Have you been seriously injured in a side-impact car accident in Philadelphia? If the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligent or reckless conduct, you are legally entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost income, and all expenses related to the accident. The law practice of Cooper, Schall & Levy is dedicated to seeing that you receive it.
Our car accident attorneys have the well-honed litigation skills and the determination to bring you the compensation you deserve. We have a history of successful outcomes and will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we win your case. Once you contact us and we learn the details of the crash and the extent of your injuries, we will develop a well-crafted strategy designed to obtain maximum compensation.
Three Kinds of Side Impact Accidents
Though T-bone crashes are most commonly visualized when we hear the word “side-impact,” there are actually three types of side-impact collisions:
T-bone Crashes most frequently occur at intersections when a car making a left turn collides with a vehicle going straight ahead. In the majority of T-bone crashes, the driver making the left turn is to blame — for failing to obey a traffic light or stop sign. Nonetheless, there is always the possibility that the driver heading straight through was the at-fault party, for example, if the driver making the turn had a green arrow. There is also the possibility that the crash occurred on a slippery road surface or that the accident involved more than two cars.
Lateral Side-Impact Collisions are sideswipe accidents in which a driver crosses over the lane-dividing line and sideswipes the car on the other side. In this type of side-impact accident, the sideswiping driver is to blame since this driver failed to stay in the lane, drifting and causing the crash. Whether the sideswiping driver impacted the car in the next lane due to lack of attention, failure to check the rearview mirror, failure to take note of the blindspot, or some kind of malice, that driver will be held liable unless some external factor was involved (e.g. a mechanical defect).
Single Driver Side-Impact Collisions occur when a solo driver loses control and smashes sideways into a tree, barrier, or other obstruction. Such accidents commonly occur in one of three ways:
- The driver is ill, distracted, asleep, or impaired by alcohol or drugs
- The driver swerves to avoid another vehicle, an animal, or unexpected debris
- The car has a steering or other defect that makes the driver lose control
If you have been a victim in a single driver side-impact collision, the negligent party may be the government agency (county, city, or state) that failed to maintain the road properly, another driver whose misconduct forced you off the road, or the car manufacturer whose negligence put you in danger.
Once you become a client of Cooper, Schall & Levy, you can depend on us to investigate your accident thoroughly to determine the precise cause of your side-impact car accident and who is responsible for your injuries. Whoever that party is will be the defendant in our lawsuit.
The Most Common Injuries Caused by Side-Impact Collisions
Depending on the force and angle of impact, side-impact collisions can result in a wide range of injuries, but most commonly severe side-impact car accidents result in:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Deep lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Whether you have suffered one of these or some other type of injury, the accomplished attorneys at Cooper, Schall & Levy will work hard to make sure you obtain the resources you need to restart your life.
Why Some Side-Impact Collisions Cause Worse Injuries than Others
According to NHTSA, side-impact car accidents account for 25 percent of car and small truck accidents. Although some people are lucky enough to walk away from such collisions, a significant number suffer severe or catastrophic injuries. Variables that account for the different outcomes include:
- The size of the vehicles involved
- Where the drivers and passengers are seated
- How well-equipped the car is with safety features (e.g. side airbags, large side mirrors)
- Whether seatbelts are worn
The Damages Our Car Accident Attorneys Will Fight to Win
We know that in addition to the physical pain you are suffering emotional trauma and that the accident has also affected your family. You can count on us for emotional as well as legal support. Our lawyers are skilled and persuasive and have the know-how to persuade opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters during negotiations or the court during litigation that you are entitled to receive damages to cover the following:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income, present, and future
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of limb or organ
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral expenses, final medical costs, loss of support (in wrongful death cases)
Whatever injuries you have sustained, while you rest and recover, we will do everything in our power to make your life easier while you heal. We will handle all legal and insurance communications, investigate the accident site, examine police reports and medical records, interview witnesses, and consult with experts who can testify on your behalf.
Contact Our Philadelphia Side-Impact Car Accident Attorneys Today
A side-impact car accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. As soon as you get in touch with our knowledgeable law team, you will be put in our capable hands. Contact us now so we can start restabilizing your life and protecting your future.
