Louisville Side-Impact Accident Attorney

Side-impact collisions, or T-bone crashes, happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another. You can usually find these accidents at intersections, on busy highways, and in areas with high traffic.

While there are a variety of factors that can lead to these collisions, most of them stem from negligence or reckless behavior by one or more drivers.

One of the most frequent causes of side-impact crashes is failure to yield the right of way. This often happens at intersections when a driver:

• Runs a red light
• Ignores a stop sign
• Misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic while turning

Distracted driving is another leading cause of these collisions. Distractions like texting, eating, or using a global positioning system (GPS) can divert a driver’s attention from the road.

Along with that, speeding and reckless driving may contribute to side-impact accidents. Drivers traveling too fast are less likely to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially at intersections or in sudden traffic stops.

Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs reduces reaction times. In turn, that can result in errors in judgment and T-bone accidents.

Also, poor weather conditions and poor visibility can increase the risk of someone becoming involved in a collision at an intersection. Sometimes, it can be harder for drivers to see and respond to potential hazards, which can result in side-impact accidents.

There are two general phases to working with an experienced Louisville side-impact accident attorney. The first phase is gathering evidence and preparing the claim or eventual lawsuit. The other phase is determining recoverable damages. Those are either economic, noneconomic, or punitive damages.

The economic damages can include the following items:

• All medical expenses related to diagnosing and treating the injury
• Future medical expenses for any ongoing therapy
• Lost income
• Car repairs
• Loss of use of car

Noneconomic damages can include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

Punitive damages are an amount added to the other damages that are meant to punish the negligent party for especially egregious behavior. These are very rarely awarded. Someone who was driving under the influence of alcohol, for example, could have punitive damages levied against them.

It can be tempting to accept a settlement that is offered rather than awarded. However, when someone offers a plaintiff a settlement, it is only because they believe the amount will be less than the settlement awarded in the court. Victims who need money fast may want to skip the personal injury claim process.

However, this is a shortsighted approach that can serve the defendant and the insurance companies more than it serves the person who is suffering. If you have been offered a settlement, it is important to discuss your options with your attorney first – they know what your value is really worth and how likely you are to get the full amount.

It is never a wise strategy to try and hold a negligent driver responsible without the help of a side-impact car accident attorney in the Louisville area. To get the help you need to fight for what is fair, retain the services of a dedicated Louisville attorney.

The team at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC brings years of experience to every accident victim. That support begins with a free case evaluation. You can share the details of your accident, and we’ll discuss how we see the case and what the best options for moving forward might be. Call or contact us online to set up that evaluation today with our Louisville side-impact accident lawyer.