Every day in Nevada, thousands of people take to the roads, often unaware of the potential risks they face. While we all hope for a safe arrival at our destinations, accidents can strike at any moment.
One of the most frequent accidents we encounter is the side-impact collision, commonly referred to as a “T-bone” collision or “broadside” crash. In this article, we’ll delve into the aftermath of being hit by a car from the side and shed light on the legal consequences in Nevada.
Side-impact collisions happen when one vehicle’s front smashes into the side of another, usually at a right angle. You’ll often see these accidents at intersections, parking lots, or anywhere vehicles might intersect. The severity and damage from a side-impact collision can differ greatly, influenced by factors like the speed of the involved vehicles and where they hit each other.
How your vehicle is designed is pivotal in gauging its ability to shield you during a side-impact collision. Modern cars are equipped with safety features such as side-impact airbags and reinforced door panels to absorb the side-impact crash and distribute the force of the impact. Such safety measures can notably lower the chances of getting injured in a side-impact collision.
The Anatomy of a Car Accident Side-Impact Collision
Side-impact collisions happen when one vehicle’s front smashes into the side of another, usually at a right angle. You’ll often see these accidents at intersections, parking lots, or anywhere vehicles might intersect. The severity and damage from a side-impact collision can differ greatly, influenced by factors like the speed of the involved vehicles and where they hit each other.
How your vehicle is designed is pivotal in gauging its ability to shield you during a side-impact collision. Modern cars are equipped with safety features such as side-impact airbags and reinforced door panels to absorb the side-impact crash and distribute the force of the impact. Such safety measures can notably lower the chances of getting injured in a side-impact collision.
Where the hit occurs in a side-impact collision can greatly influence the aftermath. If the colliding vehicle strikes near your car’s front or rear wheel, your vehicle might end up spinning or even rolling over. Conversely, a direct blow to the doors could lead to severe injuries for those inside.
If you find yourself in a side-impact collision, you have the right to take legal action against the responsible driver. Having an experienced car accident lawyer can help significantly.
Causes of Side-Impact Collision
Side-impact crashes, commonly known as “T-bone” or “broadside” collisions, arise from a mix of causes and situations. Understanding these causes is crucial for drivers and passengers alike to be proactive and reduce the likelihood of these accidents. Here are some common causes of side-impact collisions:
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
One of the most frequent reasons for side-impact crashes is when drivers don’t yield the right-of-way, especially at intersections. This often occurs when drivers ignore stop signs, run a red light, or don’t let a vehicle with the right-of-way pass.
Distracted Driving
A driver’s negligence could include activities such as texting, chatting on the phone, snacking, or fiddling with the radio, which can easily pull a driver’s focus off the road. Such distractions might cause a driver to miss a stop sign or traffic light, leading to a T-bone crash.
Unexpected Lane Switches
Quick lane shifts without proper signaling or checking for blind spots can take other drivers off guard. This can lead to a side collision if a vehicle hits the other during the maneuver.
Injuries in Side-Impact Collisions
Side collisions often lead to serious injuries, given that a vehicle’s doors offer less protection than its front or rear. Some common injuries associated with side-impact collisions include:
Head Traumas
Those seated on the impacted side might sustain serious injuries like concussions, skull breaks, or even traumatic brain damage.
Chest Injuries
T-bone accidents can lead to broken ribs, lung injuries, and internal injuries, such as injuries to essential organs, particularly when the vehicle’s side offers minimal shielding.
Spinal Injuries
Due to the sudden lateral jolt of the body, you can experience neck injuries like whiplash and slipped discs, and back injuries such as slipped discs, and other spinal issues are typical in side-impact crashes.
Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries
The force of the impact can lead to pelvic fractures and abdominal injuries, compromising the stability of the lower body.
Limb Injuries
The impact might cause passengers to have broken bones, dislocated joints, or muscle and tissue damage in their arms and legs, more so if the door gets compressed.
