Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Side Impact Accident in Los Angeles? Don’t Face the Aftermath Alone.
Our Los Angeles side-impact accident attorneys are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. We have seen how devastating side impact accidents can be. They often result in serious injuries and overwhelming medical bills.
By choosing Goldberg & Loren, you can rest assured that you have dedicated side impact lawyers who will aggressively pursue your case and ensure your rights are protected.
Call us at (661) 669-8224 today for a free consultation
Side-Impact Collisions in Los Angeles
Side impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents or broadside crashes, occur when one vehicle is struck from the side by another vehicle.
These types of accidents typically happen at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. Side impacts can be extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
The force of the impact can cause a vehicle to spin out of control or be pushed into other vehicles or objects, leading to a greater risk of injury.
If you have been involved in a side-impact collision, seek legal representation from our experienced Los Angeles side-impact accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Common Types of Side-Impact Collisions in LA
Side impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when one vehicle is hit on its side by the front or rear of another vehicle. These accidents often result in serious injuries and property damage. Here are the common types of side impact collisions:
- T-bone accidents: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. This can happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or fails to observe traffic signals.
- Lateral side-impact accidents: In these collisions, two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide side by side. This can happen when a driver fails to observe lane boundaries, swerves into another lane without signaling, or loses control of their vehicle.
Common Factors That Lead to Side Impact Collisions in Los Angeles
With so many drivers on the Los Angeles roads, side-swipe collisions are relatively common.
Here are some of the most common factors that lead to side-impact collisions in Los Angeles:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents, including side impacts. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to text, talk on the phone, or check their GPS, they can fail to observe important traffic signals and cause serious accidents.
- Intoxication: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs a person's ability to focus and make decisions. Drunk drivers often fail to notice traffic signals or other vehicles and can cause serious side-impact collisions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is another leading contributor to side-impact collisions. Driving too fast reduces reaction time and makes it harder for drivers to properly assess a situation before making a decision.
- Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and result in side-impact collisions. Drivers should always drive with caution in inclement weather.
Reporting Accidents in Los Angeles
Drivers in California must report any accident that involves injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. [1]
The report must be made within ten days of the accident. The SR1 form can be accessed online and can also be filled out by a lawyer, insurance agent, or broker. Failing to report the accident may lead to the suspension of your driving privileges.
Types of Injuries Resulting from a Side Impact Collision in LA
Side-impact collisions can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. Here are some of the most common types of injuries resulting from a side-impact collision:
- Head Trauma: Head trauma is one of the most serious types of injuries that can occur in a side-impact collision.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries are another common injury caused by side impacts. These can include lacerations, organ damage, and internal bleeding. Internal injuries can be difficult to identify and may require extensive medical treatment.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Neck and back injuries are also common in side-impact collisions. The force of the impact can cause whiplash or herniated discs, which can lead to chronic pain and disability.
- Psychological Trauma: Psychological trauma is also common after a side-impact collision. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Statistics on Side-Impact Accidents in Southern California
Side-impact accidents are a common occurrence in Southern California, with nearly 25,000 occurring annually. In 2019, there were 24,890 side-impact collisions reported in the state of California alone. Of those, 8,674 occurred in Los Angeles County, and 4,232 occurred in Orange County. [2]
In 2019, the most common contributing factor in side-impact collisions was distracted driving (44.3%) followed by intoxication (14.6%). Speeding accounted for 14% of crashes, and weather conditions accounted for 12%.
Statute of Limitations for Side-Impact Accidents in California
In California, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim stemming from a side-impact accident is two years from the date of the incident. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the date of the accident, or you will not be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
Compensation For Side-Impact Accidents in California
If you have been injured in a side-impact collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Some of the common types of compensation available in California are:
- Loss of Companionship: In some cases, family members may be able to claim damages for loss of companionship and emotional suffering due to the death or injury of a loved one.
- Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or has impacted your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Medical Expenses: If you have been injured in a side-impact accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills and medication costs.
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation is meant to compensate the victim for emotional distress and physical pain caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for their negligence and to deter similar behavior in the future.
- Rehabilitation Costs: You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of physical and occupational therapy needed to recover from your injuries.
Our experienced team of Los Angeles side-impact accident lawyers is committed to helping you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Side-Impact Attorneys in LA Today
If you have been injured in a side-impact collision, it is important to speak with an experienced Los Angeles side-impact accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles are committed to helping victims get the full and fair compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of these types of cases and are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Law section. (n.d.). https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=20002.&lawCode=VEH
[2] How Technology Can Help Reduce Driver Distraction. (2023).https://usnddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NDDC-How-Technology-can-Help-Reduce-Driver-Distraction-11.pdf
