North Charleston Side Impact Collisions Lawyer

If you or your loved one were injured in a side impact collision, contact George Sink, P.A.

A side impact collision is caused when a vehicle strikes another car on either side of the car. Side impact collisions frequently occur when a driver is pulling out of an intersection, but they can occur under other circumstances as well.

If you or your loved one was injured in a side impact collision, you may be entitled to compensation. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, our North Charleston side impact collisions lawyer can assess the evidence in your case and advise you about how to take action. We can also file claims, initiate civil action, or negotiate settlements on your behalf.

Contact us at (843) 628-0100 to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Causes of Side Impact Collisions

These crashes, also known as T-bone crashes, often involve at least one driver’s carelessness or negligence. The at-fault driver may have disobeyed traffic yield signals or was driving distractedly and failed to notice the vehicle already in the intersection.

The most common reasons for side impact collisions include:

• Running a red light
• Disobeying a stop sign
• Vehicle skidding, or driver losing control
• Brake failure
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Speeding, among others

One study published in the journal Injury Epidemiology found that occupants in a vehicle’s rear seat are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in side impact crashes.

The severity of injuries from a side impact crash varies depending on where and how was hit. Vehicle speed plays an especially significant factor in these types of crashes. The occupant closest to the impact site may suffer the gravest injuries. Additionally, depending on the type of car, there is potential to roll over after impact. Side impact collisions between small vehicles and trucks can often lead to severe injury and fatalities for the smaller car’s occupants.

North Charleston Side Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me(888) 612-7001

Liability for Side Impact Crashes in South Carolina

Assigning fault for side impact collisions is fairly complex. Just because you hit another driver on the side panel doesn’t immediately put you at fault for the accident.

For example, if you drive through a green light at an intersection and a car on the opposite side makes a left turn before you can react, you may hit their passenger side. Alternatively, you may approach an intersection without a stop sign or traffic lights. Meanwhile, another driver approaching the intersection may encounter a stop sign, yet fail to stop. In both scenarios, your lawyer may be able to build a case demonstrating the other driver’s negligence.

Evidence for Liability

If you have been involved in a side impact crash, it is important not to admit fault or liability at the scene. If you or your occupants are not seriously injured, we recommend waiting for the police to arrive and instead focusing on gathering as much evidence as possible.

After most accidents, we often advise our clients to:

• Take a picture of the other driver’s license plate, in case they choose to flee the scene
• Get the other driver or drivers’ license, contact, and insurance information
• Get the contact information of eyewitnesses at the scene
• Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to all cars involved in the crash
• Take pictures of your injuries
• Make an audio recording or write down the events of the crash as you remember them – for your and your lawyer’s use only

If you or your passengers are injured, it is important to first seek medical attention before attending to other details. As soon as you are able, contact our North Charleston side impact collisions lawyer to discuss the details of your case. By acting promptly, you allow our investigative team to gather evidence while it is still fresh in your mind and any witnesses’ recollections.

To get started with your free, no-obligation case evaluation, make an appointment with George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers at (843) 628-0100 today.

Fleeing Accident Scenes

According to South Carolina (S.C.) Code Section § 56-5-1210, it is illegal for a person who has been involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to leave the scene of the accident. Exceptions are made only in emergencies, such as getting medical attention or rushing a passenger to receive medical attention. Persons who violate this law may face misdemeanor or felony criminal charges depending on the extent of injuries.

Even if you have been involved in a side impact car crash and don’t need immediate medical attention, South Carolina law requires that you take certain actions after an accident. According to South Carolina (S.C.) Code Section § 56-5-1230, you should remain at the scene until you give your information to other drivers involved, render necessary aid, or are otherwise cleared by a law enforcement officer.

Injuries and Losses in Side Impact Crashes

Side impact collisions caused by large or heavy vehicles can cause significant injuries and fatalities. Depending on how the accident happened, a person may suffer:

• Head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injury
• Chest and back injuries, including whiplash
• Extensive damages on the side closest to impact
• Spinal injuries leading to permanent or prolonged mobility issues
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds from shrapnel
• Broken limbs, sometimes requiring amputations
• Severe loss of blood

Many of these injuries could lead to extended hospital stays with expensive rehabilitation and even reduced quality of life. A personal injury lawyer can help to build a case and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.

Potentially recoverable losses include:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost income or wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish or emotional distress
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and more

Our personal injury lawyers serving North Charleston can help you calculate a fair case value according to your losses and injuries.

North Charleston Side Impact Collisions Lawyer

If you or your loved one were hurt in a side impact collision, you may be able to pursue compensation. According to South Carolina (S.C.) Code Section § 15-3-530, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this deadline, you may end up paying for your injuries and losses out of pocket. Therefore, we recommend consulting our North Charleston side impact collisions lawyer as soon as you have received medical attention and are stable.

At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of side impact collisions. We have the resources to negotiate on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us at (843) 628-0100 today to schedule your free case evaluation.