Some of the most common truck accidents in Lafayette are side-impact collisions. These crashes can result in extensive property damage and devastating injuries, but victims may be eligible for compensation.
If you were hurt in a tractor-trailer wreck, consider discussing your case with a Lafayette side-impact truck collision lawyer. With the help of a qualified attorney, you could pursue justice and hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.
Common Fact Patterns
Side-impact truck accidents often occur on two-lane roads when vehicles cross the centerline. This can occur when a truck driver tries to switch lanes without noticing another vehicle in their blind spot. As a result, the sides of the vehicles collide and the smaller vehicle may be run off the road. Side-impact accidents could also occur between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. If one vehicle crosses the centerline, the other driver may swerve to avoid a direct head-on collision and instead sideswipe the other vehicle.
The effects of a side-impact collision can range from scraped paint and bruises to extensive property damage and death. With a side-impact collision, the property damage is not usually isolated to one particular part of a vehicle, as it would be in a front or rear-end accident. Instead, the damage is often distributed along the whole side of the vehicle, which could significantly increase the cost of repairing the car.
Side-impact collisions can also lead to serious injuries due to the unnatural way they cause drivers and passengers to move. Normal forces on an occupant are forward or backwards, so when someone gets hit from the side, their body may be caught in an awkward position. This can result in serious injuries, including head trauma or severe back injuries.
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First Steps After an Accident
After a side-impact collision, a person should first make sure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. The police need to be notified and medical personnel alerted, if necessary. If the person is injured, it is recommended that they immediately call an attorney as soon as they are capable. It also may be wise to preserve evidence on the scene by taking photographs or notes.
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Collecting Damages
In a side-impact collision, a person is entitled to recover general damages including considered pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In addition, a person is allowed to recover special damages, which consist of one’s past and future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity.
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How an Attorney Could Help
If their client has been involved in a side-impact collision, an attorney could help determine liability. For example, there may be a dispute about which driver crossed the centerline and was therefore responsible for the accident.
An attorney who is promptly notified may be able to get to the scene and preserve evidence by taking photos of property damage or speaking with witnesses who can confirm which party was responsible. Investigative steps taken early on in the process are extraordinarily useful because accident scenes change over time and witnesses’ memories can fade.
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Speak With a Lafayette Side-Impact Truck Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a collision with a big rig or other commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to a Lafayette side-impact truck collision lawyer to learn more about your legal options. An attorney could carefully analyze the facts and fight for justice on your behalf. Call today to schedule a consultation.
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