another problem. In a front or rear collision, drivers often see the other vehicle approaching just before impact, indicating what went wrong. By contrast, drivers blindsided by a side impact may not know what happened.

Neale & Fhima’s Southern California personal injury lawyers have decades of experience representing T-bone accident victims. We can answer any questions you have following a side collision and ensure your right to compensation is secure.

Driving Mistakes That Cause T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents can occur anywhere cross-traffic is present. A driver could get hit backing out of a driveway or turning left onto a main thoroughfare. Of course, intersections are, by far, the most common of all the places where vehicles approach each other at right angles. This chart shows how frequently drivers make the kinds of mistakes that lead to side-impact accidents at intersections:

Injury Accidents Per Year (By Primary Collision Factor)

County	Failure to yield	Improper turn	Disregard of signs/signals
Los Angeles	12,676	6,638	5,283
San Diego	1,897	2,583	1,217
Orange	2,613	1,799	1,643
Riverside	1,364	1,763	923
San Bernardino	1,608	1,815	964

Source: California Highway Patrol (CHP), Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), calendar year 2016.

How to Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault

Liability is not always in dispute following a traffic accident. The fact that the other driver was at fault may be abundantly clear to everyone involved. If so, our attorneys can obtain an admission of liability from the insurance company and then turn their efforts to the medical side of the case. On the other hand, in the case of a truck accident claim, the other driver may claim to have done nothing wrong or even allege that the victim was at fault. This is when identifying helpful evidence and preserving it properly become crucial.

Evidence of fault in side-impact collisions can include:

Statements From Witnesses

A dozen or more onlookers may have viewed an accident at a busy intersection. Regardless of age or relationship to the injury victim, anyone who witnessed the accident can provide useful testimonial evidence.

Admissions by the Other Driver

Statements made by the other driver immediately after the accident are persuasive evidence for two reasons:

1. people tend to tell the truth while under the stress of a traumatic event, and
2. people tend not to admit things that are harmful to their interests unless they are true.

The Police Report

Law enforcement usually (but not always) does an excellent job documenting the events surrounding an accident. If the accident report states that the other driver was at fault, that alone may put the matter to rest. That said, if the report states that you were at fault, an investigation by our car accident law firm may reveal that the report is inaccurate.

Contemporaneous Photo or Video Evidence

Because most T-bone accidents occur at intersections, a visual recording of the accident may exist. Pictures from red-light cameras and videos from business surveillance systems can be the key to proving liability.

Damage to the Vehicles

Photos of the vehicles at the accident scene can be invaluable in a personal injury case. Not only can they establish that the other driver was at fault, but viewing the photos can make an emotional impression on a jury.

Skid Marks, Debris, and Damage to Nearby Objects

Small details can make a big difference when the other party is contesting liability. For example, the absence of skid marks suggests that the driver who T-boned the victim was not looking where he or she was going. More than likely, the driver was texting on a smartphone during the accident or engaging in some other distracting activity.

The Vehicle You Drive Can Make a Difference

All vehicles are susceptible to side impacts, but some do better than others at protecting occupants from harm. Here are three vehicles to avoid driving if you are concerned about getting hurt in a T-bone crash:

• Low Vehicles: Vehicles that are low to the ground put occupants at increased risk during a side impact because the front of the other vehicle will strike higher on the side panel, closer to the occupant’s head and neck areas.
• Convertibles: Orange County’s weather is great for putting the top down, but convertibles are not equipped with side curtain airbags (which deploy from the top of the door frame on other vehicles).
• Motorcycles: When a motorcycle gets hit broadside, injuries are a certainty. The front end of the other vehicle is likely to strike the rider directly in the torso or upper leg. The ensuing fall may cause the rider to suffer additional injuries.

Owning a vehicle that offers better protection against side impacts is prudent. However, the type of vehicle you drive will never hinder your ability to collect full compensation following an accident that was not your fault.

What Should I Do After a Side-Impact Car Accident?

Here are steps to take after an accident.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, seeing a doctor as soon as possible after the accident is important. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over time if left untreated.

2. Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Be sure to obtain their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy details.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. This documentation can be valuable evidence later on.

4. Notify the Authorities

Report the accident to the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Cooperate with the responding officers and give them an accurate account of what happened.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Provide them with the necessary information and cooperate with their investigation. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

6. Consult with a Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer

Contact an experienced side-impact car accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Damages Recoverable After a Side Impact Accident

Compensation includes both the financial and emotional toll inflicted by the accident. This may include:

• Medical Costs: Covering expenses like ambulance fees, hospital stays, emergency room treatments, physical therapy, rehabilitation sessions, and doctor consultations.
• Lost Wages: Accounting for income lost during recovery or treatment periods and potential long-term earning capacity reduction.
• Property Damage: Addressing the costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle.
• Pain and Suffering: Reflecting the physical discomfort, mental strain, and emotional anguish endured as a consequence of the incident.

How Can Our Side Impact Accident Lawyers Help Your Case

Facing the aftermath of a side-impact car accident can be overwhelming. From dealing with injuries to navigating legal complexities, victims often find themselves in a state of distress. At Neale & Fhima, our dedicated team of side-impact accident lawyers is committed to guiding you through this challenging time and fighting on your behalf. Here is how we can help.

1. Thorough Investigation

One of the key elements in building a strong case for compensation is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to gather crucial evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony, to establish liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.

2. Determining Liability

Proving liability in side-impact car accidents can be challenging, as multiple factors may contribute to the collision. Our legal team will carefully analyze the details of your case to determine who was at fault for the accident. Whether it involves a negligent driver, a defective vehicle part, or unsafe road conditions, we will work to identify all responsible parties and pursue the compensation you deserve.

3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be unnerving, especially when focusing on recovering from your injuries. Our experienced side-impact accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and will handle all communications on your behalf. We will work to protect your rights and interests, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies seeking to minimize their payouts.

4. Litigation if Necessary

While many side-impact accident cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement, some may require litigation to achieve a favorable outcome. If negotiations with the at-fault party or their insurance company are unsuccessful, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We have a proven track record of success in the courtroom and will advocate for your rights at every stage of the litigation process.

Southern California T-Bone Crash Attorneys

Side-impact collisions lead to severe injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord damage. In extreme cases, victims may be killed, either immediately upon impact or later in the hospital. As a victim or surviving family member, you have only one opportunity to obtain compensation from the responsible party. The settlement agreement must address all your losses – including difficult-to-calculate damages like pain and suffering, future medical bills, and lost earning capacity.