The term “side-impact collision” describes an accident involving damage to either side of a vehicle. These incidents are most common in intersections where one driver fails to comply with the traffic control device. However, other circumstances can also lead to a collision.
If you were hurt in a side-impact / T-bone car accident in Los Angeles, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the person who was responsible. With the support of a dedicated auto collision attorney, you can recoup your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
You will only be able to recover compensation following a side-impact or T-Bone auto accident in Los Angeles if you can prove another party was to blame. This usually means making the case that the other motorist was negligent.
Negligence has four elements. First, you must show that the other party had a duty to keep you safe. This is usually not in dispute in these cases, given that every driver has an obligation to operate their vehicle safely. Next, there must be evidence that the defendant breached this duty. Examples of behavior that breach the duty of care include running a red light or changing lanes without checking the side-view mirror.
The final two elements are causation and damages. Not only will you need to show that you suffered compensable damages in the crash, but you also must link your injuries to the breached duty of care.
These accidents are most likely to occur in intersections where one or both drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. When motorists run a red light, they can strike cross traffic that has already entered the intersection. Typically, the front of one car will crash into the side of another. These accidents get their name from the “T” shape the cars make when viewed from above.
Side-impact collisions can also occur when two cars suffer damage to their sides. This can happen when a driver attempts to change lanes without recognizing another car is already next to them. Although this type of side-impact collision in Los Angeles might not always involve a severe impact, it can lead to serious injuries if one or both drivers lose control.
Injured individuals have the right to seek financial compensation after a side-impact or T-bone car wreck in Los Angeles, but that opportunity will not last forever. The statute of limitations is the legal deadline that applies in these cases, and in most situations, it expires two years from the date of the crash.
If you file your lawsuit after the deadline expires, a judge could dismiss your case with prejudice. That outcome not only ends your lawsuit but also permanently bans you from seeking damages for your injuries in the future. However, the good news is that an attorney can help you manage your deadline.
Need help in the aftermath of a side-impact / T-bone car accident in Los Angeles? My Guy Cy can help. Our attorneys have a track record of success, and we look forward to the chance to use our knowledge and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Contact us today to get started on your case. A Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate your situation during a free consultation and get to work building a strong claim for compensation.