A side-impact vehicle collision could change your life in an instant. These devastating accidents are difficult to anticipate and could be challenging to recover from. In many cases, the injuries from a side-impact crash could be fatal.
If you sustained injuries in a side-impact crash, it is understandable if you are unsure where to turn next. Insurance companies or lawyers for the other driver might be pressuring you to accept a settlement. Thankfully, you do not have to face this stressful situation alone.
The attorneys at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. are ready to help you pursue a claim for compensation for your injuries. Our team will hold negligent drivers accountable for side-impact collisions. To discuss your options, call (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation. A Glen Cove side-impact collisions lawyer will assist you with filing a claim.
- Types of Side-Impact Collisions
- T-Bone Accidents
- Broadside Accidents
- Common Factors in Side-Impact Collisions
- Fatigue
- Intoxicated Driving
- Aggressive Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Dealing with Insurance Companies
- You Could Recover Compensation Following a Side-Impact Collision
Types of Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions are one of the deadliest forms of vehicle accidents in the United States. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact collisions made up 23 percent of all fatal crashes in 2018. It is important to understand that not all side-impact collisions are created alike, however. There are two types of side-impact crashes, and each of them carries the potential for serious injury. These types of side-impact collisions include T-bone and broadside accidents.
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T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another. These accidents could occur in different ways, but they often result from one driver violating the right of way in an intersection. Motorists that run stop signs or traffic lights frequently collide with the vehicles in their path that have the right of way. These accidents are also common when drivers attempt to enter a roadway from a side road or parking lot.
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Broadside Accidents
A broadside accident occurs when the side of two vehicles collide with each other. Because this does not involve the same direct impact of a T-bone accident, these collisions could be less severe. However, drivers involved in broadside collisions still face the risk of losing control of their vehicle, being propelled into another vehicle or stationary object (e.g., a streetlight pole, the wall of an overpass, even rolling over.
Most broadside accidents occur on multilane roads with two vehicles traveling next to each other in the same direction. When one driver attempts to change lanes or veers off course, broadside collisions could occur. These accidents have the potential to be deadly if a driver loses control and leaves the roadway or is projected into oncoming traffic.
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Common Factors in Side-Impact Collisions
Countless factors could lead to a side-impact collision. That said, some of these factors are more likely than others to cause a crash. Some of the factors that commonly cause a side-impact collision include:
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Fatigue
Drowsy or fatigued drivers are frequently involved in side-impact collisions. These motorists lack the reaction time and decision making needed to avoid hazards in their path. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowsiness also makes it difficult for motorists to stay alert or focus on the task of driving.
Intoxicated Driving
Drunken or intoxicated motorists are another common cause of side-impact collisions. Like fatigue, the use of drugs or alcohol could diminish a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle.
Aggressive Driving
Some motorists are in such a hurry that they fail to notice the traffic in front of them. No matter if they are running behind or are dealing with road rage, aggressive driving is a common cause of side-impact collisions. Examples of aggressive driving include speeding, weaving through traffic, and following too closely, among other things.
Distracted Driving
Distracted motorists frequently fail to notice stop signs, traffic lights, or other indicators that they do not have the right of way. Distraction has become a major safety issue on American roads, with cell phones and other mobile devices drawing a driver’s attention off the roadway.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Facing off with an insurance company is a common challenge with most side-impact collisions. Whether you are pursuing a PIP claim, (the Personal Injury Protection benefits under No-Fault coverage, that pay your accident injury-related medical bills and lost earnings benefits,) through your own policy or seeking coverage from the at-fault driver’s liability carrier, the insurance company always has their own interests in mind.
Insurance companies do not make their fortunes by paying out on every claim. They will work tirelessly to avoid paying anything at all on claims when they can and otherwise pay as little as they can possibly get away with. Your insurance adjuster will likely be pleasant and even present in a sympathetic manner, but their job is to pay as little of your claim as possible. Indeed, typically their job performance rating is based on just that; how little they paid out, not, how fair were they, or any analysis like that.
Often, insurance companies will attempt to resolve an injury claim right away. They do not make these offers out of the goodness of their own heart. Insurers understand that their best chance of settling your claim for less than what it is worth is if they speak with you about a settlement before you hire an attorney.
The good news is that an aggressive approach from your own legal counsel can avoid an unfair settlement. By hiring an attorney, you can ensure your rights are protected and maximize your chances of recovery. Let the attorneys of Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. provide you with effective representation throughout the course of your claim. Call (516) 932-0400 today to speak with a member of our team about what a Glen Cove side-impact collision lawyer will do for you.
You Could Recover Compensation Following a Side-Impact Collision
Whether you were T-boned in an intersection or sideswiped on a highway, you deserve to be compensated by the at-fault party for your losses. Side-impact collisions have the potential to cause devastating injuries as well as significant property damage. A legal claim could help you recover compensation for each of these losses.
Let the attorneys of Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. aid you in your pursuit of compensation. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and advise you on the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. To get started, call (516) 932-0400 to speak with a team member about having a Glen Cove side-impact collisions lawyer represent you and protect your legal rights.
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