What to Do After a Side-Impact Accident
March 25, 2021 | Car Accidents,Personal Injury
Side-impact collisions, commonly referred to as T-bone accidents, often result in devastating injuries for those involved. This is particularly true for the drivers and passengers inside of the vehicle that sustained the side-impact. Here, we want to discuss what crash victims can do in the immediate aftermath of a side-impact crash as well as in the days and weeks that follow the incident in order to help maximize the compensation they receive for what happened.
Side-Impact Collisions can be Devastating
Side-impact collisions occur regularly throughout the state of Washington. Also referred to as “angle crashes” and “T-bone collisions,” these incidents occur when the front of one vehicle slams into the side of another vehicle, forming the eponymous “T.”
There are various ways that side-impact collisions occur throughout Washington. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- One driver ignoring traffic signals or traffic signs and plowing through an intersection
- Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs
- A driver failing to yield the right of way when making a left-hand turn
- Drivers distracted by their phones or other devices
What to do After a T-Bone Collision
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a side-impact collision in Washington, your number one priority must be to seek medical care. Even if you do not feel much pain immediately following the impact, you need to call 911 and let emergency medical services evaluate you. Please understand that the signs and symptoms of many side-impact collision injuries do not become apparent until hours or days after the incident occurs. Even if you do not take an ambulance to the hospital, please have someone drive you to an emergency clinic or the emergency room.
By ensuring that you receive immediate medical care, you are prioritizing your well-being. You will also be establishing a direct link between the side-impact collision and your injuries, something that will be helpful when it comes to securing compensation from the at-fault party.
If you are able to do so at the scene of the crash, we suggest using a phone or another type of camera to take photographs of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, injuries, and possible causes of the crash. Additionally, there were any eyewitnesses to the incident, we suggest getting their names and contact information so you can obtain their statements in the future.
Work With an Attorney
One of the best ways for you to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout this process is to seek assistance from a skilled Seattle car accident attorney who has experience handling side-impact collisions. An attorney can use their resources and legal expertise to continue the investigation into the crash. An attorney will usually be able to gain information that the crash victim was unable to gather at the time the incident occurred. This could include video surveillance from nearby cameras, the police report, vehicle “black box” data, mobile device data, and more.
Importantly, an attorney will negotiate with all insurance carriers in an effort to obtain a fair settlement for their client while also preparing to take the case to trial if necessary.