If you sustained bodily injuries in a side-impact collision, you could be entitled to a monetary award from the other driver. Holding that driver accountable requires showing that their negligence led to the crash.
You do not have to make the case for negligence on your own. In the aftermath of a side-impact collision, you could rely on legal counsel to help you pursue monetary compensation. A Naples car accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue monetary damages for your injuries.
Types of Side-Impact Car Accidents That We See in Our Naples Practice
The term “side-impact collision” could describe two different types of car accidents. While there are differences between these types of accidents, the resulting injuries for both types could be significant. The two types of side-impact collisions are referred to as T-bone and broadside accidents.
T-Bone Accidents
T-Bone accidents can result in a devastating impact. These accidents occur when the front-end of a motor vehicle collides with the side of another. They are commonly called T-Bone accidents based on the “T” shape that the two vehicles make when viewed from above.
T-Bone accidents are common in intersections as well as among drivers that are turning left across traffic.
Broadside Accidents
A broadside accident is commonly referred to as a sideswipe accident. These accidents occur when the sides of two motor vehicles collide. In many cases, these accidents happen when one driver attempts to merge into the lane where another vehicle is already present.
Broadside accidents do not typically result in the same devastating impact as a T-bone collision. That said, drivers that are hit from the side often lose control of their vehicle. These collisions can result in devastating bodily injuries.
Recoverable Damages in a Side-Impact Accident Lawsuit
There are different types of recoverable damages possible in a side-impact accident lawsuit. The compensation you recover could depend on things like the severity of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle.
Your choice of attorney could also play an important role in the compensation you recover following a side-impact crash. Some common types of compensation include:
Lost Wages
Many car accidents lead to injuries that are severe enough that returning to work right away is impossible. Serious injuries could leave you away from work for weeks, months, or longer.
This could be devastating for your financial circumstances. You could replace both past and future lost wages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Medical Bills
The cost of medical care is a top concern for many people following a side-impact crash. You might be able to recover the cost of your medical care, which could include surgical procedures, physical therapy, hospitalization, and other types of medical care.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain is often part of recovering from a car accident. Depending on the circumstances, this pain could follow you for the rest of your life. You could be entitled to a monetary award for the physical pain you suffered due to the accident.
Diminished Future Earnings
If you are living with a permanent injury, it could limit your future earnings by restricting the type of work that is available to you. With a personal injury lawsuit, you could pursue those future earnings you are missing out on.
File Your Side Impact Accident Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit following a side-impact collision, you must note that there is a time limit to file your case. The time limit – known as the statute of limitations – is governed by state law and strictly enforced by the court.
If you fail to file your case on time, the chances are good that the court will dismiss your lawsuit with prejudice. Dismissal with prejudice will prevent you from pursuing your case further, even if the facts of the case are on your side.
You Generally Have Four Years to Take Action
In Naples, the statute of limitations is governed by Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). The statute generally gives four years from the date the crash occurs to file their lawsuit.
While state law does provide some exceptions to this deadline, it is unusual for the courts to grant an extension. It is risky to assume any exceptions apply to your case without first speaking to an attorney.
The best way to avoid the consequences of missing the deadline to file your lawsuit is by speaking with one of our attorneys as soon as possible.
Get a Free Consultation Regarding Your Collier County Injury Case
It is common to have questions following a serious accident, especially if you are considering legal action. If you have never been through the process of pursuing an injury case before, these questions might make you uncomfortable with seeking legal counsel at all.
Our firm understands that the days and weeks after a side-impact crash can be challenging, and we are ready to answer any questions you might have during your free initial consultation.
Get to Know Our Lawyers and How We Can Serve You
If you were hurt in a side-impact crash, you are free to consult with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at no cost to you. During your consultation, you can explain the facts of your case. Using these facts, we could evaluate the strength of your case and help you understand what to expect.
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about our firm and how we could help. This includes discussing everything from the litigation process to learning how our legal fee structure works.
We operate on a contingency basis, meaning that we never collect our attorney fees unless we are successful.
Recovering Compensation After a Naples Side-Impact Crash Could be Possible
If you have suffered injuries in a side-impact crash, you do not have to pursue monetary compensation on your own. With the help of one of our attorneys, you could ensure the driver responsible for the accident is held accountable.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our firm is proud to advocate for injury victims and we are ready to fight on your behalf. To learn how our Naples side-impact collisions lawyer could help with your case, call us for a free consultation.
We Can Help.
