Side Impact (T-Bone) Accident Lawyer

Side Impact Accident Lawyer

Many different types of car accidents occur on Harrisonburg, Virginia, roads each year.  Some of these accidents include rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and severe side impact collisions.  Side impact accidents are also known as T-bone or broadside collisions.  If you have been injured in a similar type of car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you need a side impact car accident lawyer to explain your legal options.

Causes of Side Impact Collisions

In side impact accidents, property damage to the car is seen either on the front quarter panel, on the door section, or on the rear quarter panel. There are many scenarios under which a side impact accident could happen.  Some causes of these types of collisions include when an at-fault driver:

• Fails to stop and yield the right of way at an intersection
• Takes a turn or curve too fast
• Speeds or loses control of the vehicle
• Engages in distracted driving

Injuries From Side Impact Accidents

In a forward or rear-end crash, many times the hood or trunk of the car absorb much of the shock of the impact. But, with a side impact collision, the doors and side airbags (if the car has them) are the only things protection you have from the impact.

Because there is so little to protect us from these side collisions, these types of collisions cause severe injuries.  Our brains work in conjunction with billions of neurons to deliver messages to other parts of our bodies.  When there is trauma from a side impact collision, however, that message delivery system can get jammed up.  These injuries are similar to those experienced by football players.  The brain moves inside the skull and causes a concussion or other type of brain trauma.  As a result of the mechanism involved in side impact collisions, it is not surprising that victims of side impact accident suffer traumatic brain injuries three times more frequently than from other kinds of collisions.

Severe brain injuries can cause headaches, dizziness, memory issues, neuro-psychological and information processing problems, and even immune system dysfunction.  Because the nervous system affects the entire body, you may experience unexpected symptoms from a brain injury.  Often, these injuries are difficult to treat and the recovery period is lengthy.

In addition to brain injuries, t-bone accidents can also cause injuries to the neck and surrounding muscles.  Similar to a whiplash type injury, a side impact collision pushes the muscles and ligaments in the neck away from the impact.  As the force lessens, the neck is then pulled in the opposite direction.  This unnatural and violent force can cause severe injuries to the discs and nerves in the cervical spine area.

Many times, side impact accidents affect men and women differently.  This is because men tend to be taller and have greater weight and neck strength than women.  And, because of lower bone density, elderly people often suffer serious injuries as a result of side impact collisions.

What Should You Do If You Were Seriously Injured In A Side Impact Car Accident?

Make sure you or someone you know gets photos of the accident scene and your vehicle following the collision.  When we handle your accident case, we obtain the accident report, your medical information and interview any witnesses for you.

Your first priority should be your health and recovery. If a family member has been injured, be sure they have your full support and the details of everyday life handled for them. Get the medical treatment you need. Let the doctors treating you know exactly what happened to your body during the accident, including what portions of the body were struck, locations of bruises, areas of soreness, whether you lost consciousness, and problems with vision or memory. You should also be prepared to describe pain, kind of pain you experience, including the location of the pain; whether it’s sharp or dull; whether it involves burning, tingling, or numbness how long it lasts; what kinds of activities seem to aggravate the pain; and, whether medication helps.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Claims adjusters work for insurance companies and must act in the best interest of the insurance company. It’s that simple. They have lawyers to protect their interests, and you need the same protection.  You need an experienced team of personal injury lawyers to make sure you receive a full settlement for all of your damages — your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.