A side-impact or T-bone accident occurs when one car hits another vehicle on the side. These collisions often cause motorists or their passengers to suffer severe or fatal injuries. They most commonly occur at intersections when one motorist fails to stop or yield to the other vehicle.
As is often the case, the crash might occur because a driver is negligent, such as driving with distractions or under the influence. In that instance, Alaska’s personal injury statute could entitle you to collect compensation for damages with assistance from a knowledgeable car accident attorney. If you need help to recover compensation and are not sure where to start, contact a hard-working lawyer experienced with side-impact car accidents in Anchorage.
Common Reasons Side-Impact Car Accidents Occur
Side-impact accidents can often occur when one motorist fails to yield to the other vehicle. Drivers can help avoid accidents by staying vigilant in intersections even when they have the right of way. Two of the most typical causes of this type of crash is distracted driving, and driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is hazardous and causes many accidents around the country every day. Distractions can include texting, making phone calls, applying makeup, looking for items in the backseat, eating, et cetera.
Driving while Intoxicated
Driving any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is hazardous and a criminal offense in every state. Motorists who drive while using substances are more likely to speed, drive recklessly, lose concentration, and have perception impairments.
The Effects of Side-Impact Collisions
Since there is less protection on the side of the car, T-bone collisions often lead to injuries that cause lifelong severe pain and disabilities. Some of the injuries in claims for damages include:
- Broken bones or traumatic limb amputation
- Neck or back injuries, including herniated discs, whiplash, and nerve damage
- Crush injuries leading to internal bleeding and organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe head and traumatic brain injuries
An Anchorage attorney who is experienced in side-impact car wrecks could answer questions and help determine liability in any of these instances.
What Damages Can Be Collected?
Typically, after proving the defendant’s negligence caused a crash, the plaintiff can recover all medical expenses related to the accident and wages that they missed out on while recovering. These are known as economic damages. They can also collect payment for things that are not directly financial in nature, such as inconvenience, mental pain and anguish, and physical pain and suffering while performing daily activities. These are called non-economic damages.
The Pure Comparative Fault Rule
It can be common after car accidents for the defendant to assert the plaintiff shares liability for the collision. Under the Alaska Statute § 09.17.060, the court does not bar them from recovering damages when a plaintiff is partly to blame for an accident. Instead, the judge would subtract the claimant’s portion of fault from the total award amount.
A knowledgeable Anchorage T-bone car crash lawyer could explain these details further and help calculate potential award amounts under the pure comparative fault rule.
Meet With an Anchorage Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are often traumatic experiences and can leave you in severe pain, missing time from work, and with mounting medical bills. When a negligent driver causes a side-impact crash, you should not have to foot the bills and expenses.
You have the legal right to hold the defendant financially accountable. Call a lawyer skilled with side-impact car accidents in Anchorage for help to collect compensation.