Car accidents are everyday occurrences in Palm Harbor. While many of these crashes are minor, a surprising number of vehicle accidents result in significant injury. Crashes that involve side impact have the potential to be especially dangerous give the risk of a vehicle rollover.
If you or a loved one were injured due to a reckless and negligent motorist, seek help from a Palm Harbor side-impact car accident lawyer. A seasoned car accident attorney could help you pursue monetary compensation for your damages.
Types of Side-Impact Accidents
When it comes to car accidents, there are two types of side-impact collisions, including sideswipe accidents and T-bone accidents. The factors that surround these crashes can vary, but both can lead to severe consequences.
A sideswipe crash occurs when two vehicles are driving parallel to each other, and one car drifts over into the lane of the other vehicle. In these cases, contact occurs between two sides of the cars. In the best-case scenario, the motor vehicles will only exchange slight body damage. Unfortunately, a sideswipe collision can send one or both cars into a spin which can lead to severe injuries.
The other type of side-impact crash is known as a T-bone accident. In these collisions, the front-end of one vehicle will crash into the side of another. Frequently, these crashes occur in intersections.
The Severity of T-Bone Collisions
Unlike other types of crashes, the victim of a side-impact collision is at significant risk due to the limited cushioning on the side of a vehicle. While the front and rear of a car have crumple zones designed to absorb tremendous impact, the same cannot be said for the sides of vehicles. In most cases, only a few inches of metal and plastic stand between an oncoming car and a driver.
The potential injuries in a side-impact crash are the same as any other accident. In the worst cases, a driver could sustain broken bones, neck injuries, head trauma, or even death. However, because of the limited protection compared to other types of crashes, these injuries are often more severe.
A skilled Palm Harbor side-impact crash attorney could review the plaintiff’s medical records, scans, and physician’s notes to prove the extent of their injuries in court.
Establishing Liability for a Car Crash
Often, in car accident cases, both the plaintiff and the defendant may be partially at fault for the collision. While some states will not allow a plaintiff that is partially at fault to recover damages, the State of Florida has more leniency.
Florida follows a legal standard known as pure comparative negligence. Under this standard, the plaintiff may bring a lawsuit against a negligent party even if they are partially at fault. While Florida law does not fully bar a plaintiff from recovering compensation, it can reduce the amount of compensation available. The plaintiff’s total damages will be reduced by their degree of fault. A skilled T-bone collision attorney in Palm Harbor could prove that the defendant’s negligence was the main cause of the accident.
Contact a Palm Harbor Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible
If you suffered injuries in a side-impact crash, you are entitled to seek monetary recovery from the responsible party. A personal injury lawsuit can be lengthy and complex to handle on your own. To get the most out of your claim, you may benefit from the assistance of a Palm Harbor side-impact car accident lawyer. Call today to discuss your legal rights and options.
