If you or a loved one suffered harm in a side-impact collision, you have the right to explore your legal options with the help of a lawyer. Whether you are interested in filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, a lawyer can help you build a case based on evidence, manage all communications with the involved parties, and determine liability.
A Fort Lauderdale side-impact collisions lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help recover compensation for you and your family. We offer a free consultation during which we can discuss your case. We encourage you to take prompt legal action since your case is subject to Florida Statutes §95.11, otherwise known as Florida’s statute of limitations. You can call (954) 476-1000 to get started.
Factors that Worsen Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions are deadly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact collisions are the second most common type of car accident. Additionally, in 2018, 23% of car occupant deaths were the result of side-impact collisions.
There are several factors that make side-impact collisions especially dangerous.
These factors include:
Occupants’ Proximity to Impact
The closer vehicle occupants are to the point of impact, the more severe their injuries will be, according to Injury Epidemiology. In a rear-end collision, the vehicles’ bumpers absorb the impact of the collision. However, in a side-impact collision, only a thin sheet of metal protects passengers from harm. In the event of a crash, shrapnel, broken glass, and other objects can cause serious injuries.
The Speed of the Vehicle Striking Yours
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that speed is a major component of any car accident. Simply put, if the vehicle that hit you was traveling at high speed, you may have suffered more serious injuries than if they had been going slower. If speed was a factor in your side-impact collision case, your lawyer can review traffic camera footage and the police report to determine if the other party breached their duty of care.
The Size of the Vehicle that Struck Yours
The size of the vehicle that hit you will play into the severity of your injuries and the extent of your property’s damage. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), some trucks can weigh up to 40 tons, while passenger vehicles may weigh only 2 tons. In a collision between these types of vehicles, it is no surprise who suffers the brunt of the impact.
These and other elements may have factored into the severity of your side-impact collision. If you suffered harm in an accident of this nature, you should consider getting medical attention as soon as you can. Some hidden conditions, like spinal cord trauma, may not immediately present symptoms. You will want to do everything in your power to promote your health, wellbeing, and legal goals.
The team of a Fort Lauderdale side-impact collisions lawyer will help you evaluate the severity of your accident. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (954) 476-1000 to learn more.
Fort Lauderdale Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (855) 529-0269
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale, call (855) 646-5468
Behaviors that May Cause a Side-Impact Collision
All motorists have a duty of care, meaning that they are generally responsible for preventing collisions. If a motorist is found to have failed in their obligation to keep others safe, they can be held financially responsible for any damages that arise from a crash.
Some of the behaviors that may cause a side-impact collision include:
- Engaging in distracted driving, which may prevent a driver from seeing a red light, stop sign, or another motorist who has the right-of-way
- Being drunk
- Being under the influence of drugs
- Speeding
- Intentionally disobeying traffic signals
A motorist’s duty of care includes more than just driving safely; it also includes maintaining a roadworthy vehicle. If a motorist operates a vehicle that they know could pose a threat to others, then they could be considered negligent.
Some of the actions that could enhance the safety of one’s vehicle include:
- Checking tire pressure to avoid blowouts
- Ensuring that their brakes are in safe condition
- Ensuring that their headlights are working
- Ensuring that their windshield wipers and other visibility-related vehicle features are working and effective
A motorist may have acted in some other way that ultimately caused your collision. It will be your lawyer’s job to determine how your accident happened and who can be held responsible. You can call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to find out more.
Fort Lauderdale Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (855) 646-5468
How a Lawyer May Complete Your Case
Your lawyer’s ultimate goal is to recover compensation for you and your family following a side-impact collision. To achieve this goal, your lawyer will defend your rights, provide you with legal advice, and look out for your general welfare.
A lawyer may also take specific actions to ensure the completion of your claim or lawsuit. These actions may include drafting documents, determining the cost of your losses, speaking with witnesses and experts, and negotiating a settlement. While most personal injury cases do not go to court, your lawyer may complete a trial if one is necessary.
Your Fort Lauderdale Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Can Help You Get Compensated
Your lawyer will pursue compensation for the losses that have come from your side-impact collision.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Your medical bills
- Lost income, tips, and benefits
- Damage to your vehicle
- The loss of your earning power
- Costs associated with wrongful death, including the decedent’s medical bills, loss of consortium, and the decedent’s funeral
You may be able to collect damages not included here.
Click to contact our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers today
Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today
A Fort Lauderdale side-impact collisions lawyer can manage your legal obligations following a car accident. While you worry about getting your life back on track, Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can provide personal, honest legal representation. You can get in touch with our team today by dialing (954) 476-1000.
Call or text (855) 529-0269 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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