If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the fault of another, then the law may entitle you to sue for compensation. Motorcycle accidents can have severe consequences, often leading to significant injuries and complex legal claims. You’re likely to be wondering about many aspects of your legal claim, from whether it’s actionable, to what the “average motorcycle accident settlement” is so that you can compare and contrast. But navigating these complicated questions isn’t easy without the help of a legal professional. That’s why we encourage you to consult an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance at the start.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in our network.

Of course, if you’d like to learn more about the average motorcycle accident settlement, and motorcycle accident litigation issues in general, then keep reading! We’ll cover many of the basics so that you have a better understanding.

How much injury compensation will I get for my motorcycle accident?

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, then you could be entitled to compensation for any losses that you sustained due to the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Claimable losses include, but are not limited to:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of property
• Medical expenses (i.e., medical bills for whatever medical treatment you received to deal with your injuries, supported by your various medical records)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• And more

Compared to a typical car accident, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries, which can lead to higher settlement amounts.

Bear in mind that damages vary from case-to-case, as your personal circumstances (and the facts of the accident) are unique.

For example, if you’re unemployed at the time of your motorcycle crash, then your wage loss damages are likely to be zero (or close to zero). By contrast, if you have a high-paying job, and you’re forced to take some time off from work after the accident, then your wage loss damages are likely to be significant. This can lead to substantial discrepancies in outcomes on a case-by-case basis, which is why it’s so important to speak to a qualified motorcycle accident attorney for a clearer understanding of what you can expect.

Why do most personal injury disputes result in a settlement?

It’s true that the large majority of personal injury lawsuits conclude in a settlement.  In fact, industry observers estimate that as much as 95 percent of disputes are concluded through a settlement and not trial litigation.

Why?

Well, as a general rule, personal injury trial litigation tends to be:

• Resource-intensive
• Inherently uncertain
• Distracting
• Public
• And more

For example, all litigation is inherently uncertain.

Even if you think you have a strong case for the damages you’re claiming, it’s possible that the court will reject your legal arguments, or will award you less compensation than you thought you’d receive ideally.  Thus, to avoid the inherent uncertainty of litigation — and the other negative factors — most parties prefer to negotiate a “certain” settlement that accounts for all aspects of the dispute.  This saves a lot of time, energy, and resources.

How long does a motorcycle accident settlement take?

Motorcycle accident cases vary significantly, so there’s really no time that encapsulates the “average motorcycle accident settlement.” The timeline can also be influenced by how quickly the insurance company processes your claim and negotiates a settlement. Some disputes can take a week to conclude, whereas others can take months or even over a year! Don’t make too many assumptions about litigation and settlement until you begin the process and have had detailed conversations with your personal injury attorney about your case.

What is the average settlement figure?

There is really no accurate answer to the “average motorcycle accident settlement” question.  That’s because most settlements are not publicly accessible information — they are privately negotiated and handled.

For instance, looking at motorcycle accident settlement examples can provide some insight into the range of possible outcomes.

Because the public data is extremely limited, there’s no accurate assessment we can make for an average motorcycle accident settlement.  Further, knowing these numbers is simply unimportant to understanding your own case (and settlement potential).  Every dispute is different, after all, and you’ll have to base your expectations on entirely different factors from other motorcycle accident disputes.

Settlement potential is typically based on the total damages you’re entitled to, modified by the certainty of your “win” should the case proceed to trial.  So, for example, if you’re arguing that you’re entitled to $100,000 in damages, but both you and the defendant agree that you have a 70 percent likelihood of securing those damages should the case proceed all the way through to trial, then a reasonable settlement would hover around $70,000 (e.g. 70 percent of the total damages).

What factors could influence my settlement offers?

