Side-impact car crashes occur when the front of one car strikes the side of another. These collisions, also called T-bone or broadside accidents, almost always result from driver negligence, such as failing to yield the right-of-way in intersections.
Traffic events can often be severe or even catastrophic and have life-altering effects on your life and future. Contact a proficient lawyer seasoned in side-impact car accident cases in Portland for more information. Our experienced auto crash attorneys can help recover a payout to compensate for your losses.
Common Injuries from T-Bone Vehicle Collisions
Many T-bone vehicle wrecks occur at intersections when a driver fails to stop and gives the right-of-way to another motorist. Some of the common injuries people sustain include the following:
- Blunt force trauma
- Broken bones, fractures, and soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Chest trauma
- Pelvic fractures
- Spinal cord damage and back injuries
- Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries
- Death
After reviewing the case, a hardworking Portland attorney who handles T-bone vehicle collisions can answer specific questions regarding fault, the process, and potential settlement amounts.
The Award for Damages
The award for damages can vary substantially, depending on the case specifics. However, the court usually breaks the settlement into two categories.
Economic Losses
Payment for economic losses results from out-of-pocket monetary damages the injured party sustains from the cause of action. The settlement may include payment for medical care, including future treatment, salary loss, and lost earning potential.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and challenging to calculate as they are the nonmonetary injuries a person sustains due to a vehicle collision. The jury may award compensation for emotional distress, permanent disabilities, loss of the enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
In the case of losing a loved one, loss of consortium and funeral expenses may also be provided.
Modified Comparative Negligence
The civil court follows a modified comparative negligence rule for shared fault cases. Under the Maine Revised Statutes § 156, tort laws do not bar the plaintiff from recovering compensation if they share part of the fault for the collision.
Instead, they reduce the award for damages by that percentage. However, if the civil court jury finds that the plaintiff is more responsible than the defendant or over 50 percent liable, the individual becomes ineligible to collect a settlement.
The Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Personal injury, also called tort statutes, set a deadline for filing a claim to pursue compensation for damages caused by negligence.
The maximum time to initiate legal action after a T-bone car crash in Portland is six years. A reliable personal injury attorney could answer questions about the applicable statutes and ensure compliance with the guidelines.
Schedule a Consultation With an Attorney Seasoned in Portland Side Impact Car Accident Cases
Broadside car wrecks can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving you with severe physical, emotional, and financial harm. Sadly, motorist negligence often causes entirely avoidable collisions, which can have devastating impacts on everyone involved.
You have legal rights to protect yourself after an avoidable crash caused by someone else’s thoughtless actions behind the wheel. Call a hard-working lawyer to discuss your side impact car accident in Portland and to receive help with a claim for damages.
