We’ve all been there – driving down the road when suddenly we have to swerve away from the car in the next lane encroaching into ours. Not only is this kind of collision common, it is extremely dangerous. Broadside collisions include T-bone accidents, and can happen at intersections, in parking lots, or on the highway when a driver fails to drive defensively, or, worse yet, is drunk or distracted. These accidents can bring severe injury or death, and the financial repercussions can be high.
If you have been the victim of a side impact auto accident in Bellingham or Whatcom County, Bill Coats will use all his expertise and experience to get you started on the road to financial recovery. Accidents like being T-boned or side-swiped are traumatic experiences. Having a tough but understanding advocate to shepherd you through the legal process of recovering financial compensation for your losses is critical. Please call Bill at 360-303-0601 for a free consultation about your case. He can describe your legal options, and give you an idea of what your case might be worth. There is a limited time in which you can act on your rights after an accident. Call Bill today.
How does this happen, and why are these accidents so dangerous?
Because these accidents occur because of a driver’s error, this means they are entirely preventable. Factors like driving while distracted by electronic devices or the radio, failing to yield the right of way, breaking traffic laws, or deliberately getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while drunk or on drugs can all create conditions that increase the likelihood of this kind of accident.
Nowadays, many vehicles are equipped with safety features such as air bags, crumple zones, and the ubiquitous seat belt. There is a lot more vehicle in between the car that hits someone head on versus broadside. Therefore, little is there that protects the occupants along the right and left sides of the vehicle – just a window or a door in between you and the oncoming vehicle is not enough protection to withstand most injuries. According to research put together by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these types of crashes more frequently cause head, neck, and back injuries than collisions that come from the front or rear. The sides tend to be able to withstand five times less energy than the front, according to studies. This leaves the occupants of the vehicle quite vulnerable to severe injuries.
I have been broad-sided; now what?
Regardless of if your injuries were minor or severe, you and your loved ones deserve a tough advocate to make sure that your rights are fully protected. The scope of financial compensation you may be entitled to can include money for all damages that resulted from the accident, medical expenses, wages lost during healing, as well as pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. At Bill Coats Law, we strongly believe that those who have been injured through no fault of their own should have fair and just compensation from the negligent party. We will use the full scope of our experience and resources toward achieving fast, fair and full settlement for your case.