Many different factors can influence your motorcycle accident claim settlement offers, including:

• The hostility of the defendant and their willingness to settle
• The financial resources available to the defendant
• The negative publicity that the parties could encounter if the case were to proceed through the litigation process
• The strength of your legal argument
• The strength of the evidence supporting your liability claim
• The strength of the evidence supporting your damages claim
• And more

For example, suppose that you are suing a delivery truck company whose driver hit you while you were riding your motorcycle. The delivery company is concerned about litigation since it is public and could have a negative impact on their brand perception and business (if people start to believe that their delivery drivers are not safe operators). As such, they might be more willing to offer you a favorable and early settlement to avoid any sort of public litigation issues that could arise.

Understanding these pressures — and how to leverage them to your advantage — is part of the job for a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer. Make sure to discuss these opportunities with your lawyer when you have your initial consultation.

How much do experienced motorcycle accident lawyers cost to hire?

Generally speaking, most motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so they don’t cost anything upfront or out-of-pocket — instead, they provide legal representation in exchange for a percentage cut of whatever compensation they’re able to secure on your behalf. This percentage cut can vary depending on what you’re able to negotiate (25 to 40 percent or more) when you hire them.

The costs associated with a motorcycle accident lawsuit can vary, but understanding the fee structure is crucial.

In a contingency fee arrangement, you don’t pay unless (and until) you “win” compensation through a settlement, trial award, or some other means. If you don’t “win,” you don’t have to pay fees to the attorney. That makes pursuing your legal claims a lot less risky and a lot less financially burdensome.

The best part is that your attorney’s incentives will be aligned with your own. Not only do they get paid only if you “win” (so they’re incentivized to put in efforts into ensuring that you actually get compensated), but they also get paid more when you get paid more, due to the percentage fees. This means that they work to maximize your compensation. It’s not just about getting a quick buck off your case. That makes this form of legal representation substantially more client-friendly.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a Free Legal Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another’s fault, then you could be entitled to sue for compensation in motorcycle accident cases. That being said, the legal process can be overwhelming and confusing — especially for a first-time plaintiff. We encourage you to get in touch with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who can help you navigate litigation effectively from start to finish.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation with a qualified local motorcycle accident attorney in our network. During this initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your case in more detail and to learn more about your next steps (and your strategic options) given the circumstances. Pick up the phone and call us today to get started! Motorcycle accident settlements aren’t always easy to understand, so it’s important to talk to a professional.

We look forward to assisting you with your motorcycle accident case.

If you’ve been injured in a large truck accident, including semi truck accidents, then you could be entitled to sue for compensation under the law. Large truck accidents have unique challenges and opportunities in litigation, so it’s important that you connect to an experienced truck accident lawyer for assistance as you move forward. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights, determine liability, and pursue fair compensation, addressing the complexities of the legal process following such incidents.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation with a qualified tractor trailer accident lawyer in our network. They’ll provide a case evaluation so that you can better understand whether your claims are actionable and how best to proceed.

That being said, if you’d like to learn more about truck accident claims and the issues and opportunities you may face as you move forward, keep reading! We’ll cover some of the basics of truck accidents and the truck accident claim that you’d be litigating with the aid of a tractor trailer accident lawyer.

What is the number one cause of trucking accidents?

The number one cause of trucking accidents is driving while under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances. This puts you — the truck accident’s injury victim — in a unique position to make a strategic legal argument.

See, if the trucking company knowingly employed a truck driver who has a history of driving while intoxicated, then you could sue the trucking company independently for negligently hiring the truck driver. In such a truck accident case, having experienced legal representation is crucial to gathering evidence and managing the complexities involved.

Aside from that, you could also potentially ask the court to award you bonus punitive damages, as intoxicated driving is a factor (i.e., egregious, malicious, reckless, or willful misconduct) that can justify the imposition of punitive damages. These damages can add up to seven times normal compensatory damages, so they’re absolutely worth exploring if available in your dispute.

Why are trucking accidents so dangerous?

Truck accident cases are uniquely dangerous, that’s undeniable — and the statistics bear this out, revealing that large trucks (and especially tractor trailers / semi-trucks) lead to a higher frequency of severe and fatal injuries. Statistics show that semi truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. But why do trucks pose such a danger?

