Side-impact accidents, also called T-bone accidents, happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming the shape of a “T” at the impact point. Side-impact collisions frequently happen at intersections when a driver disregards a red light or stop sign. They can also happen on busy interstates when a driver loses control and skids sideways. T-bone accidents have the potential to cause devastating, permanent injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a side-impact accident, it’s important that you understand your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other damages. The steps you take after a car accident can help or hurt your case. Experienced car accident attorney Tim Reed has a proven track record of recovering compensation for victims. Contact the Reed Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled Little Rock car accident attorney.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions in Little Rock
As with other types of car accidents, side-impact collisions are frequently caused by negligence and are preventable. When drivers focus on the road and use reasonable care, there are fewer accidents. Determining the cause of an accident is one of the most important steps in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the most common reasons side-impact accidents occur include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
- Road hazards
- Inclement weather
- Faulty street signs
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a jarring and traumatizing experience. Within seconds, your life can change dramatically. Knowing the steps to take after a car accident can help you protect yourself and preserve the evidence needed to pursue a claim.
First, check yourself and your passengers to determine whether you’ve been injured. Call 911, let the operator know what happened, and request law enforcement and emergency medical services. You will need police officers to investigate the accident and write a report, and you will need emergency medical providers to check injuries at the scene.
Note that not all injuries are immediately apparent, so refrain from telling first responders that “everything is okay” or that “you’re fine.” It may be that you didn’t suffer any serious injuries, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not injured. Instead, tell first responders how the crash happened and that you need to be evaluated for any potential injuries.
While still at the scene, if you’re able, take photographs of the position of each vehicle, relevant markings on the road, and damage to the vehicles. If you notice faulty traffic signals or dangerous road conditions, take photos of those as well. If you’re not able, ask another person to take photos.
Whether you take an ambulance to the emergency room or you have a friend take you, consider additional emergency services beyond those provided at the scene. If you’re not hurt, great. But don’t assume that you’re not hurt just because you’re able to walk and get around. Shock and adrenaline often mask injuries. It is commonplace for injured motorists to feel little to no pain at the scene of an accident, only to wake up the next day with severe pain.
See your primary care physician as soon as you can. This can be either a follow-up from your emergency room visit, or if you don’t go to the emergency room, it can be your first evaluation by a medical doctor. The important thing is, you want to be evaluated by a medical doctor to make sure you understand the nature of any injuries you may have. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can go to an urgent care center. Wherever you go, tell medical providers what happened and let them know where you’re hurting.
Holding The At-Fault Driver Liable
Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you’re able. By taking the steps noted above, you will have done a good job of preserving evidence and documenting your injuries. You will need a skilled attorney to organize the evidence and assert an effective claim. Even if you think you might not want to assert a claim against the at-fault driver, talking to an attorney can help you understand what your rights are so you can make an informed decision as to what’s best for you.
If there is the slightest chance you might want to assert a claim, and you want to hold the other driver accountable, then don’t talk to his or her insurance company until you’ve talked to an attorney. Your statements will be recorded and potentially used against you. When it comes to communications with insurance companies, showing that the other driver is responsible will be much easier if you let your attorney do the talking.
How Much is My T-Bone Case Worth?
The value of your case will depend on many factors, including the seriousness of your injuries. Generally, the more severe and painful a victim’s injuries, the more valuable the case will be.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you can claim any damages you’ve incurred that are related to the car accident, including the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage to your vehicle and other property inside your vehicle
- Lost wages due to taking time off of work to recover
- The loss of ability to earn a future income due to disability
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
Working closely with a personal injury attorney will help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact a Little Rock, Arkansas Car Accident Attorney
When you’ve been injured because of a side-impact accident in Little Rock, Arkansas, you will benefit from working with an experienced attorney. Attorney Tim Reed is an experienced litigator who will work diligently to advocate for you. Contact the Reed Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.