If another driver failed to obey traffic laws and hit the side of your vehicle, you may be able to gather evidence to prove they are liable and recover a payout for your related injuries and expenses. If you qualify to take legal action based on the details of your case, a Shreveport side-impact collisions lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may offer to represent you and pursue compensation on your behalf.
You can speak to a representative of the Morris Bart law firm today by calling (318) 553-5470. We can discuss your accident and your legal options during a free, no-obligation case review. We may be able to offer you representation on a contingency-fee-basis with no advanced payments necessary.
Side-Impact Collisions Can Cause Serious Harm
While any traffic accident can cause severe injuries or death, vehicle occupants may face unique risks in a side-impact collision. When a car hits another vehicle on the side, the point of impact may be very close to the occupants, and there may be fewer safety features to protect them from injury.
Safety features in modern vehicles include front and rear crumple zones to absorb energy in an accident, airbags to prevent the occupants from hitting hard surfaces within the car, seats designed to further cushion and protect the occupant’s back, spine, neck, and head, and sturdy frames to offer additional structural integrity to the cab. However, some of these features may not provide the same degree of protection in a side-impact accident as they may in a frontal or rear-end accident.
For a free legal consultation with a Side-Impact Collisions lawyer serving Shreveport, call (318) 553-5470
Injuries in a Side-Impact Collision
Common injuries that may occur in a side-impact collision could include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest and torso injuries
- Internal trauma
If you were hurt in a side-impact collision, make sure to see a doctor for an evaluation as soon as it is safe to do so. A doctor can diagnose and begin treating your injuries. Proof in your medical record that your injuries came from the car accident could also be useful in your personal injury case.
Fatal Side-Impact Collisions
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact collisions lead to about a quarter of all fatal accident injuries annually in the United States.
If your loved one lost their life in a side-impact collision, the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help you pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.
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Options for Seeking Compensation After a Collision
A Shreveport side-impact collisions lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can develop a case based on the car accident evidence. By gathering and presenting this evidence to the insurance company, we may reach a settlement agreement for you without having to go to trial.
If the insurance company sees that we can show that their policyholder caused the accident and that we have documented the damages you incurred, they may choose to settle your case for a fair amount. However, if they refuse to make you a fair settlement offer, the Morris Bart law firm can take your case to trial and defend your rights before a judge.
It is important to act in a timely manner if you are considering legal action for your injuries. Under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, the state imposes a general one-year statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, starting on the date of your accident. A judge may dismiss your lawsuit if it is filed after this deadline expires.
To discuss your case for free with a representative of the Morris Bart law firm, call us today at (318) 553-5470.
Damages in a Side-Impact Accident Case
The Morris Bart law firm can evaluate your damages to estimate a fair settlement range for your auto accident claim when we represent you. This evaluation may involve collecting evidence from your medical record as well as statements from expert witnesses.
Although each case is unique, in general, the recoverable damages in a personal injury case may include current and future economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Treatment, medical care, and any related expenses
- Ongoing care costs for permanent injuries
- Lost income and associated benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering losses
- Emotional distress
- Other non-economic damages
If your loved one did not survive their side-impact collision injuries and is pursuing a wrongful death case, a different set of damages may be available. Wrongful death damages include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- The costs of pre-death medical treatment
- Loss of income
Speak with a Member of Our Team About Your Side-Impact Collision
If we believe that you have a case against the motorist who hit you, a Shreveport side-impact collisions lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can handle all of the aspects of your case while you focus on your wellbeing. We may offer to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you will not need to pay us any upfront costs. We only collect our attorney’s fees in this arrangement if you recover compensation in a settlement offer or court award.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call us today at (318) 553-5470. The Morris Bart law firm has 15 locations to serve all of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Questions?Call (318) 553-5470
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