Large semi-trucks tend to be:

• Heavier than other vehicles (i.e., larger mass)
• Less maneuverable due to their size
• Have visibility limitations
• And more

For example, the fact that semi-trucks are “heavier” than most other vehicles means that the impact of a collision is likely to be more significant, leading to severe or fatal injuries in many cases. These can lead to losses that are so substantial that a lawsuit is absolutely worth exploring so that you can determine whether there’s a reasonable path to financial compensation.

Potential compensation in a truck accident dispute

In a truck accident, you may be entitled to sue to recover compensation for a wide variety of losses, including truck accident injuries. Claimable losses include, but are not limited to:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of property
• Healthcare expenses (i.e., medical bills for whatever medical treatment you received to deal with your injuries, supported by your various medical records)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• And more

It’s important to note that damages are variable between truck accident cases. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to damages, as it has to take into account the unique circumstances of the injured individual (and the facts of the dispute itself).

For example, if you are a rock climber and the rock climbing community makes up your entire social life, then an injury that prevents you from climbing could have knock-on effects on your overall lifestyle. Under these circumstances, you could potentially have a significant “loss of enjoyment of life” damages claim. By contrast, someone with more “standard” hobbies would not necessarily have the same “loss of enjoyment of life” damages.

Suing the trucking company may be possible — and why that’s important

In personal injury claims, you can sometimes sue the employer of the defendant who caused you injuries — this doctrine is known as “vicarious liability.” Under vicarious liability, an employer can be held liable for the negligence of their employee, so long as the employee was engaged in job-related duties at the time of the accident.

For example, if a truck driver (who is delivering goods as part of their job) gets into a serious accident, then the injury victim could likely sue the trucking company that employs the defendant. Trucking companies can be held accountable for the actions of their drivers pursuant to the doctrine of vicarious liability.

Why is vicarious liability useful?

Simply put, truck drivers may not carry enough insurance coverage (on a personal level) to cover all the losses you sustained as a result of their actions. Thus, you need to sue defendants with “deeper pockets” in order to secure a proper payout that covers your losses in full. Employer-defendants, such as trucking companies, typically have larger insurance policies, and as such, they are strategically advantageous to sue.

It’s also worth noting that — by suing an employer — you also are litigating against a defendant who may have business incentives to resolve the case through a settlement early. This can help you to avoid the hassle, effort, and uncertainty of trial.

Why do most truck accident lawsuits end in a settlement?

Most lawsuits (in general) end in a settlement compromise. Why? The answer is pretty straightforward. Simply put, trial litigation tends to be:

• Resource-intensive
• Innately uncertain
• Have publicity impacts
• And more

For example, suppose that you are suing the defendant trucking company on the basis that one of their drivers was poorly trained (and speeding) and caused a collision with your vehicle on the roadway. The trucking company wants to avoid the negative publicity of a trial. That’s because they know their business could be severely impacted by any publicity that implies their drivers (and training process) are in any way dangerous.

Given that the trucking company wants to avoid the negative publicity of a trial, they may be more willing to offer an early and favorable settlement for your truck accident claim — because you know that they want to avoid trial, you can apply pressure in order to secure a better overall settlement payout.

How much do truck accident lawyers cost?

The general public is often under the impression that hiring a lawyer has to be expensive and is only for those who are rich.

In reality, however, most personal injury attorneys, including truck accident lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis — you don’t have to pay them upfront or out of pocket. Instead, they offer legal representation in exchange for a percentage cut of whatever compensation they’re able to secure on your behalf. This percentage cut can vary from 25 percent to 40 percent or more, depending on what you negotiate when you hire the attorney.

In contingency fee arrangements, you only pay if you “win” compensation. If you lose, then you typically don’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket. That means that there’s really no burden or downside to pursuing your claims, since there’s no cost to losing (except for an opportunity cost, of course).

Perhaps the best aspect of contingency fee dynamics is that they align the incentives of the attorney with those of the client. Because of how the percentage fees work, truck accident lawyers will be incentivized to represent you efficiently and effectively to maximize the likelihood of a win, and the amount of compensation they are able to recover.

