Side-Impact Collisions: How a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Establish Fault
A side-impact collision can leave you dealing with serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, and, in extreme cases, even losing a loved one. These crashes, often called T-Bone accidents, occur when one vehicle strikes another from the side. Side-impact collisions often happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, failing to yield the right of way.
Given the limited protection of the sides of vehicles, these collisions can be devastating, involving injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, neck and spine damage, and even internal organ damage. Determining fault in these accidents can also be complex, as it requires a thorough review of traffic laws, evidence, eyewitness statements, and driver behavior. Although complicated, a skilled Miami car accident lawyer can help you establish liability and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions can happen in various places, including at stop signs, traffic lights, and parking lots. Sometimes, both vehicles are in motion, while in other cases, one vehicle is stationary during the collision. Some of the most common causes of side-impact collision include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Failing to yield
- Poor visibility
- Poor road conditions
Why Side-Impact Collisions Are So Dangerous
Side-impact collisions tend to be highly dangerous for several reasons, including the following:
- Less structural protection: Unlike the front and rear of a car, which have crumple zones and compartments that tend to absorb impact, the sides of a vehicle have minimal cushioning.
- Higher impact on critical body parts: These collisions often result in injuries to the head, chest, and spine, which can have long-term health effects.
- Little to no reaction time: Many side-impact crashes happen so suddenly that drivers and passengers don’t have time to brace for impact.
- Size differences between vehicles: When a smaller vehicle is hit by a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, the damage and injuries can be even more severe.
How Fault Is Established in a Side-Impact Collision
In most cases, the driver who strikes another vehicle is at fault. However, there are exceptions. If a driver who was struck was making an unsafe left turn, running a red light, or pulling out of a driveway without checking for oncoming traffic, they may be responsible.
Skilled lawyers often review factors such as right-of-way rules, traffic signals, speed limits, weather and road conditions, driver impairment or distraction, seatbelt use, and physical evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage to establish fault. They may also gather police reports, witness statements, and medical records and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine what exactly happened and who was at fault.
Given that, as a plaintiff, you may be barred from recovering compensation if you’re determined to be more than 50% to blame for the collision, it’s advisable to work with an experienced lawyer who can ensure you’re not unfairly assigned fault because this directly impacts the amount of compensation you can receive.
Contact a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a side-impact accident, contact our Miami car accident lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm today to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Naples, and Melbourne areas.