Tampa Side-Impact Crash Attorney
Side-impact crashes are also known as T-bone accidents. They usually result from one vehicle hitting the side of the other at a perpendicular angle, creating a “T.” Depending on the circumstances and cars involved, side-impact crashes can be very serious and result in severe injuries or fatalities. If you or someone you love was injured in a T-bone accident, you could have the legal right to pursue a claim for compensation. To learn more, speak with an experienced Tampa side-impact crash attorney at Moore Law.
Side-impact crashes can be especially dangerous depending on the vehicle’s safety features. Older cars do not have the same level and sophistication of safety enhancements that you find on many of the newest models. That is especially true when it comes to the side features when compared to the front and back. If the impact is on the driver’s side, there’s a greater risk the victim will suffer catastrophic injuries.
Types of Side-Impact Crashes
While most side-impact crashes involve a T-bone or right-angle collision, there’s also something called a sideswipe. This type of accident is when two vehicles facing the same direction come into contact on the cars’ sides. The driver’s side of the other vehicle may drift into your passenger side as you are both driving on the same road.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions
Numerous situations can lead to a side-impact crash, including the following:
- Losing control: When one driver loses control of their vehicle, it’s not uncommon for it to spin and make contact with another vehicle. This loss of control could result in a sideswipe or T-bone collision.
- Speeding or other infraction: Drivers who are speeding or disregarding traffic lights or stop signs increase the risk of side-impact crashes.
- Driving under the influence: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and may crash into multiple vehicles, both sideswipes and T-bone crashes.
- Changing lanes: When a driver doesn’t see a vehicle next to them and changes lanes, it can result in a sideswipe collision.
- Intersections: Drivers who fail to yield or run a red light or stop sign can cause serious T-bone accidents.
Common Injuries in a Side-Impact Crash
Injuries will vary in side-impact collisions, depending on the type of accident and severity of impact. In general, some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in Side-Impact Crashes
Your recoverable compensation will vary based on your case specifics, but here’s a look at what possible damages you can claim:
- Medical expenses to date
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Temporary and permanent disability
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
In minimal circumstances, you may be eligible to recover punitive damages as well. These are reserved for cases involving gross negligence, like the at-fault driver acting reckless or driving under the influence.
Contact a Tampa Side-Impact Crash Attorney
If you or someone you love was injured in a T-bone or sideswipe accident in Florida, let the Tampa side-impact crash attorneys at Moore Law help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