You do not have unlimited time — explore the possibility of a lawsuit as soon as possible

All personal injury claims — including truck accident claims — are subject to a statute of limitations deadline. If truck accident victims do not file their claims before the deadline passes, then courts will automatically dismiss those claims on the basis that they have legally abandoned or relinquished their right to sue.

This can prevent truck accident victims from securing a financial recovery for their injuries. As such, it’s critically important that they pursue their claims in a timely manner, to avoid missing the deadline.

Every state implements different statute of limitations deadlines for different claims. In California, for example, the deadline for negligence-based injury claims is two years from the date of injury. That’s a fairly restrictive timeframe, so truck accident victims will want to make sure that they consult qualified truck accident attorneys as soon as possible after the collision.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a Free Consultation

If you’re a truck accident victim (i.e., you’ve been injured in a truck crash or semi truck accident), then you could be entitled to compensation under the law. As you explore the possibility of a lawsuit, however, you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed and confused — this is especially true if you’re a first-time plaintiff who has never been involved in litigation before. Given the complexities, we encourage you to get in touch with an experienced tractor trailer accident lawyer for clarity and guidance on how best to proceed with your claims.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation with a qualified tractor trailer accident lawyer in our network. During this initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case and have your claims evaluated — you’ll also be advised on the next steps. If you decide against continuing with your dispute, that’s okay. There’s no obligation to move forward with the truck accident attorney after your free legal consultation. So pick up the phone and call in today to get started!

We look forward to assisting you.

If you’ve recently been injured in a motor vehicle accident, then chances are that you’re considering a lot of different issues and possibilities related to the car crash you were just involved in.

You may be contemplating whether you have an actionable legal claim, and whether your injuries are substantial enough to justify a lawsuit. You may also be contemplating car accident statistics in 2024 (and other years, too) in the hopes of understanding the rarity of your circumstances, and what sort of factors like distracted driving may have contributed to the accident.

Recovering from a car accident, and exploring your legal rights, can be extremely confusing and frustrating for the first-time plaintiff. Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer in our network. They’ll be able to provide a case evaluation to help you get started.

Of course, if you’d like to learn more about the basics of car accident litigation, and car accident statistics in 2024 (thus far), then keep reading!

Car accident statistics and traffic fatalities in 2024 at a glance

Though statistics for 2024 are still being compiled and organized, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released some preliminary data that gives us some insight into the dangers we’re likely to encounter on American roadways.

The NHTSA estimated that “8,650 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of the year — this represents a decrease of about 3.2% as compared to 8,935 estimated fatalities during the same period in 2023.” The leading causes of fatal accidents, such as drunk driving, speeding, and the role of passenger vehicles, are reflected in this preliminary data. Analysts at the NHTSA believe that this was mostly due to a significant decrease in miles traveled, though there was also notable improvement in the percentage likelihood of fatal crashes per mile traveled.

What type of vehicle leads to the most severe accidents, and why? The role of distracted driving.

Motor vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists are particularly severe. In fact, when a motorcycle accident occurs, the motorcyclist has an 80% chance of injury or death, as compared to a passenger vehicle accident, where the driver/occupant has just a 20% chance of injury or death.

Why?

Motorcycles do not feature sufficient barrier material to protect the rider in the event of a collision with a larger vehicle. The force of impact will be directly applied to the rider, which can cause severe injury or even death. In a car, for example, the occupants are protected by the material around them, which can absorb some of the force of impact.

Smart helmet use can help limit these risks. According to the CDC, “motorcycle helmets are 37 percent (for riders) and 41 percent (for passengers) effective in preventing deaths. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.”

Where and when do most accidents occur?

Where?

Most car accidents occur close to home — according to the data, the majority of car accidents occur within just 15 miles of the occupant’s home. Traffic deaths are particularly high at intersections, contributing significantly to the overall fatality rates.

