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Accidents on the road can occur in a number of different ways and one common example is a side-impact accident. In these types of cases, the front end of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, either the driver’s side or the passenger side. This is often called a T-bone accident: one vehicle hits the other vehicle at a 90-degree angle causing the vehicles to resemble the letter T.
If you have suffered losses due to a crash like this, it is in your best interest to call a Cook County side-impact collision lawyer.
There are several common fact patterns surrounding side-impact accidents. One vehicle could disregard a traffic control device and therefore strike the other vehicle. If someone runs a stop sign or a red light, a side impact collision is common. If both vehicles approach a stop sign at the same time, and if neither of them yields, it may also result in a side impact collision.
T-bone accidents typically have an intense impact, and, depending on the directions of the vehicle, it may strike the passenger or driver side of the car.
Side-impact collisions often result in significant property damage. The front end of the striking vehicle has sustained damage and the side of the other vehicle likely sustains even more damage. The two vehicles move in different directions, so the bodies of the occupants sustain different types of forces. Catastrophic injuries like brain damage and spinal cord trauma are common if someone is struck on the side, which offers less protection than being struck in the back or the front.
Once liability is established, the insurance company for the at-fault party is responsible for the property damage, as well as for any injuries sustained in the T-bone accident.
Assuming that a Cook County attorney is able to prove liability or fault in a side-impact accident, the insurance company for the at-fault vehicle is responsible to compensate them for various damages. In addition to property damage, the insurance company is also responsible for any personal injuries, which can include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include things such as lost wages and medical bills. Non-economic damages in a T-bone accident include pain and suffering, as well as disability.
The safety of everyone involved in a T-bone collision is important. Any person who requires medical attention at the scene should be attended to. It is important to call the police and make a report, and seek some other type of medical treatment. While they may not feel the effects of the accident immediately, it is important to check their health after a crash.
It is also important to speak to a side-impact accident lawyer in Cook County. The lawyer does not charge a fee unless there is a recovery and could advise a person regarding all aspects of their case.
It is important to keep in mind that the insurance company in a side-impact collision will try to minimize the amount of money they have to pay, and insurance adjusters will frequently take advantage of individuals without a lawyer. An attorney will be in the best position to protect the rights of the clients.
In addition to communicating with the insurance company, a personal injury lawyer could offer advice and counsel on all aspects of the case. Because they do not charge a fee upfront and are only paid a percentage if there is a recovery, it is always advisable to speak with one following a serious crash.
A T-bone accident could potentially lead to a deadly situation. In the event that you sustained injuries from this incident, you should call us for legal help. A Cook County side-impact collision lawyer could be your advocate.