Chicago Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer
A side-impact, or T-bone, accident occurs when one vehicle impacts the side of another vehicle, as opposed to crashing head-on or into the rear of a vehicle. Sometimes, these accidents involve vehicles that collide at approximately a 90-degree angle, forming the shape of the letter “t.” Others may involve impact to the side of a vehicle when another vehicle drifts into the lane occupied by another vehicle.
If you were injured in a side-impact crash, a T-bone car wreck lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help. As one of the most common forms of car crashes in Chicago, our side impact car accident lawyers are very familiar with these types of collisions and the injuries that can result. Our team of talented litigators has recovered more than $2.5 billion to date for our deserving clients. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, too. Contact us today for a free case review.
Common Causes of T-Bone Crashes
T-bone crashes commonly occur at intersections when vehicles are traveling perpendicular to each other and one vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way of another vehicle. Some of the underlying causes of T-bone crashes include:
Distracted Driving
If a driver is distracted while driving, they may not notice a vehicle is nearing them. They could also miss stop signs or stoplights. Distracted drivers can make mistakes that cause serious injuries or death.
Speeding
In some T-bone crashes, a vehicle turns left into the pathway of a speeding vehicle and the vehicles collide. If both motorists contributed to the crash, such as one speeding and the other failing to yield the right-of-way, it will first have to be determined the degree of fault of each driver.
Reckless Driving
T-bone crashes can also occur when a motorist drives recklessly, such as:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Running stop signs
- Swerving around other vehicles
- Intentionally ramming into another vehicle
Common Injuries in Side Impact Car Wrecks
Our Chicago T-bone car wreck lawyers often see the following injuries following a side-impact collision:
Head and Brain Injuries
The impact of a T-bone crash can be substantial and can jolt occupants around in the vehicle, causing them to impact their head on a hard surface of the vehicle. Common head and brain injuries in these car wrecks include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Severe lacerations
- Internal bleeding
These injuries are expensive to treat. They can cause a victim to miss considerable time from work and can cause life-altering consequences.
Neck and Back Injuries
T-bone crash victims can suffer serious neck and back injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, sprains, or strains.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Since the back suffers much of the brunt of impact of a T-bone crash, spinal cord injuries are not unusual in these types of crashes. The spinal cord stretches from the brain to the lower back. T-bone crashes can cause permanent spinal cord disabilities, including paralysis. Many spinal cord injury victims lose the ability to walk, drive, eat without assistance, or participate in their favorite pastimes.
Fractures
Side impact victims can suffer broken bones. These can be particularly painful injuries and may require surgery to repair. Crush injuries or multiple fractures can cause infections and complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
When a victim’s muscles, tendons, or ligaments are torn, strained, or otherwise damaged in a car wreck, these injuries are known as soft tissue injuries. Whiplash is one of the most common forms of soft tissue injuries. This is a painful neck injury that occurs when the victim’s neck snaps forward and then back.
Factors that Affect the Severity of Side Impact Collisions
Side impact collisions can result in serious injury. The potential severity of side-impact collisions depends on factors, such as:
- The types of vehicles involved in the collision, such as if a semi-truck was involved in the collision
- Safety features installed in the vehicles that deployed, such as side airbags
- The speed of the vehicles immediately before impact, since vehicles that collide at higher speeds are more likely to result in serious injuries
- Weight and size of the vehicles involved in the collision, such as if one vehicle is much larger and heavier than the other vehicle
Proving Negligence in Your Side Impact Accident
A side-impact attorney can work diligently to prove the other driver was at fault for the crash by:
- Thoroughly investigating the crash
- Reviewing evidence at the accident scene, such as photos or videos
- Gathering medical records to document your injuries
- Presenting your demand for compensation to the insurance company
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. we have the resources necessary to advance your case. Our legal team will stay in close contact with you and ensure that you know the status of your claim at all times. We are committed to delivering real results to real people.
Damages Recoverable After a Side Impact Accident
Damages represent the economic and non-economic losses you suffered as a result of the crash. For example, these may include:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance fees, hospital stays, emergency room treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and doctor visits
- Lost wages, including for work time you missed while recovering from your injuries or seeking medical treatment and for long-term reduction in your earning capacity
- Property damage to replace or repair your vehicle
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress
Our car accident lawyers will fight tirelessly for the compensation you are owed following a side-impact crash.
If You Were Injured in a T-Bone Crash, Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard Today
If you were injured in a T-bone accident in Chicago or any type of car accident, trust your case to an experienced lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Our personal injury law firm has the resources and skill to aggressively fight for the rights of our clients. We want to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses you have suffered due to the negligence of another driver. Contact us to learn about your legal options during a free case review.
