Fullerton Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer

Side-impact car accidents—also known as T-bone and broadside crashes—are among the most serious and dangerous of all wrecks. Potential injuries include broken bones, trauma to the neck and spine, and even severe brain damage. If you or a loved one was involved in one of these incidents, it might be helpful to reach out to a Fullerton side-impact car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

After a crash, you might be traumatized and overwhelmed. It is natural to feel confused and unsure of how to proceed, but if you are facing a mountain of medical bills and missed time at work, you may wish to consider pursuing financial compensation for your damages. If your injuries were due to some else’s negligence, a dedicated accident attorney could help gather evidence and build a persuasive civil claim on your behalf.

Common Causes of Side-Impact Car Collisions

While the effects and injuries from a broadside car collision may vary greatly depending on the situation, the circumstances leading up to a crash often share similarities. Typically, these wrecks are caused by a driver’s careless or reckless actions. Common circumstances that may cause a side-impact wreck include, but are not limited to:

  • Failure to obey traffic control systems—such as stop signs, traffic lights, or yield signs
  • Failure to give the right-of-way
  • Driver distraction—due to cell phone use, manipulation of vehicle amenities, or interaction with passengers or cargo
  • Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • Driver fatigue
  • Aggressive driving

After an accident, it is often important for a potential claimant to try to ascertain the circumstances that led to a wreck. When these or other dangerous actions cause a crash, a Fullerton side-impact car accident attorney might be able to hold the negligent driver liable for damages.

How is Negligence Determined in a Side-Impact Crash?

One of the most common legal theories underlying many injury claims is that of negligence. A successful claim on this basis usually consists of the following elements:

  • A duty of care was owed by the defendant—for instance, the duty to obey traffic lights
  • The at-fault party breached this duty—by speeding through a red light, for example
  • This breach of duty directly caused a T-bone collision or other wreck
  • This accident directly resulted in the claimant’s injuries

Essentially, with traffic accidents, a driver’s legal duty of care is most easily described as a responsibility to obey traffic laws and drive in a safe manner. So, when a driver fails to fulfill this duty and causes an accident, they may be held responsible for the damages that result. A dedicated broadside car accident lawyer in Fullerton could help consider the evidence of a case and work to establish negligence for the sake of a civil claim.

Comparative Negligence in Fullerton

California civil law recognizes what is known as a pure comparative negligence system. Essentially, this means that even if a plaintiff is partially at fault for the accident that resulted in their injuries, they may still be able to recover a portion of their damages.

The specific amount available for recovery following a determination of partial fault would be proportional to their level of fault. For example, if the plaintiff in a side-impact car accident is found to be 30 percent responsible for the accident, they may still recover 70 percent of the granted damages.

Could an Injured Driver Receive Compensation if They Were Liable?

Importantly, a claimant in a pure comparative negligence system may still recover compensation even if they bear a majority of the total fault for their accident. So, if a plaintiff were found to be 99 percent at fault for an accident, they would still theoretically be able to recover for one percent of their total damages.

Retain a Fullerton Side Impact Car Accident Attorney for Help with a Claim

If you were injured from a T-bone or broadside car wreck, it may be beneficial to contact a Fullerton side-impact car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. When another driver’s negligence is to blame, you do not deserve to shoulder the subsequent costs alone.

A compassionate and experienced attorney could guide you through each step of the legal process and work to get you the recovery you deserve. To learn more about your legal rights to seek compensation, call today to schedule a consultation.