Side impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, often lead to serious and fatal injuries for the involved occupants. They occur when one vehicle strikes another at an angle, and the passengers closest to the affected area of the impacted vehicle typically suffer the worst injuries. Side impact collisions may occur when a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic or runs a red light, which could result from distracted driving, driving under the influence, or other negligent or reckless behavior.
If a careless driver caused the T-bone accident that led to your injuries or took the life of someone you love, a Sarasota side impact collisions lawyer could determine if you can file a claim against the at-fault driver and help you through the process. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine as soon as possible at 1-800-747-3733 to speak with our legal team about your case.
You May Qualify for Compensation in Your Side Impact Collision Case
In Florida, drivers must carry no-fault auto insurance, which means their own policy covers their injuries in the event of an accident no matter who caused it. However, certain exceptions, such as if your injuries exceed your policy limits or a drunk driver was involved, apply in some circumstances, and a lawyer can help you determine the types of compensation you may receive. Awards may include recovery for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine and our legal team will give you more information on how you can proceed with your case during a free consultation.
A Sarasota Side Impact Collisions Lawyer Can Help You File Your Claim Before Time Runs Out
Florida’s statutes of limitations dictate how long victims and their families have to file claims in car accident cases. Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) allows most victims up to four years from the date of the collision to file suit against the liable driver, while (4)(d) of the same section gives personal representatives of victims who suffered fatal injuries up to two years from the date of their passing to proceed with a wrongful death claim. Our lawyers can calculate how much time remains for you to file a claim, so you do not miss your opportunity to pursue compensation.
Call the legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for assistance with your case.
Side Impact Car Accidents in Sarasota
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), nearly 6,500 traffic collisions occurred in Sarasota County in 2018, resulting in 3,655 injuries and 51 fatalities. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that Sarasota side impact collisions accounted for ten fatal injuries that year, meaning approximately 20% of Sarasota T-bone accidents were fatal. This figure comes close to the national average that year, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that about 25% of all U.S. traffic deaths resulted from side impact collisions.
Common Side Impact Collision Injuries
Most side impact collision injuries are caused by blunt force trauma sustained by the victim as a result of the sudden blow of a vehicle’s impact. StatPearls notes that the majority of severe blunt force trauma injuries occurs because of a car or pedestrian accident, and trauma takes more lives of victims under age 35 than any other cause of death. A study published by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) examined the injuries that occurred most frequently in side impact collisions, particularly to victims nearest the point of impact when the accident took place and discovered a pattern of common injuries.
Head Injuries
AAAM researchers found that nearly one-fourth of the victims in the study suffered head injuries, and more than 20% proved fatal. Head injuries can vary greatly in severity from mild to life-threatening, and victims of side impact collisions often suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI in its mildest form, also known as a concussion, typically resolves on its own. However, those with a serious TBI diagnosis who survive may experience permanent or long-term effects.
Injuries to the Chest and Abdomen
The AAAM study found chest and abdominal injuries to be the most common type of injury suffered by victims in the side impact collisions they examined, with about half experiencing some form of trauma to the torso. Injuries ranged from broken ribs to trauma to the heart and thoracic aorta.
Spinal Injuries
About 1 in 20 victims suffered an injury to the spine or neck as a result of side impact collisions. Whiplash, which occurs when the neck jerks back and forth rapidly and forcefully, affects more than a million people in the United States each year. The pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion associated with the condition usually go away within a few weeks or months, but they can last for years after the accident. More severe spinal injuries, such as paralysis, are permanent and can affect a victim’s ability to support their family.
Injuries to the Lower Extremities and Pelvis
14% of the victims in the study suffered from pelvic or lower extremity injuries such as organ damage or broken bones. Even though these injuries did not occur as commonly as head or chest injuries, they had a relatively high fatality rate.
If you or a loved one suffered these or other injuries in a T-bone accident caused by a negligent driver, a Sarasota side impact collisions lawyer could help you pursue financial recovery.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today to Get Started on Your Case
After being injured or losing a loved one in a side impact collision, it can be difficult to know where to start with your legal case. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we take pride in providing our clients with responsive legal care. You worry about getting better, and we will take care of the rest. Contact our legal team today at 1-800-747-3733 for your free consultation.
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