Side-impact collisions happen when the front of one vehicle hits another vehicle’s side.
As with any accident, injuries can happen, but side-impact collisions can be particularly deadly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 23 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2018 were from side-impact accidents.
A vehicle’s size can also play a part in the outcome of this kind of accident. Side-impact collisions can be particularly lethal for people in passenger cars, according to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
According to the study’s findings, passenger car drivers involved in side-impact collisions experienced higher death rates than SUV drivers. Researchers attributed the difference in mortality rates to the differences in the vehicles’ sizes.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a side-impact collision, you might be rattled from such a frightening experience and wondering what to do next. You might be at home or in the hospital to care for injuries from the accident, and the medical bills could be piling up
Side-impact collisions can leave you in a lot of pain that could take extensive recovery time. You or a loved one might be able to seek compensation for accident-related injuries that can ease the financial burden you are facing.
If you are interested in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to hold the person responsible for your injuries and losses, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm (800) 223-5115 today for a free case evaluation. Upon hearing the details of your case, we can explain how an Arlington Heights side-impact collisions lawyer might be able to help you.
Side-Impact Collision Injuries
Accidents can result in injuries that range from minor to significant. Some injuries that side-impact collision victims have are:
- Head trauma (traumatic brain injury, concussions, bleeding on the brain, skull fractures)
- Neck injuries (such as whiplash)
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal and back injuries
- Scratches, cuts, and bruises
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears, swelling)
- Broken bones (arms, legs, and wrists)
- Lacerations (dental and facial)
Any of these injuries can require emergency care at the accident scene or at a hospital. You might have had to be rushed to a hospital’s emergency department for medical care, and you might have lost your car, which means you will need it repaired or replaced. Medical bills and property damage qualify as damages that you could receive compensation for under a settlement.
How an Arlington Heights Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Could Help You
Side-impact collisions can happen quickly, making it challenging for some people to recall the details of what happened. Physically and mentally recovering from such an event can also cloud someone’s memory. An Arlington Heights side-impact collisions lawyer can investigate the accident to determine what happened and who is responsible for the collision.
One of the benefits of securing legal representation is you will have the support you need to proceed with a personal injury claim or lawsuit. An attorney can:
Gather evidence to establish liability. This can include police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident, red light camera footage, and other items.
Review medical records and other documents. These files can include records documenting your injuries, exams, and medications to treat them, etc. Any documentation of emergency medical care you received at the accident can also help build your case.
Speak with expert witnesses if needed. Your attorney could consult with professionals who can offer insight into your side-impact collision case. This can include an accident reconstructionist or a medical professional who specializes in a certain area.
Manage negotiations. This includes talks with the liable party’s insurance company or the liable party directly to secure a fair settlement.
File a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. If negotiations do not go as you had hoped, some attorneys will pursue this next step if a fair settlement is unreachable.
Update you on developments in your case. You can always ask questions about anything you do not understand regarding your case. If anything changes in your case, your attorney can let you know.
If you are ready to take the next step and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses from a side-impact collision that another driver caused, we are ready to help. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for more information and to schedule a free case evaluation. We can address your concerns and help you look at your legal options tailored to your situation.
For a free legal consultation with a Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 223-5115
Possible Recoverable Damages
Your injuries, costs, and other factors can determine what kind of compensation you could receive. In some vehicle accident cases, people can recover what they paid for in medical care, lost income due to recovery from an accident, and damages to their car and other property that were in their car at the time of the accident. These are all measurable economic damages.
Share any receipts, invoices, and other proof you have of your damages with your attorney. If you are not sure if a certain expense qualifies for compensation, ask your attorney.
Noneconomic damages, which are less tangible, may also be rewarded. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability and disfigurement (such as scarring)
- Blindness
- Paralysis
- Loss of consortium, companionship
- Loss of mentorship
An attorney can help you calculate these losses, as it can be challenging to equate these to a dollar amount. If your loved one died in the side-impact collision, you might also be able to recover damages under a wrongful death claim, such as:
- Bills for medical care your loved one received before death
- Lost income if decedent contributed to the household
- Pain and suffering
- Burial and funeral costs
- Loss of consortium, companionship
Arlington Heights Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Illinois Has Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Filing a personal injury lawsuit to hold a negligent party accountable for their actions is an important decision that takes some time and thought. However, it is also a decision that requires timeliness as well. States set deadlines on how long individuals can file their complaint in civil court.
In Illinois, a person has only two years, from the date of the accident, to file a civil court complaint over a personal injury, under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5/13-202. After that deadline expires, you could lose your chance to pursue your compensation and bring those responsible for the accident to justice.
Working with an Arlington Heights side-impact collisions lawyer on your case can help you meet this deadline. However, you may want to start your case early enough so that your legal representative has time to build your case. Two years can go by quickly, but investigations and negotiations can take up that time, so starting as soon as possible is recommended.
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Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 to schedule a free case review with a member of our team. We do not shy away from tough cases, and we work on contingency, which means you can contact us today and not worry about paying any fees upfront. We do not charge any money unless we win a financial award for you.
Call or text (800) 223-5115 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form