Any vehicle collision has the potential to cause grave injuries and property damage. However, side-impact wrecks are especially dangerous. These crashes impact the most vulnerable areas of an automobile: the sides. This can put both the driver and their passengers at risk of serious harm.
Contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. when you or your loved one has been injured in a side-impact car accident in Kenosha. Our team of dedicated auto collision attorneys could investigate your case and pursue compensation on your behalf.
What is a Side-Impact Wreck?
Side-impact, or T-bone, collisions occur when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another, forming a T-shape. Due to the vulnerability of a car’s sides, these accidents can be serious and even fatal.
Causes of Side-Impact Crashes
These types of incidents typically happen in areas without signs or signals indicating the right-of-way, such as a neighborhood or an unmarked intersection. A driver may act negligently or rush to a location and forget to check for other vehicles before crossing.
This can lead to the two cars colliding in a T-bone wreck. Some common causes of side-impact collisions include the following:
- Distracted driving (texting, putting on makeup, eating, talking to passengers, etc.)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or aggressive maneuvers
- Not yielding to other motorists
- Fatigued driving
- Running traffic lights and stop signs
A Kenosha attorney could help with your side-impact car accident case by filing a claim on time and collecting evidence.
Common Forms of Injuries
Depending on the severity of the impact, a person could experience whiplash injuries to the head and neck. Shoulder, hand, and wrist injuries are also seen in incidents where a driver or passenger strikes the seat handle or window upon impact.
Knees could be pushed against a dashboard console and cause bruising and lacerations. Along with these more commonly seen injuries, a T-bone collision could lead to broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and fatality.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Side-Impact Crash
After any vehicle wreck, the first step is to contact emergency services and check for injuries. If you are not significantly hurt, it is crucial to determine the other party’s state and whether an ambulance is needed.
If you are able to, take any photo evidence of the scene that would indicate the other person’s fault. For example, marks on the pavement caused by the other driver attempting to stop before entering an intersection could be used as proof of negligence.
Additionally, contact information should be collected from others involved in the accident and any witnesses. Anyone who witnessed the incident could provide testimony to help prove the other driver’s fault.
Lastly, see a doctor for any injuries you sustain, including minor. Some forms of harm, like concussions and internal organ damage, may not manifest immediately. In addition, medical records can serve as evidence of damages while pursuing compensation.
What Damages Can A Person Involved In A Side Impact Collision Recover?
An injured party could recover economic and non-economic damages in a T-bone accident. Economic damages refer to calculatable losses such as the following:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost workdays
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for less-tangible losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
A Kenosha lawyer could help calculate your losses in the aftermath of a T-bone crash.
Speak With a Kenosha Attorney About a Side-Impact Car Accident
When you or your loved one has been injured in a T-bone collision due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated. These incidents can involve significant expenses to replace damaged property and aid recovery.
Allow our reliable personal injury attorneys to take on the complexities of your case while you focus on healing. Call today to speak with a lawyer at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. about your side-impact car accident in Kenosha.