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The busy intersections, roadways, and unpredictable weather in Chicago increase the risk of being involved in a major car collision. Side impacts, also called broadside or T-bone crashes, occur when one vehicle strikes another on the side and can happen for any number of reasons.
The collisions are often severe, with catastrophic consequences. If you or someone you love suffered harm from another motorist’s negligence, you must hold them financially accountable. Contact a Chicago side impact collision lawyer to learn more about the potential in a legal claim.
The sudden, forceful, and jarring impact on the side of a vehicle often causes severe property damage and can cause bodily harm to passengers. This type of car wreck most commonly occurs when a careless driver fails to stop when another motorist has the right of way.
Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, aimed at determining the primary causes of deadly auto collisions, show that T-bone car crashes account for over 20 percent of fatal injuries nationwide. After reviewing the T-bone crash case, a Chicago attorney could answer specific questions about the insurance payout or civil court process.
Examples of common injuries that often result from these types of accidents include:
Driver distractions, such as texting and intoxicated driving, are the most typical causes of broadside car accidents. To be successful, the case must show the defendant’s recklessness caused the crash, and the plaintiff sustained damages. Evidence to establish liability could include police officer reports, medical records, accident recreation, and witness statements.
The court considers the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries, whether they will cause permanent disabilities, and how they will continue to affect them. They will also consider the defendant’s actions leading up to the accident.
Upon establishing the other driver is at fault for the crash, the plaintiff may be able to recover damages for their losses. Recoverable damages may include:
A lawyer could help someone preserve bills for expenses, and offer advice on non-economic or future medical expenses to include in the settlement demand.
A personal injury statute, called the statute of limitations, sets a deadline for people to seek payment for damages and losses caused by negligence. In Chicago, the claimant has two years to file claims for cases resulting from car crashes.
However, there may be some exceptions, depending on the case specifics. A side impact collision lawyer in Chicago could handle the legal filings to ensure compliance with the statutes to prevent a case dismissal.
T-bone car crashes are often traumatic and can leave you with bodily harm and some level of psychological trauma. When the crash happens because of someone else’s carelessness, civil laws protect you by providing a process to collect monetary damages from the at-fault party.
A Chicago side impact collision lawyer could offer sound legal advice and guide you through the procedure to collect a fair settlement. Call today and schedule a free appointment to review your case with a reliable personal injury lawyer.