Experienced Side-impact Accident attorneys in just one call
Fargo Side-impact Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best Fargo auto accident law firms
What is a Side-Impact Accident?
A side-impact accident, also known as a “T-bone” accident, occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that side-impact accidents accounted for 23% of vehicle occupant deaths in car accidents in 2020. [1]
Have you or a loved one been involved in a side-impact accident?
Goldberg & Loren, the leading Fargo side-impact accident lawyers, are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. With years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle your case with care and precision. Book a free consultation today!
Where Do Side-Impact Accidents Happen?
Side impact accidents can occur at various locations. Some common places where side-impact collisions happen include:
- Intersections: Side impact accidents frequently occur at intersections, especially when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light or stop sign.
- Parking lots: Accidents can occur when one vehicle is backing out of a parking space and is struck on the side by another vehicle.
- T-intersections: When a vehicle is making a turn at a T-intersection, it can be vulnerable to a side impact collision from a vehicle on the cross street.
- Merging lanes: Side impact collisions can occur when one vehicle is merging into another lane and fails to yield to the traffic already in that lane.
- Roundabouts: Side impact collisions can happen in roundabouts when drivers enter or exit without yielding or misjudge the traffic flow.
Types of Injuries from a Side-Impact Accident
Side-impact accidents can result in a variety of different types of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting and severe consequences. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that can occur in a side-impact accident:
- Head and Brain Injuries: When a car is struck from the side, the head can be violently thrown into a window, door, or other hard surface. This can result in traumatic brain injuries such as concussions, contusions, and even skull fractures. These types of injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological issues.
- Spinal Injuries: The force of a side-impact collision can cause the spine to twist or bend unnaturally, resulting in injuries such as herniated discs, whiplash, or even paralysis in severe cases. These types of injuries can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life.
- Chest and abdominal injuries: Chest injuries such as broken ribs or collapsed lungs can occur when the occupant is forcibly pushed against the side of the car. Internal injuries to the organs in the abdominal area can also occur due to the impact of the collision.
- Limb Injuries: When a car is hit from the side, the arms and legs of the occupants can be thrown against hard surfaces such as the door or the center console. This can result in injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, and severe bruising.
- Psychological Injuries: In addition to physical harm, side-impact accidents can also cause psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A driver of a vehicle rated good for driver protection in a side impact is 70 percent less likely to die in a left-side crash compared with a driver of a vehicle rated poor. [2]
Related Information
Common Causes of a Side-Impact Accident
There are several common causes of side-impact accidents, some examples are:
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic signals and signs can lead to collisions at intersections.
- Failing to Yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right of way when merging, making a left turn, or entering an intersection.
- Distracted Driving: Being distracted by mobile phones, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving can lead to a lack of focus and cause a side-impact collision.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can make it difficult to stop or yield, increasing the risk of a side-impact accident.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Impaired drivers are more likely to make risky decisions and fail to observe traffic signals, increasing the risk of side-impact collisions.
- Making Illegal turns: Illegal turns, including U-turns in prohibited areas or making left turns at intersections with “no left turn” signs, can lead to side-impact accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Inadequate lighting, blind spots, or obstructed views of oncoming traffic can contribute to side-impact collisions, especially at intersections.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Side-Impact Accident?
In a motor vehicle accident, compensation for various damages and losses may be pursued, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical bills related to treating injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. This can also include compensation for a reduction in future earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and injuries.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repair or replacement of the vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on the injured person’s relationship with their spouse, including loss of companionship or inability to provide marital benefits due to the injuries.
- Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries, disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement caused by the accident.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where the side impact accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of the loss.
Fargo Side-Impact Accident Lawyers Goldberg & Loren
If you or a loved one has been involved in a side-impact accident in Fargo, North Dakota, seek legal representation from experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren who can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
Goldberg & Loren are dedicated side-impact accident lawyers who have a proven track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We are well-versed in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and litigating in court to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our legal team fights relentlessly for fair and just compensation. We approach each case with compassion and empathy, working closely with their clients to provide support and guidance throughout the legal process.
If you have been injured in a side-impact accident in Fargo, don’t hesitate to reach out to Goldberg & Loren’s personal injury lawyers in Fargo for a free, no-obligation consultation.
FAQs
Side-impact accidents, also known as T-bone collisions, are relatively common in Fargo, North Dakota, particularly at busy intersections and junctions. These accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way or disobey traffic signals, leading to impactful collisions at angles. Due to the significant potential for injury and vehicle damage, side-impact accidents can have serious consequences.
In Fargo, North Dakota, the Statute of Limitations for filing a lawsuit after a side-impact accident is typically six years from the date of the accident. Legal deadlines can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case, so it's important to seek legal advice promptly.
In the event of a side-impact accident in Fargo, North Dakota, where the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, it's important to explore other avenues for compensation. Under such circumstances, having uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy can be immensely valuable. This coverage can potentially provide financial protection and help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Sources:
[1] Bieber, C. (2022, December 15). T-Bone Accident Causes, Injuries, Fault & Legal Options. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/t-bone-accident/
[2] Vehicles that earn good side-impact ratings have lower driver death risk. (n.d.). IIHS-HLDI Crash Testing and Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/vehicles-that-earn-good-side-impact-ratings-have-lower-driver-death-risk
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
3523 45th St S
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 409-1791
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a side-impact accident in Fargo, North Dakota. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
