A side collision, also referred to as a broadside, t-bone or side impact collision, is a vehicle accident that involves one vehicle crashing into the side of another vehicle. While there are a variety of ways that car accidents occur, such as a head-on collision, a rear-end collision and a sideswipe collision, side collisions are quite common. In fact, side collisions are one of the most common types of accidents. Even where the side collision is relatively minor because the low-speed involved, there still may be injuries. Such injuries may require medical treatment and missing work. Medical bills coupled with loss of income can send a family's finances into disarray. However, if you were in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses you suffered. It is, however, important that you immediately contact an experienced Long Island Side Collisions Lawyer who will be able to help you recover damages that will compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses you suffered as a result of the accident.
Causes of Side CollisionsLike head-on collisions and rear-end collisions, there are a variety of causes of side collisions. However, the most common reasons are failing to stop at a stop sign and running a red light. Because of this, intersections are the most common places for side collisions. Other causes include making a left turn in front of oncoming vehicles, failing to yield, and erratic lane changing. In addition, drivers who are intoxicated, distracted by using electronic devices or who are driving too fast are more likely to cause side collisions than other drivers.
Consequences of Side CollisionsVictims of side collisions can suffer serious injuries. Cars and other vehicles are not designed to provide occupants as much protection on the sides as is provided by the front and rear of a vehicle. In addition, many vehicles are not equipped with side airbags or any other type of protection against side impacts. As a result victims of side collisions often suffer serious injuries such as head and brain injuries, broken bones, neck injuries or whiplash, internal bleeding, shoulder injuries, and pelvic fractures. New York law allows victims of side collision accidents to bring personal injury lawsuits against the person responsible for their injuries.
Medical expenses. Medical expenses related to serious side collision injuries can be astronomical. You will receive bills related to fees from doctors, the hospital, and the emergency room. You will even be billed for the ambulance service from the scene of the accident to the hospital. Through a personal injury lawsuit not only can you sue for your past medical expenses, but you can also seek compensation for future medical expenses related to the accident.
Lost wages. Like medical expenses, lost wages are an example of an economic loss that you can seek recovery for through a personal injury lawsuit. The amount of recovery would be the amount of money you would have earned but for the accident. For example, if you missed 2 months of work, the total amount of wages or salary that you lost would be the amount of damages you would seek.
Loss of future earning capacity. After an accident or injury, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of future earning capacity if your ability to earn money in the future has been impaired or diminished by the injuries. For example, if you suffered an injury that leaves some part of your body paralyzed it is likely that your future earning capacity has been compromised. The court will consider factors such as your age, general health, life expectancy, occupation, talents, skill, experience, and training in awarding compensation for lost future wages.
Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is a damage award for the physical pain as well as emotional discomfort that you suffer because of your injury. Most serious, traumatic injuries will cause you some level of physical pain or discomfort.
A side collision car accident may leave you with both physical injuries and financial stress. A personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident is a way to not only hold that person accountable for his or her negligent acts but a way for you to be compensated for your losses. However, to ensure that your rights are protected it is important that you are represented by someone with experience representing victims of car accidents. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, side collisions as well as other types of vehicle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.