Side impact collisions—also known as T-bone accidents—can be shocking, frightening, and possibly even life-altering. One moment you’re driving down Commonwealth Avenue or crossing a major intersection on Morton Street, and the next, you’ve been struck from the side, leaving you injured, disoriented, and in a state of shock.
At Earley Law Group, we know how quickly side impact car accidents can change everything for victims and their families. Our team of Boston auto injury lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the justice and fair compensation that those victims deserve.
Why Hire a Boston Side Impact Collision Lawyer?
Working with an experienced Boston personal injury attorney can make all the difference in any motor vehicle accident case. With side impact car accidents, it can be even more significant. These cases are complicated, frequently involving serious injuries and complex liability considerations. Your attorney can help you by offering:
- Free Case Review – Determining whether you have a valid claim doesn’t have to cost you anything. Our attorneys will sit down with you, listen to your story, review your personal injury case, and inform you of your legal options free of charge.
- A Solid Body of Evidence – The success of your case hinges on the evidence you provide. Our Boston personal injury attorneys know what evidence you need, how to obtain it, and how to present it effectively.
- Local Insight – Our Boston personal injury lawyers are deeply familiar with Boston’s traffic patterns, local roadways, and dangerous intersections. We’re also well-acquainted with the local court systems and their major players. This offers a strategic advantage when pursuing your personal injury claim.
- Negotiation and Litigation – Negotiating with insurance companies requires evidence, experience, and tenacity. We’ll be ready to counter their tactics and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. If they refuse to offer appropriate compensation, your Boston personal injury attorney will file a lawsuit and take the claim to court.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
Protecting your health and your rights after a T-bone accident requires some proactive measures. The most important things to do immediately after the accident are to call 911 and seek medical care. However, you should also be sure to:
- Contact a Lawyer – An experienced car accident attorney in Boston can lead you through the entire process of pursuing a T-bone accident claim and help you avoid critical errors along the way. Contact one as soon as possible.
- Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, accident debris, skid marks, vehicle positions, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect Contact Information – Gather names, contact info, driver’s license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties. If you can, collect names and contact info of any witnesses to the accident.
- Keep Careful Records – Maintain an organized file containing all medical records, financial documents, invoices, medical bills, receipts, diagnostic scans, doctor’s notes, and any other relevant documents.
- Don’t Talk to Insurers Without a Lawyer – Insurance adjusters may contact you looking for recorded statements or offering quick settlements. Those statements will be used against you, and those settlements will be lowball offers that do not cover all your accident-related losses. Don’t talk to them until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
How Is Fault Determined in a Boston Side Impact Car Accident?
In Massachusetts, determining fault in side impact crashes requires a careful investigation of the accident and ample evidence. That evidence usually includes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident scene photos
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
Even if you share some of the blame for the accident, you may still be able to seek compensation. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this system, if you are found to be less than 51 percent at fault for the accident, you can still obtain compensation for your losses. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault for the crash.
What Compensation Can I Claim After a T-Bone Collision?
Because Massachusetts is a no-fault Commonwealth, you will first turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for payment of your medical expenses and lost wages. After that, your lawyer can determine whether you are entitled to pursue additional compensation for both the monetary losses and the physical and emotional damage the liable party caused. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your Boston injury lawyers may seek money for your:
Medical Expenses
Injuries from side impact accidents can be devastating, and so can the related medical costs. The liable party may be responsible for any ambulance services, ER visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages
If you missed any time at all from work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. That includes hourly wages or salary, tips and commissions, missed raises or promotions, medical benefits, sick days, vacation time, and future lost wages.
Property Damage
The liable party may be responsible for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident. They may also be responsible for the diminished resale value of your car.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma are perhaps the most significant harm that many T-bone accidents cause. Pain and suffering compensation seeks to account for this damage.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Side Impact Car Accident Claim?
Massachusetts has a three-year deadline (3) from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the legal process takes time, evidence can be lost or destroyed, witness memories can fade, and insurance companies may employ stalling tactics. Pursuing your claim as soon as possible is the best way to achieve your desired outcome. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
How Much Does a Side Impact Collision Attorney Cost?
Many side-impact car accident victims fear that they’ll have to suffer further financial distress to hire legal representation for their case. However, Earley Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. That also means no upfront fees, no hourly billing, and no hidden costs.
Talk to Our Boston Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a side impact collision, Earley Law can help. In our 20 years of practice, we’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts, and earned over 800 heartfelt Google reviews from satisfied clients, thanks in part to what we call “The Earley Experience“. Our dedicated approach to top-notch client service built on honest communication, compassion, respect, and maximum effort. Contact us today at (617) 338-7400 or use our contact form for your free consultation.