In fact, accidents at intersections are the most common of any “type” of car accident (with rear-end collisions ranking the highest in this subgroup). According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), nearly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and one-half of traffic injuries occur at intersections. This data comports with the regulatory reality. That’s because safely guiding vehicles through intersections is a task controlled by multiple traffic rules as well as complicated technology that can break down or be poorly designed (i.e., traffic lights, walking signals, etc.).

When?

Though accidents can occur at any time, there are some times of year (and times of day) that contribute to the occurrence of serious accidents. Motor vehicle deaths tend to peak during specific times of the year and day, particularly on weekends and holidays. On a month-to-month basis, for example, most accidents occur in the summer months (July, August) and in October, due in part to more traffic on the roadways, as well as holidays, such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Intoxication during the holidays is a significant contributor. The intoxication issue is also what contributes to Saturday being the most dangerous driving day during the week.

Digging deeper, on a day-to-day basis, most accidents occur between 8 PM and Midnight on weekends, and between 4 PM and 8 PM on weekdays. This seems sensible on the surface, as the threat of drinking and driving is there at nighttime on weekends, while the high volume and speed of traffic during rush hour is likely to increase risks on weekdays. Total traffic fatalities are influenced by these timing factors, with statistical reports showing higher fatality rates during these peak periods.

If I’ve been in a car accident, how do I know whether I have an actionable legal claim?

In a car accident dispute (and any other personal injury dispute), you’ll have an actionable legal claim if you can establish the following unsafe driving behaviors:

1. The defendant engaged in negligent, reckless, or intentional misconduct; and
2. You were injured and sustained damages as a result of said conduct.

Even if you’re not entirely “sure” that you have an airtight argument, satisfying these elements is enough to give you an actionable claim on which to anchor your lawsuit. Single-vehicle crashes can also result in legal claims.

Notably, you must also bring your legal claim before the applicable statute of limitations period has run out.  The statute of limitations is a deadline that is imposed on your claims.  In some states, for example, your car accident injury claim may be subject to a two-year statute of limitations period (starting from the date of injury), while in others it may be three or four years.

If you wait too long, courts will automatically dismiss your claims due to you having abandoned or relinquished them under the law, thus preventing you from securing compensation.  That being said, there are exceptions to the rule that could allow you to “extend” your limitations period (i.e., the delayed discovery of an injury could give you more time), so be sure to discuss these possibilities with your car accident lawyer.

What sort of damages am I entitled to in the event of a car accident?

In a car accident dispute, damages (i.e., what you can be compensated for under the law) must account for all the losses that you sustained as a result of the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Multiple vehicle crashes can result in significant damages. Claimable losses include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of property
• Medical expenses (i.e., medical bills for whatever comprehensive medical treatment was necessary to recover from your various injuries)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• And more

Speeding drivers can contribute to the severity of accidents and the resulting damages. Damages can vary substantially from case-to-case, as the circumstances are different for every plaintiff — and as such, the losses they sustain due to injury will be different, too.

Consider, for example, a scenario in which you are unemployed at the time of the accident. In this scenario, you would not have much, if any, lost wages to account for when it comes to building up your damages claim. By contrast, if you are gainfully employed at the time of the accident, then any time off from work can be accounted for as “lost wages,” and this amount may be significant.

Skilled car accident lawyers understand how important it is to build a comprehensive damages claim that accounts for all your losses. So make sure to discuss your losses in full with your attorney during your consultation.

How can a personal injury lawyer help me in my car accident dispute?

Personal injury attorneys (which includes those who primarily focus on motor vehicle accident disputes, such as car accident attorneys) handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities over the course of litigation, including cases involving fatal accidents. They aren’t just “courtroom advocates.”

