What to Expect After a Side-Impact Car Accident
A side-impact collision is a type of accident that occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. This type of collision can occur head-on or at an angle. Side-impact car accidents are one of the most common types of accidents and one that often leads to severe injuries.
When a vehicle impacts the side of another vehicle, there is less protection between the one vehicle and the driver or passenger. Because of this, side-impact car accidents commonly lead to broken bones, head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or lifelong disability. If you’re in a side-impact car accident, you may need to decide whether to settle or go to trial.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Car Accidents
Understanding the causes of side-impact car accidents can help place fault. Common causes of side-impact car accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Failing to stop at a red light
- Bad weather
- Lack of driver experience
Responsibility may not initially matter in a Florida car accident. Florida is a no-fault auto accident state which means you will first turn to your insurance company to cover your damages. However, if your injuries exceed the compensation available through your insurance provider, you may decide to seek compensation through a personal injury case.
Types of Compensation Available in a Side-Impact Car Accident
Filing a personal injury case that involves a side-impact car accident can help you recover the funds you need to repair your vehicle or cover your medical costs. If you or a passenger is significantly injured, you may be able to collect compensation for pain and suffering or diminished earnings.
Side-Impact Collisions: Settle or Go To Trial?
Many car accident cases are settled outside of court. This is because accepting a settlement offer can be a more attractive option than spending the time or money to build a case. Going to court also doesn’t guarantee that the judge will rule in your favor. There isn’t a clear-cut answer as to whether you should settle or go to trial.
This depends on the details of your case. It also depends on the value of your case and the amount that you’re offered. Before accepting a settlement offer, it’s usually a good idea to talk with a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and help you calculate a value. You can use this value to compare to the settlement offer. There may be room for negotiations, which can help you collect an amount that better covers your costs.
Why Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Insurance companies commonly skip over important costs with the hopes that a large amount of compensation will entice injured victims to accept the settlement. However, some injuries may have long-lasting consequences beyond initial medical bills or lost wages. Insurance companies may not initially offer compensation for pain and suffering or diminished earnings.
These are all costs that a personal injury lawyer can help you calculate into the overall value of your case. Additionally, if the settlement amount doesn’t appropriately cover your damages, a personal injury lawyer can help you build a case and take it to trial to ensure you get the funds you need.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, FL.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.