Side impacts, also called T-bone collisions, accounted for 33 percent of all traffic fatalities in multi-vehicle accidents in 2014, reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While not all side impact collisions are fatal, they are surely dangerous. And if you are involved in one, you will likely face physical, emotional, and financial harm.
That is why it is crucial that you get help from a side impact collision lawyer in Pittsburgh at Berger and Green. Our team can help you file a claim against the other driver to recover compensation for all of your accident-related costs. Schedule a free consultation today at 412-661-1400.
Before you give us a call, be sure to read the following to learn more about causes, proving liability, gathering evidence, and recovering damages.
Why do side impact collisions occur?
Being involved in a side impact collision can happen to you at a moment’s notice. Typically, they occur when a driver:
- Fails to yield at an intersection
- Is driving recklessly
- Is distracted
- Does not see your vehicle when entering your lane
- Makes an illegal maneuver (e.g., runs a red light or stop sign, makes an illegal U-turn, etc.)
These collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, whiplash, crushing injuries, fractures, organ damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, dislocations and amputations, and internal injuries.
These accidents can be especially devastating, but you may be able to recover compensation to help pay your medical bills, replace your lost wages, and alleviate your pain and suffering.
How do I get started with my claim?
Because Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, you can file a claim with your own insurance as well as the other driver’s insurer.
To file with the other driver’s insurer you must be able to prove the other driver was at-fault for the collision.
To prove fault, you will need to provide evidence that establishes the other driver’s negligence. This evidence may include:
- Photos of the scene
- Police report
- Surveillance video (because many of these collisions occur at intersections, there may be video footage available of the accident)
- Eyewitness and expert testimony
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident.
For example, consider the following: you were speeding through the intersection when a left-turning driver T-boned you. While you potentially played a part in the collision, you can recover compensation if you are able to prove that the other driver was more responsible for the accident than you were.
It is important to note that while you will likely still be able to recover compensation, your percentage of fault will reduce your settlement, i.e., if the investigation found you 20 percent at fault, you would only be able to recover 80 percent.
What can I recover?
If you are able to prove the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Rehab
- Pain and suffering (Note: You will only be able to recover damages for pain and suffering if you have full tort insurance or if your injuries meet certain exceptions. Check your insurance policy.)
Getting a fair compensation to cover any and all of these damages will require you to establish an accurate value of how much each of them have cost you. We regularly work with financial experts to make sure we know exactly what your case is worth before making a settlement demand.
Call Berger And Green Today For Your FREE Consultation
At Berger and Green, we are dedicated to getting our clients a fair amount of compensation to help cover any damages a serious car accident may cause them.
We will not just settle for any low-balled settlement another driver’s attorneys may try to throw at you. Instead, we put in the extra time and hard work to get you a verdict or settlement that you are satisfied with and that covers all of your injuries.
In fact, we are so dedicated to helping you through the process that we offer all of our clients:
- 100 percent free case evaluations
- Free home and hospital visits (you do not need to come to our office, we will come to you)
- No attorney costs or fees, unless you win your case
We know that dealing with an injury, or even just the financial burden that comes with a car accident, can be a stressful and difficult process. But we want to help you get through it and come out the other side with a financial recovery that can lift the burden off your shoulders.
Do not settle for any attorney who is not dedicated to you and your needs. Get a team of attorneys who sees you as more than just a case file and who will fight for what you deserve.
Call Berger and Green to schedule your free consultation today: 412-661-1400.
