Car accidents can occur under various circumstances and can be one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone or broadside car crashes, can cause significant damage to passengers since the sides of a vehicle are less protected from impact. The actions of a negligent driver can cause serious injury and result in physical complications that require expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one were injured in a T-bone collision, due to the negligent actions of another, a qualified Gautier side-impact car accident lawyer can provide you with the guidance you need. With the help of a seasoned car accident attorney, you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How do Side-Impact Accidents Occur?
A common type of car accident is one where a driver T-bones or strikes a another’s car from the side. Other side-impact cases can also occur when a defendant backs into a plaintiff’s car, fails to check a blind spot before a lane change or sideswipes the plaintiff’s vehicle. Side-impact vehicle accidents are usually the result of distracted driving, speeding, DUI’s, improper turns, and a failure to stop at a stop sign or yield when entering traffic.
Side-Impact car accidents can lead to a variety of physical injuries with various levels of severity. The most common injuries that arise from side-impact accidents include:
Proving Negligence in a T-Bone Collision Case
Every driver owes a duty to follow the Mississippi’s Rules of the Road that requires keeping a safe distance from other cars, following safety signals and warning signs, and respecting other driver’s right of way. When a defendant fails to meet these duties, they are likely to be deemed negligent.
To make a successful claim, a plaintiff has the burden of proving that a defendant was negligent. Negligence requires a showing that the defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff to follow the safety rules of the road, that the defendant failed to meet that duty, and the plaintiff to suffered an injury as a result.
Additionally, under Mississippi Code § 11-7-15, the court will reduce the claim award in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff. A Gautier side-impact car accident attorney has the expertise to determine fault in a claim and defend a plaintiff’s rights to compensation.
Filing a Side-Impact Car Accident Claim
Car accident lawsuits in Mississippi are governed by a three-year statute of limitations, requiring a lawsuit to be filed three years from the date of the automobile accident. Like in all car accident cases, it is essential to document the accident scene in a police report, collecting the at-fault driver’s information and potential witness contact details. This information is crucial in filing a claim with the insurance claim.
The amount of compensation that a person receives for a personal injury is based on the damages suffered. Damages may include economic and non-economic losses suffered by the victim, including damages to the vehicle, medical treatment, lost income, physical disability, and pain and suffering.
Connect with a Gautier Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney Today
Negligent drivers should be held accountable for the harm they cause. When you are the victim of a car accident, dealing with the loss of transportation, medical bills, and insurance companies can be very stressful. A knowledgeable Gautier side-impact car accident lawyer can help you fight for recovery. Call today to see how a dedicated attorney could help your case.