Side impact accidents, also known as broadside or T-bone accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles typically offer less protection than the front or rear. Victims often experience severe injuries, which can make the thought of pursuing a legal claim seem overwhelming. However, if you’ve been involved in a side impact accident, the Prince George’s County car accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have approximately 85 years of combined experience aggressively pursuing compensation on behalf of accident victims, and we look forward to discussing how we can help with your case.
Common Causes of Broadside AccidentsBroadside accidents can happen in a variety of situations, often due to one driver’s failure to obey traffic laws or pay attention to their surroundings. Some common causes of side impact accidents include:
Failure to yield: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs often cause T-bone accidents when they collide with vehicles that have the right of way.
Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or other forms of distracted driving can cause drivers to miss traffic signals or fail to notice another vehicle crossing their path.
Speeding: Driving at high speeds reduces reaction time, making it harder to avoid other vehicles at intersections.
Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions, such as running a light or turning into oncoming traffic.
Weather conditions: Rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and cause drivers to misjudge distances, leading to side impact accidents.
Unsafe lane changes: Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging can result in a collision with another vehicle.
Reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or speeding increase the likelihood of a broadside collision.
What to Do After a Side Impact AccidentIf you are involved in a side impact accident, the steps you take immediately after the accident can protect your health and strengthen any potential you decide to pursue.
Check for injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Side impact accidents often result in serious harm, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel immediate pain.
Call the authorities: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident and have a police report filed. This report will be crucial in determining fault and supporting your injury claim.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, traffic signs, and any contributing factors like poor weather conditions.
Exchange information: Gather the names, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
Seek medical treatment: Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s essential to visit a doctor. Injuries such as whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussions may not show symptoms right away.
Consult with a personal injury attorney: An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and seeking compensation. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we are immediately available to meet with you to discuss your case.
Side Impact Accident FAQsUnderstanding the legal aspects of side impact accidents is crucial to ensure your case ends in the best result possible. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about broadside accidents:
What is the statute of limitations for side impact accidents in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within three years or risk losing the opportunity to recover compensation.
What is contributory negligence, and how does it affect my claim?
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes it essential to build a strong case proving the other driver’s full responsibility.
What compensation can I recover after a side impact accident?
Victims of broadside accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of severe injury or permanent disability, additional compensation for long-term care or loss of earning capacity may be sought.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a settlement?
It’s advisable to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offers. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Discuss Your Injuries With an Experienced Prince George's County Car Accident AttorneyIf you’ve been injured in a side impact accident, you may be facing substantial medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the challenges that come with recovering from an accident, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Our experienced car accident attorneys will review your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for your rights. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, contact us today by calling 301-441-2022 or through our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.