Side Impact Collision Lawyer in Fairfield, CT
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If a careless driver strikes the side of your vehicle, you may be angry, hurt, or frustrated. Experiencing a side-impact collision is scary and can be especially dangerous to the passengers closest to the impacted side. You may be worried about your health, paying medical bills, and whether you need a Fairfield car accident lawyer. Thankfully, you are not alone. This article explains what you need to know after a side impact collision.
If you’re looking for an experienced Fairfield personal injury lawyer, our legal team is ready to assist you, alleviate your stress, and provide you with bring your case to resolution.
What is a Side Impact Collision?
A side impact accident is a confusing situation, and could happen in a variety of ways. Commonly referred to as a “t-bone,” due to the shape that the two vehicles make when colliding, is extremely dangerous and often causes large amounts of damage to both cars. Another form of an impact collision is a “side-swipe,” and despite being considered “minor,” compared to a “t-bone” accident, can still be dangerous and cause large amounts of damage. Side impact collisions have varying levels of severity, but no matter what, they are dangerous and stressful to all parties involved.
Causes of Side Impact Accidents in Fairfield, CT
As previously mentioned, there are multiple types of side impact accidents, such as “side swiping,” or a “t-bone” that occur on the road, and all have varying causes. Some of the causes of these collisions in Fairfield, CT are:
- Not Stopping at Red Lights – When drivers neglect to stop at red lights, or think they can “make the light,” they have the potential to collide with oncoming traffic that may have the right of way.
- Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals – People fail to yield at yield signs, and they do not entirely understand what “yielding” entails. People also struggle at multiple-way stops, and often go when they are not supposed to, which often results in an accident.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving – Driving too fast reduces your reaction time, and at a greater speed, your car takes more time to stop, which may not be as quickly as necessary.
- Changing Lanes and Blind Spots – Merging is a big issue when it comes to side-swiping a vehicle. People often think they have enough space to move over, and end up clipping the side of the driver behind their vehicle. This is also majorly impacted by a limited blind spot, which can influence the driver’s actions.
- Driving Under the Influence – Driving under the influence impairs your senses, especially vision and reaction time, which often leads to accidents of all kinds.
Common Injuries from Side Impact Collisions
Side impact car accidents seem more uncommon compared to rear end collisions, and other forms of accidents. It is important to note that these accidents do happen frequently. These accidents can be extremely impactful to the vehicle, but most importantly to the driver and passengers inside the vehicle. Some injuries that often result from side impact collisions are:
- Whiplash – Extreme pain in your neck and head caused by the jerking of your head back and forth.
- Back Injuries – Pain and impact to the spine can result in muscle strains, and herniated discs.
- Internal Injuries – With high impacts, internal bleeding and damage may occur in the stomach region especially.
- Head Trauma – Concussions or even brain bleeds may occur from both the airbags, or hitting your head inside the vehicle after impact.
- Emotional Distress – Being in an accident is frightening, and anxiety, distress, and PTSD are common.
What to Do After a Side Impact Accident in Fairfield, CT?
After being in an accident, it is easy to be in a state of panic and shock, and forget to complete crucial elements necessary for the claims process, and guaranteeing the safety of everyone involved. After being in a collision in Fairfield, CT, the Brill Law Group recommends:
- Check your safety – Make sure you, and your passengers are not injured, and if possible, pull over to safety. If necessary, call 911 immediately to assess any injuries.
- Call the police – Call the local police department to report the collision, and have an officer arrive at the scene.
- Exchange information – Once you and the other party have pulled over to safety, if possible, get out of your vehicles and exchange information. Good information to exchange is name, contact information, and insurance information.
- Obtain evidence and documentation – Take pictures of the accident, and any damages that were a result. If possible, try to find witnesses of the accident, and get their perspectives.
- Go see a doctor – Even though you may not be experiencing any pain, it is still recommended to have a doctor’s opinion to make sure you are not injured.
- Make sure to inform your insurance company of the accident – Do not wait to notify your insurance company of the accident, and make sure you submit all forms of evidence regarding the collision.
- Consult a Back End Collision Lawyer – This is where the Brill Law Group can help you! Our team can guide you through the confusing process of filing insurance claims, as well as increasing your settlement and satisfaction.
Who is at Fault After A Side Impact Collision?
You may wonder if you are at fault after your side impact accident in Fairfield, CT. To determine who is at fault after a “t-bone,” or other form of side impact accident, the police will have to analyze the damage done to both vehicles, witness testimonies, potential traffic clues and violations, and the driver’s practices.
How Can a Fairfield Side Impact Collision Lawyer Help You?
The Brill Law Group team has great experience in personal injury law, and side impact collision cases, and we are willing to assist you today! Our team can provide you with comfort, reassurance, and assistance with insurance claims, legal guidance, and court representation if necessary. We want to make this process as easy, stress free, and successful as possible, so you can focus on your own personal recovery without worrying about what could happen next.