Richmond Side-Impact Car Collisions

A side-impact auto collision, also known as a T-bone accident, occurs when one vehicle collides with the side of another. Because the sides of vehicles are relatively unprotected, side-impact car collision victims in Richmond may suffer serious injuries. Fortunately, T-bone crash victims can often seek compensation from the at-fault driver for their medical bills, lost wages, pain, and more, with help from a qualified car accident attorney.

Side-impact collisions most often occur in intersections. Richmond has many intersections controlled by stop signs rather than stoplights, especially in areas like the Fan and Museum District. People who are unfamiliar with the area may not notice the stop signs and fail to stop at them. Living in a larger city. there are a lot of unique traffic patterns, and if a person is unfamiliar with where they are driving, they may cause accidents.

Whiplash-type injuries are common in these situations, as well as head trauma when victims collide with the windows. The severity of the injuries after a T-bone accident can vary widely, but in general, vehicles have less protection from the sides. In front- or rear-end collisions, drivers have some protection from the engine or trunk, which can crumple and slow the impact. Additionally, not all vehicles have side airbags. Because there is less protection available, Richmond drivers often suffer more serious injuries in side-impact collisions than other car collisions.

If someone has been injured in a side-impact car accident in Richmond, it can be helpful to reach out to an attorney as quickly as possible. Individuals who are represented by an experienced attorney often stand a better chance at gaining all the compensation they are entitled to. Unrepresented victims can run into a lot of different loopholes and pitfalls, and can be difficult to fight for everything they deserve.

What if Liability in an Accident is Unclear?

It can be especially important to contact an attorney when liability for an accident is somewhat unclear. In Virginia, juries evaluate personal injury cases using a concept known as contributory negligence. This means victims cannot recover compensation if they contributed to the accident in any way. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the plaintiff, and it can be difficult to defend against these arguments without an attorney.

Witnesses play an extremely important role in car accident cases, especially if the insurance company is claiming contributory negligence. When trying to refute these allegations, having an independent witness who saw how the accident happened can be critical. Additionally, it can be helpful to a personal injury case if police responded to the scene of the accident and conducted an investigation. Usually, if the police find that one driver's negligence led to the accident, it can be an uphill battle for the defense to get past that presumption. Police reports are therefore valuable evidence when pursuing damages after a side-impact crash in Richmond.

If you were hurt in a side-impact car collision with a negligent driver, a Richmond lawyer may be able to help. They could gather valuable evidence showing the defendant's fault, including witness statements and police reports. They could also provide valuable advice and guidance at every step of the case. For a free consultation, call today.