SIDE-IMPACT ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions and Establishing Liability

Although each accident is unique, there are a few ways that most side-impact collisions take place. If one of the following examples occurs, the driver responsible for the act can be viewed as negligent in the eyes of the law.

Failure To Stop At Intersections

When a driver fails to come to a complete stop at a four-way intersection, they are essentially breaking traffic codes, as well as the law. If a side-impact collision occurs while you’re legally in the intersection, their violation is evidence of negligence.

Failure To Yield

Traffic codes require drivers to yield to another when stop signs are positioned at four-way intersections. When two or more vehicles are stationed at the intersection at the same time, determining who has the right or way and who must slow down can be hard. Most states throughout the country have set laws that require drivers to allow the driver on the left to move forward first.

Failure To Stop At A Red Light

Not stopping at a red light is illegal and proves negligence in cases involving side-impact collisions. Some drivers try to speed up when approaching a yellow light, causing many to misjudge the timing of a red light appearing. When this happens, the chances of colliding with another vehicle increases significantly.

Using A Smart Phone Device While Driving

Speaking on a cell phone or texting while operating a vehicle is dangerous and illegal in most states, including Georgia. If the other driver is using a smart phone device at the time of the accident, they are considered to be negligent.

Common Injuries Associated With Side-Impact Collisions

The following injuries are common among side-impact collision victims and may require extensive treatment.

Fractures

The force and impact associated with side-impact collisions can cause the driver or passenger door to cave in. This action can easily fracture the victim’s hands, arms, wrists, or other extremities.

Sprains

The muscles, ligaments, and tendons that run throughout your body have a tendency to stretch beyond their limits based on the impact of side collisions. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained by side-impact collision victims.

Herniated Discs and Spinal Compressions

Back injuries are common among side-impact collisions victims because the force of such accidents is enough to rupture the spine and the discs located within it.

Evidence That Proves Negligence

If you are to follow through with a personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the other driver or party was liable for the accident. The following forms of evidence are necessary for compensation and should be collected before discussing a settlement strategy.

Police Reports

The officers who arrive at the scene of your accident will collect information and draft an official report. This report will highlight the conditions of the road at the time of the accident, contain a diagram of the collision, and indicate whether either driver violated traffic codes.

Images

If you are well enough to take pictures of the accident scene, do so. Use your smart phone device to capture images of your surrounding environment, the damage to the vehicles involved, the other driver’s license plate number, and any skid marks that may exist. If you happen to notice open containers of alcohol in the other driver’s vehicle, try to take pictures of this.

Medical Reports

To receive compensation for your damages, you will need to prove that your injuries are directly related to the accident and that they did not already exist. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, as the defendant’s insurance company can defeat your personal injury claim if you wait too long, creating the argument that your injuries must not be serious if you didn’t need immediate treatment.