Side-impact collisions often result in serious injuries. An injured person may face chronic pain, limited mobility, and mounting medical bills. If someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the car accident, California law allows you to seek fair compensation for the harm you have sustained. Having a knowledgeable side-collision lawyer guide you through the claims process offers the best chance of securing full and fair compensation.
The team at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, has extensive experience handling side impact car accident injury claims. We understand the challenges car accident victims face when dealing with insurance companies while struggling to recover from serious injuries. A seasoned broadside collision lawyer can provide trusted guidance based on years of experience handling car accident cases. Contact our San Mateo law firm today at (650) 367-6811 to learn more.
What Is a Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collision?
A side-impact accident, also known as a broadside collision or T-bone crash, occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. The name “T-bone” comes from the T shape the two vehicles form at impact.
Side-impact car crashes often occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield or disregards traffic signals. The sides of automobiles have less mass to absorb impacts than the front or rear. Occupants face a higher risk of serious injury when involved in a broadside collision.
Even at moderate speeds, a T-bone crash can cause severe harm. The force of impact travels directly into the passenger compartment, and occupants often absorb a significant portion of it.
What to Do After a Side-Impact Collision in San Mateo
A skilled broadside collision lawyer can handle much of the legal burden when pursuing your claim, but there’s a lot you can do to protect your rights in the hours and days following the accident, such as:
- Call 911 and Report the Accident: The responding officer will create an official accident report containing key details about the collision that your intersection accident lawyer in San Mateo can use to build a compelling claim.
- Take Photos and Videos: Document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of vehicle damage, vehicle positions, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, the surrounding area, and visible injuries.
- Collect Witness Contact Info: Witness testimony can provide key details you may have missed and lend credibility to your claim. If anyone saw what happened, collect their names and contact information.
- Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurers: Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the accident to request recorded statements or offer quick settlements. These are attempts to weaken your claim and reduce your payout. Avoid speaking with them without seeking legal advice.
- Contact an Attorney Right Away: The sooner you speak with a side impact collision attorney in California, the stronger your case can be. Contact one as soon as you’re able.
How Our San Mateo Side Collision Lawyers Can Help
A dedicated side collision lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The team at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, can help by:
- Reviewing Your Case for Free: We will sit down with you for a no-obligation consultation to review your T-bone accident and discuss your legal options.
- Investigating the Crash: Your attorney will launch an in-depth investigation into the accident to identify all liable parties and the insurance coverage available.
- Preserving Key Evidence: We identify evidence such as traffic camera video and act quickly to obtain and preserve it before it’s lost or overwritten.
- Calculating Compensation: Our team works closely with medical and financial professionals to determine the full impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances.
- Dealing with Insurers: We handle all communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
- Negotiating and Litigating: Our seasoned advocate for your best interests at the negotiating table. If insurers won’t agree to a fair settlement, our law firm will file a lawsuit on your behalf, and a seasoned trial attorney will fight for a favorable outcome in court.
Where Do Side-Impact Accidents Commonly Occur?
Side-impact collisions in San Mateo most frequently occur in the following areas:
- Intersections with traffic lights or stop signs
- Four-way stops
- Parking lot exits
- Busy urban streets
- Highway on-ramps and off-ramps
Intersections have the highest risk of broadside collisions. When drivers are entering or crossing oncoming traffic, they must judge the timing and speed of oncoming vehicles. A small mistake can lead to a violent collision with lasting consequences. A seasoned intersection accident lawyer in San Mateo can help injury victims pursue compensation.
Common Injuries in Side-Impact Collisions
Due to the limited structural protection provided by vehicles’ side panels, side-impact collisions often cause severe injuries. Occupants are often seated just inches from the point of impact and therefore absorb the impact force.
Some of the most common injuries our broadside collision lawyers see include:
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Shoulder and pelvic injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
These injuries frequently lead to extended time off work and lost wages. Some victims who have catastrophic injuries are never able to return to their former position and have medical debt. A seasoned car accident attorney can assess the full impact of your injuries on your life and livelihood and calculate the appropriate compensation to demand from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions in San Mateo
An unfortunate number of T-bone accidents result from driver negligence. A moment of inattention or a violation of traffic rules can cause a serious crash.
Some of the most common causes of side impact accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Speeding through intersections
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive or reckless behavior
Determining the cause of the accident is the first step in establishing liability in a side impact car accident injury claim. Your T-bone accident lawyer in San Mateo will launch an investigation to uncover how the collision happened and who bears responsibility.
Why Side-Impact Accident Claims Can Be Complex
Side-impact cases present unique legal challenges. Insurance companies often look for ways to shift blame and minimize compensation.
Some of the key complicating factors in these accidents include:
- Conflicting witness accounts
- Disputes over traffic signals or right-of-way
- Limited physical evidence
- Multiple vehicles or parties
- Severe injuries with long-term impact
Adjusters may argue that you contributed to the accident. They may also question the severity of your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer in San Mateo can push back on these tactics by presenting clear, evidence-based arguments and demanding maximum compensation.
Who Is At Fault in a T-Bone Accident in California?
The determination of fault in a T-bone accident typically depends on which driver had the right of way and which driver failed to yield.
Liability typically falls on a driver who:
- Ran a red light and hit another car
- Failed to stop at a stop sign
- Turned left without yielding
California uses a comparative negligence system to apportion fault in car accidents. You can still recover compensation if you contributed to the accident. However, any compensation the court awards you will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Our team seeks to maximize compensation by holding the at-fault driver fully accountable.
How Do You Prove Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
To recover compensation, your attorney must present strong evidence that the at-fault party caused the accident and your injuries. The types of evidence that your T-bone accident lawyer in San Mateo will seek to gather include the following:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Surveillance video
- Witness testimony
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Medical and financial records
Strong evidence can make the difference between a denied claim and full compensation. Our personal injury attorneys build claims that demonstrate the full impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Side-Impact Crash?
A side-impact car accident injury claim seeks compensation to account for the financial losses and personal harm caused by the at-fault party. The compensation can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Insurance companies often pressure injury victims into accepting settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries and care needs. You should never agree to a settlement offer presented by the at-fault driver’s insurer without having an experienced San Mateo personal injury attorney review the offer and discuss whether it is fair.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
California law limits the amount of time you have to file a car accident lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file. If you miss this deadline, courts will likely dismiss your case without hearing it, and you will permanently lose your right to recover compensation.
Early legal action helps you avoid missed deadlines and allows your legal team to build the strongest case possible. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to understand the steps you can take.
Contact a San Mateo Car Accident Lawyer Today
The team at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, in San Mateo, CA, has over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of injured California residents. Having an experienced attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, many of whom have shared kind words about their experience with us:
“Joshua Henderson has provided us with excellent counsel during an incredibly stressful time. He and his partners work hard, use resources efficiently, and get results.” – Susan Kleinman
Seek the help of an experienced side impact collision attorney in California. Our law firm stands ready to fight for the justice and financial support you need after a serious car accident. We’ll protect your rights while you focus on recovery. Contact us today at 650-367-6811 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation to review your legal options.