When someone experiences a head-on or rear-end crash, they have seatbelts, airbags, and the vehicle’s frame separating them from the full force of the impact. However, when one car strikes another’s side, there is often only a few inches of metal between the oncoming vehicle and the occupants of the vehicle that is struck. In these cases, even modern safety devices, such as side airbags, can only do so much to protect the occupants from suffering life-altering or life-threatening injuries.
If you recently suffered injuries in a wreck that was not your fault, you deserve fair financial restitution for the harm you suffered from the responsible party. However, you may encounter difficulties while attempting to extract restitution if you try to file suit on your own. At Curtis Legal Group, our seasoned auto collision attorneys are experienced with side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Modesto and could help you pursue just compensation.
How Negligent Driving Can Lead to Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact car crashes can be broadly divided into one of two categories based on how the vehicles collide.
T-Bone or Angle Wrecks
T-bone or angle wrecks involve the front of one vehicle striking the doors or side paneling of another. Since this requires the vehicles involved to be perpendicular to each other, this accident most commonly happens inside intersections due to moving violations, such as speeding, running red lights, and drunk driving.
Sideswipe Collisions
Sideswipe collisions, by comparison, involve the sides of two parallel vehicles scraping together, so they are more common on large streets and highways that have multiple traffic lanes traveling in the same direction. Distracted driving frequently causes sideswipes, especially when drivers neglect to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
If needed, our skilled Modesto attorneys could help you file suit over other forms of negligence that caused your side impact/T-bone auto collision.
What Filing Deadlines Apply to Auto Accident Lawsuits?
Your attorney could prepare a comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand over your Modesto side-impact/T-bone car crash that includes economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Mental trauma and distress
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Decline in overall quality of life
- Past and future medical expenses
- Personal property damage and disability-related expenses
- Short-term income loss and long-term loss of working capacity
However, even if your wreck will have permanent and debilitating repercussions, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you just two years to file suit after the date of your injury. This is one of many reasons why contacting legal counsel as soon as possible after being injured by a negligent driver could be crucial to obtaining fair financial recovery.
Contact a Modesto Attorney After a Side Impact/T-Bone Car Wreck
Whether it happens in a busy intersection or at high speed on an interstate highway, a side-impact crash can immediately alter the course of your life. These collisions often result in severe injuries and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, you may find it challenging to proactively pursue the recovery you need after suffering injuries in a wreck due to someone else’s misconduct.
Our legal team at Curtis Legal Group has more than 70 years of combined experience winning cases involving side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Modesto and throughout the Central Valley. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you fight for your rights.
