One of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents is a side-impact collision. These types of accidents are also known as broadside or right-angle accidents. In a side-impact crash, the vehicle that was hit could roll over, spin, or be pushed off the road, threatening bystanders, other vehicles, and nearby buildings. Serious injuries and even fatalities are common in T-bone crashes due to the force of impact, and you might be worried about affording your medical care and needing time off work to recover.
Many side-impact/T-bone accidents in Des Plaines happen when a vehicle is going through an intersection or running a red light or other traffic signal. In the event another driver’s reckless actions caused your injuries, contact a car accident attorney to discuss the possibility of pursuing financial compensation.
Driver Negligence and Side Impact Crashes
Most side-impact collisions happen because of one driver’s reckless, careless, or illegal actions behind the wheel. Some common causes of T-bone car crashes in Des Plaines include:
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or other forms of reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Bad weather conditions
When a driver does not obey the rules of the road and puts other drivers and passengers at risk, they can and should be held liable. Even if heavy rain, fog, or ice contributed to the crash, drivers still have an obligation to drive with a certain level of care and take appropriate precautions. An accident lawyer can work with injured people to gather evidence and determine the cause of the crash and who is responsible.
Shared Fault in Illinois
After a car accident, one of the most important elements of recovering financial damages is being able to prove another driver is at fault. In some side-impact crash cases, liability is clear, but other times, multiple parties could have contributed to causing an accident.
With respect to shared fault in negligence cases, state law has adopted the modified comparative fault approach. An injured party can recover damages so long as they are not more at fault than the defendant or party they are suing, and they are barred from recovery if they are more than 51 percent responsible. Courts may also reduce damages based on each party’s respective fault. For example, if the injured person is 20 percent responsible, they can recover only 80 percent of their total damages award from the defendant. After a side-impact crash, an injured individual should work with a Des Plaines attorney to ensure they get a fair damages award.
Retain a Des Plaines Attorney After a Side-Impact/T-Bone Collision
After a serious accident, medical bills can pile up quickly, and depending on the nature of your injuries, you might need a significant amount of time off work to recover. When you are injured in a side-impact/T-bone accident in Des Plaines due to another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. A trusted accident attorney could offer support and guidance every step of the way on your road to recovery.
When you retain an injury attorney to represent you, they could negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Whether you decide to settle with the responsible driver’s insurance or take your case to court, our legal professionals work toward the best possible outcome in your case. Contact The Kryder Law Group if you have questions or concerns about a potential claim.
(312) 223-1700