When seeking compensation, a proficient personal injury lawyer, with expertise in car accidents, will factor in both the immediate and potential future expenses of these injuries. You might qualify for a settlement that encompasses medical expenses, both physical and emotional distress, as well as any lost earnings.
Legal Implications
Side-impact collisions can be dangerous. Tackling the legal maze of car accidents on your own can be daunting, particularly while healing from the physical or emotional scars of the crash caused by another driver’s fault. Therefore, it’s wise to seek guidance from a seasoned car accident attorney in Nevada during such trying times.
When seeking legal action against the at-fault driver, remember the following implications:
Determining Liability:
In side-impact collision, pinpointing who’s at fault can be complex. This intricacy stems from examining elements like traffic lights, road rules, and possible carelessness of the drivers. For example, it’s crucial to determine if a driver ignored a red light or didn’t yield, causing the crash. Moreover, statements from witnesses and detailed accident reconstructions by experts might be needed to pinpoint blame accurately.
Comparative Negligence:
Legal implications may involve comparative negligence, where both drivers share some degree of fault for a car crash. In these scenarios, each party’s liability might align with how much they contributed to the mishap. This can greatly influence the compensation amount each party might get.
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means that if someone’s at fault is 50% or less, they can still pursue compensation. If a person claiming damages is 50% at fault or less, they can still claim, but the amount they receive will be adjusted based on their fault percentage.
Seeking Compensation:
If you were injured in a side-impact collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. These damages can encompass various aspects, including:
Medical Expenses: You’re eligible to claim for all your healthcare costs, from hospital stays and surgeries to medications, rehab, and continued care.
Lost Wages: If your injuries keep you from your job, you can claim compensation for the wages you’ve lost. This accounts for both immediate and potential future earnings you might lose because of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Your compensation can also factor in intangible damages like pain, anguish, emotional turmoil, and a diminished life quality due to the crash.
Property Damage: Besides personal injuries, you can seek compensation for damage to your vehicle and any personal property inside the vehicle during the collision.
Insurance Claims:
Dealing with insurance companies can be a challenging aspect of side-impact collision cases. Insurance companies and adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or even deny it altogether. It’s vital to have solid legal backing when wading through the claims maze.
An experienced attorney can advocate on your behalf and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim and guide you through the legal complexities.
Statute of Limitations:
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction, which sets a time limit within which you or another driver must file a lawsuit after a side-impact collision. Missing this deadline usually means losing your chance to claim compensation.
In Nevada, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a case. So, if you’ve been in a side-impact collision, it’s wise to consult with seasoned personal injury lawyer and consider filing your case promptly.
Witnesses and Evidence:
Securing statements from witnesses, snapping photos at the crash site, and obtaining any CCTV footage can be pivotal in pinpointing responsibility and bolstering your claim. An attorney can assist in making sure every piece of crucial evidence is correctly recorded and kept intact. Moreover, medical and police report records strengthen your case when seeking legal action.
Multiple Parties:
Side-impact crashes can encompass various individuals, not just the drivers but also passengers, pedestrians, or even cyclists. Pinning down who’s at fault and handling claims when multiple parties are involved can muddle the legal process.
BLG’s Expert Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help You at Every Step
Side-impact collisions can result in severe injuries and complex legal situations. Understanding the anatomy of these accidents, the injuries they can cause, and the legal implications is crucial for anyone who spends time on the road.
While we hope you never experience a side-impact collision, being prepared and informed can make a significant difference in the event of an accident. If you are in such a situation, consulting with a qualified Nevada personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities and seek the compensation you deserve. Safety and well-being should always be a top priority when you’re on the road.
BLG has a team of expert personal injury attorneys determined to guide their clients at every step of the way. We listen to you, understand your case’s unique needs, and suggest the best legal action course accordingly.
Discuss your case with us on a free consultation call. Book your appointment now, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
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