Side-impact car accidents or T-bone collisions can occur in many different situations. Sometimes, determining liability is challenging since it depends on what happened right before the accident.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth car accident lawyers understand how to handle these cases. Thanks to our extensive experience representing accident victims, we have the knowledge to provide the best possible legal representation for your case.
Contact our office to schedule a risk-free consultation, and let us help you seek justice and compensation.
Common Causes of Fort Worth Side Impact Car Accidents
We proudly advocate for accident victims in Fort Worth, providing them with the support and legal representation they need while navigating this challenging time.
As dedicated advocates in this area, our team, including highly skilled side-impact car accident lawyers in Fort Worth, is committed to supporting victims through these challenging times.
Here, you can find some of the most common causes of side-impact accidents.
Failure to Yield
One of the leading causes of side-impact accidents in Fort Worth is the failure to yield at intersections. Whether due to misunderstanding traffic signals or aggressive driving behavior, these incidents can result in severe injuries.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be a significant problem, contributing to a range of accidents, including side-impact collisions. Activities such as texting, using a navigation system, or even eating while driving can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021, highlighting the gravity of this issue.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are also major contributors to side-impact accidents. Drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in erratic maneuvers are less able to react to changing road conditions or actions of other drivers, leading to increased accident risks.
At Patterson Law Group, our side-impact car accident lawyers in Fort Worth are here to provide guidance and support to those affected by such incidents, leveraging our expertise to advocate for the rights and well-being of our clients.
Injuries Seen in Side Impact Car Accidents
At Patterson Law Group, we have encountered many injuries from side-impact car accidents. Our team, comprised of experienced side-impact car accident lawyers in Fort Worth, has seen firsthand the physical and emotional toll these accidents can take on victims and their families.
Here, you will find the most common injuries associated with side-impact collisions.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are prevalent in side-impact accidents due to the sudden and forceful nature of these collisions. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting victims’ cognitive functions and quality of life.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a side collision often causes violent jerking motions, leading to neck and spinal injuries. Whiplash is a common consequence, alongside more severe conditions such as spinal cord damage, which can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities. These injuries require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Side-impact crashes can also cause internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, due to the force exerted on the body. These injuries might not be immediately apparent, making it crucial for victims to undergo thorough medical evaluations after an accident.
Why Are Side Impact Car Accidents So Dangerous for Passengers
Side impact car accidents result in heightened risks to passengers. These incidents are particularly dangerous for a few key reasons.
Limited Protective Barriers
Vehicles are generally designed to absorb and distribute the force of front and rear collisions more effectively than side impacts. The sides of a car have less space to include energy-absorbing materials, which means that the force of a side collision is more directly transmitted to passengers.
Direct Impact Risks
In side-impact collisions, the side area absorbs the force, which can cause significant harm to passengers. The proximity of passengers to the point of impact means they are at a higher risk of suffering from severe injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, and internal bleeding. The direct nature of these impacts shows why having vehicle safety features like side airbags is so important.
Challenges in Proving Liability in Side Impact Car Accidents
Here, you can find the main hurdles when establishing fault in side-impact collisions.
Determining Fault
One of the most significant challenges in side-impact car accidents is accurately determining fault. Unlike rear-end collisions, where the fault is more straightforward, side-impact accidents often involve complex scenarios that require thorough investigation.
Our Fort Worth side-impact car accident attorneys are skilled in navigating these complexities, using detailed accident reconstruction techniques, and leveraging traffic camera footage when available to build a compelling case.
Gathering Evidence
Effective evidence-gathering is necessary to prove liability in side-impact accidents. This can include witness statements, physical evidence from the accident scene, and expert testimony regarding the impact and injuries sustained.
However, securing this evidence can be challenging, especially if the accident scene has been cleared or witnesses are difficult to locate. Our team is experienced in overcoming these obstacles, ensuring that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.
Disputing Insurance Company Claims
Another common challenge is disputing claims made by insurance companies that may attempt to minimize their liability. These companies often have significant resources and may contest the severity of injuries or argue contributory negligence on the victim’s part.
Navigating the Aftermath of Side Impact Accidents
Side-impact car accidents represent a significant threat to drivers’ and passengers’ safety and well-being. The unique dynamics of these collisions, including limited protective barriers and the direct transfer of impact forces, contribute to the severity of injuries sustained.
At Patterson Law Group in Fort Worth, our dedicated team is committed to addressing the challenges and dangers associated with these accidents. Through comprehensive legal support and advocacy, we work to help victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Our experience has shown us the importance of immediate action following a side-impact collision. Our Fort Worth side-impact car accident attorneys have the legal knowledge and resources to navigate these complex cases and support our clients through these difficult times.
We encourage anyone affected by a side-impact car accident to contact us for help. Victims can recover and move forward from the incident with the right support. At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth side-impact accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and your needs are met.