As professional legal representatives, their tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Identifying, gathering, and preserving relevant evidence
• Communicating with expert witnesses and eyewitnesses to develop supportive testimony
• Communicating with the defendant’s counsel (and various third parties, such as insurance companies and law enforcement) on your behalf
• Building a persuasive legal argument based on the evidence
• Negotiating a potential settlement compromise
• Effectively navigating court hearings and other processes (i.e., discovery) as they arise
• Pushing ahead to trial litigation, if settlement negotiations fall through
• Securing compensation after the payout has been awarded
• And more

A lawyer can help navigate the complexities of cases involving traffic deaths. Now that’s a lot! Without legal training, you may find yourself drowning in the complexity and nuance of court procedure — in addition to all the challenges of developing and executing a cohesive legal strategy on the basis of the evidence. So make sure to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer as early as possible.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a Free Legal Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another’s fault, then you could be entitled to sue for compensation under the law.  That being said, the legal process can feel overwhelming and confusing for first-time plaintiffs.  That’s why it’s important to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance and assistance.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free legal consultation with a qualified local car accident attorney in our network.  During this initial consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss the details of your case, your injuries and the impacts of the accident on your life, and the strategic options that are available to you.  If you decide against moving forward with the dispute, that’s okay too — there’s no obligation to continue.  So pick up the phone and get started today!

We look forward to assisting you.

Have you been in a side impact car accident? If so, then you could be entitled to damages as compensation under the law — but knowing what legal steps to take can be complex and frustrating, especially for a first-time plaintiff.

A side impact crash often results in severe injuries (i.e., spinal injuries, internal injuries, and more), making it crucial to understand the personal injury implications and the importance of consulting with a personal injury attorney to navigate medical expenses, legal rights, and compensation claims.

Well, we’re here to help!

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free consultation with one of the experienced car accident attorneys in our legal network. Of course, if you’d like to learn more about side impact car accidents, first, then read ahead — we’ve created a short side impact car accident guide to explain some of the basics.

How do I know whether I have a side impact collision legal claim?

You’ll have an actionable legal claim in a side impact accident (otherwise known as a t-bone accident) if you can establish the following elements:

1. The defendant engaged in negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct; and
2. You sustained damages as a result.

Simple, right?  The foundational elements for t bone crashes are straightforward, but they’re only simple on the surface.  In truth, there are many nuanced personal injury law issues that are contained within these basic claim elements, and they are the source of many conflicts within the overall dispute.

For example, the defendant may argue that you did not actually suffer any damages because your injuries were “preexisting” and not caused by the collision.  This basic disagreement could transform into a serious issue over the course of the dispute, and could impact your recovery, especially in side-impact accidents involving more severe injuries (where the importance of legal assistance cannot be overstated)!

What makes T-bone accidents so dangerous?

Side impact car crashes are uniquely dangerous because — despite developments in car safety devices over the years — there is simply less material to absorb the force of an impact. No matter how much they design a consumer vehicle to crumple effectively and minimize the damage caused by a side impact, the truth is that the material thickness is not sufficient to adequately protect occupants (i.e., a driver or passenger) in the event of a collision. The injuries suffered can be devastating. Traditional safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts, are less effective in protecting occupants from severe injuries during side collisions.

If you’re hit by a truck at high speeds (in a side impact car crash), for example, then your door will almost certainly collapse in and your body will sustain a direct impact with the impinging truck. This is likely to cause severe injury, and in some cases, even death. Head injuries resulting from side-impact collisions can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often damaging the brain, skull, and scalp, with potential long-term effects on cognitive and motor functions.

Given the severe consequences of a side impact collision, the damages are often substantial — and it makes effective legal representation that much more critical. Serious injuries from such accidents often lead to catastrophic outcomes due to the limited protection provided in vehicles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential consequences and seeking a skilled personal injury lawyer for those affected.

What sort of damages can I claim after a side impact car accident with severe injuries?

After a side impact car accident, you can claim damages for whatever losses you sustained as a result of the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Claimable losses in a personal injury lawsuit include, but are not limited to:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of property
• Medical expenses (i.e., medical bills for whatever medical treatment received)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• And more

Spinal cord injuries from side-impact collisions can lead to severe harm, including paralysis and chronic pain, due to the unnatural twisting or bending of the spine. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also occur in such accidents, ranging from mild to severe, and may have long-term effects on cognitive and motor functions, necessitating immediate medical attention.

