Most cars and other vehicles are designed to absorb the shock from head-on or rear-end collisions, but do not offer as much protection for side-impact accidents. That is one reason side-impact crashes often result in very serious injuries in St. Petersburg.
Unfortunately, in many cases, drivers and passengers ultimately lose their lives from the injuries sustained in side-impact accidents. If you or a family member suffered injuries from a side-impact collision and received medical care, it may soon be time to consider the future effects of the accident.
A St. Petersburg side-impact car accident lawyer could help evaluate your situation, discuss your options, and help you move forward. If you choose to retain one, a skilled car accident attorney could also handle the paperwork, questions, statements, and actions needed to preserve your right to compensation to provide for future needs.
Cause of Injuries in Side-Impact Collisions May Differ from Other Accidents
In virtually every car accident, decisions made by a driver play a key role. However, there are often other factors that either contribute to the cause of a collision or the severity of injuries suffered as a result. In the case of side-impact accidents, defects in the design or manufacture of a vehicle may be the reason that those inside a vehicle endure severe or even fatal injuries.
For instance, a vehicle may lack adequate roof support or have insufficient reinforcement of door panels. An experienced St. Petersburg side-impact car accident attorney could work to analyze the situation and determine whether the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable for the accident, as well as how to proceed to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Different Types of Compensation May Be Available
For minor accidents, Florida’s no-fault insurance rules restrict injured drivers and passengers to receiving compensation from their own insurance company, even if another driver was at fault for the accident. However, when injuries are severe or result in death, a lawsuit may be filed to recover compensation referred to as damages.
Those injured may be entitled to receive damages to cover a wide range of consequences such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Hospital bills
- Anticipated future medical bills
- Modifications made to the home for future needs
- Lost wages
- Reduced future income
- Punitive damages (in the case of serious wrongdoing)
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases
In most situations, those who plan to file a lawsuit to seek recovery for a side-impact car accident must file the action no later than four years after the accident. Any suits filed after this date would likely be rejected by the court unless the circumstances are extraordinary.
It is important to note that just because the law provides four years to file a case does not mean it is wise to wait that long before taking action. The most valuable evidence to a personal injury lawsuit is typically available soon after an accident, and as time passes, it often becomes more difficult to locate and preserve evidence needed to prove liability. So, if a side-impact car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg can begin working on a case early, there may be more opportunities to build the strongest possible base of evidence.
Working with a St. Petersburg Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney
Many attorneys in St. Petersburg handle car accident cases, but not all of them have extensive experience working with the evidence in side-impact collision cases. The St. Petersburg side-impact car accident lawyer you choose to represent you would be working to secure the compensation to help with your future needs, so it is important to consider your options carefully and work with an attorney who can help you reach the best possible result. Call now for a free consultation and case evaluation.
