Severe side-impact collisions can cause serious damage to the property and occupants of the vehicle that is struck. The injured party could be facing substantial physical and emotional trauma, along with unexpected financial burdens caused by the accident.
Someone involved in a side-impact car accident in Parker might benefit from contacting a local attorney to discuss their options for legal recourse. However, they must act fast, as Texas places a strict deadline for filing civil cases. If you or your loved one suffered harm after being T-boned by another driver, do not hesitate in seeking legal guidance.
Since the sides of vehicles offer little protection and are much thinner than the front or back of a car, side-impact accidents can result in substantial harm to the vehicle and its occupants. Side-impact crashes come in two forms: T-bones and sideswipes.
T-bone collisions often occur at intersections when a negligent driver fails to yield, speeds, or runs a red light and results in the front of one vehicle striking the side of another. These collisions often occur at high speeds and can result in catastrophic injuries or even death to the driver who is struck.
Side-impact collisions involve the sides of two vehicles colliding and can occasionally result in rollovers. These accidents can occur when a vehicle turns from a side street or parking lot onto a street where vehicles travel more quickly. A driver failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes can also cause a sideswipe accident.
As these often involve devastating injuries and fatalities, it is imperative for people involved in side-impact collisions in Parker to seek immediate medical care. Drivers can suffer brain damage, spine trauma, broken bones, lacerations, burns, or paralysis.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, Texas courts must assign proportionate responsibility to all parties involved in a civil claim for damages in proportion to that parties fault in causing the injury. Once a jury has assessed the facts of the case, each party is assigned a percentage of fault. If a jury determines that a claimant is greater than fifty percent responsible for the accident, they may not collect damages. If the claimant is 50 percent or less at fault, their potential recovery will be decreased by their percentage of fault.
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, claimants could potentially receive exemplary damages. However, exemplary damages are only awarded in Parker if the side-impact collision was caused by malice or gross negligence of another party.
If your loved one passed away after suffering an injury in a side-impact car accident in Parker, you could seek compensation for medical, funeral, and other costs and damages through a wrongful death action. If you suffered an injury in such an accident, you may be eligible for compensation for out-of-pocket expenses and pain and suffering.
If you want to know what you can do to recover following a T-bone or sideswipe collision, speak with an attorney at our firm. We offer free initial case consultations, so call now.
McCraw Law Group