As defined by Bellevue law, a side-impact collision is when a driver hits the side of another’s car. This is also commonly referred to as a T-bone accident because of the shape the cars form. These accidents often happen at intersections when one driver runs a stop sign or traffic light and hits a person driving through the intersection.
If you were in a t-bone collision caused by another driver, a Bellevue side-impact collision lawyer can help you get the justice you need and deserve. The proactive car accident attorneys at Berry Law can help build a comprehensive claim to hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation to which you are entitled.
What to Do After a Side-Impact Collision
The first steps a person involved in a side-impact collision should take is to make sure that no one needs immediate medical attention. If someone does require medical attention, he or she needs to call 911 right away.
After that, he or she should notify law enforcement of the accident. If the accident resulted in personal injury or financial damage in the amount of $1,000 or greater, there is a legal requirement to report it to law enforcement. Side-impact collisions often cause far more than $1,000 worth of damage, so it is generally necessary to contact law enforcement.
If the driver is not injured, he or she should obtain the other driver’s automobile insurance. After exchanging automobile insurance information, the driver should take pictures of his or her car and the other driver’s car if possible. It is also important for an injured driver to contact a Bellevue side-impact collision attorney who can help guide him or her through the claims process.
An attorney could help by preserving evidence, identifying witnesses, getting statements from those witnesses, and coordinating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This can help the injured driver get the compensation he or she deserves.
Injuries and Damages from Bellevue Crashes
There are several common effects of side-impact collisions. One of the most common effects is whiplash from the impact to the side of the car that results in neck, brain, and back injuries. A person may also experience trauma including broken bones and internal damage from hitting the window, dashboard, or another part of the vehicle.
A person involved in a side-impact collision could recover special damages, general damages, or both for these injuries. Special damages are ascertainable economic losses, such as the damage to an individual’s vehicle, the damage to property inside of the vehicle, the value of lost time for missing work, the cost of medical treatment, and the cost of past and future treatment.
General damages are not easy to quantify. These damages are within the discretion of the trier-of-fact and commonly include pain and suffering, loss of use of the body, and mental anguish. A Bellevue side-impact collision attorney can help determine what compensation may be available under the specific circumstances.
How a Bellevue Side-Impact Collision Attorney Can Help
The experience that a Bellevue side-impact collision attorney has allows them to understand exactly what the insurance adjuster, the judge, or the jury needs to find liability. This can give your claim the greatest chance of success. To learn more about how an attorney can help, call Berry Law today for a free case evaluation.