Damages can vary substantially from case-to-case, as every plaintiff has unique circumstances. For example, if you are unemployed at the time of the car accident, then your lost wages claim is likely to be low (or even zero). If you are gainfully employed at the time of the accident, however, and you have to take several months off to recover from your various injuries, then your lost wages claim is likely to be high.

Who can I sue after a side impact car accident?

After a side impact car accident, you can potentially sue the following parties (depending on the particular circumstances of the case):

• The other driver (i.e., the one who collided with your vehicle)
• Any other drivers whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct may have contributed to the accident
• Employers of the various drivers responsible for the accident (if the drivers were on the job at the time of the accident)
• Auto repair shops whose failure to adequately inspect or maintain a vehicle thereby contributed to the accident
• Auto manufacturers whose defective parts may have contributed to the accident
• The City, if some dangerous condition of their property contributed to the accident
• Private property owners, if some dangerous condition of their property contributed to the accident
• And more

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, often result from traffic violations or reckless driving and can lead to severe injuries. Legal representation is crucial for victims to address the implications and seek justice.

That’s a lot of potential defendants!  Given the possibilities, it’s important to consult an experienced car accident lawyer who understands how to “work up” a case and identify (and sue) the relevant parties.

If I’m partially at-fault for the side impact car accident, can I still sue for compensation?

If you’re partially at-fault for the accident, then your ability to sue for compensation could be impacted — however, the degree to which your recovery could be impacted depends on the state law that applies to the dispute.

In many states, the doctrine of pure comparative fault applies.  Per this doctrine, you are entitled to sue and recover damages even if you are 99 percent at-fault.  That being said, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage fault that you contributed.  So, for example, if you have damages totaling $100,000, but you are 70 percent at-fault, then you’d be entitled to recover $30,000 maximum. Side-impact crashes, while dangerous, often result in fewer fatalities than head-on collisions, emphasizing the protective features found in vehicles designed for frontal impacts.

In some states, the doctrine of modified comparative fault applies.  It works the same way as pure comparative fault, with one crucial difference — you are not entitled to sue for damages if you are 51 percent (or more) at-fault.  Any less, and you’re entitled to recover damages (albeit reduced by your percentage contribution of fault).

In a small minority of states, the doctrine of strict contributory fault applies.  Per this doctrine, you are not entitled to sue and recover damages even if you are just one percent at-fault.  This can be quite restrictive, but there may still be ways around this limitation.  For example, if your car accident lawyer can show that your failure to wear a seatbelt did not actually affect you in the accident, then you could potentially recover damages and circumvent the restriction.

What happens if someone hits my car and drives off?

This is known as a “hit and run” and you could still be entitled to sue and recover damages in a lawsuit.  That being said, the main challenge in a hit-and-run lawsuit is actually identifying the defendant-driver who fled the scene.

You can do so by working with an experienced car accident lawyer who can talk to the City, landowners, business owners, eyewitnesses, and other stakeholders who might have access to video footage or photo evidence that reveals the identity of the hit-and-run driver.  Alternatively, the lawyer will secure the assistance of an investigator who may be able to reconstruct the accident scene, and thereby identify the fleeing driver.

If you simply cannot identify the defendant-driver, you may still have options for a partial recovery by suing other responsible defendants.  For example, if the City improperly maintained traffic lights, which caused them to fail (and thus contributed to the intersection side impact collision that injured you), then you could potentially sue the City for damages, and at least recover partially.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a Free Legal Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a side impact car accident, then you could be entitled to sue for compensation under the law — but navigating the legal dispute process isn’t always straightforward or simple.  That’s why it’s important to consult with an experienced car accident attorney for guidance.  They’ll be able to help you understand whether you have an actionable claim, and how best to proceed with your claims so that you can secure the maximum possible compensation.

Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free legal consultation with a qualified local car accident attorney in our network.  During this initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case and learn more about what your next steps should be.  If you decide against moving forward with the dispute (or with our network attorney), that’s ok — there’s no obligation for you to continue.  So pick up the phone and call us today to get started.

We look forward to assisting you.