Also referred to as T-bone or broadside crashes, side-impact collisions occur when the front end of one moving vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. Injuries to those involved in side-impact collisions are often far more serious than other types of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than six million car accidents occur each year, about six percent of which result in at least one death. About 23 percent of those deaths in 2018 were due to side-impact collisions.
In Washington, DC, with a population of 650,000, 23 people died in car accidents in 2018. Fatal injuries from a car crash are far more likely in neighboring Prince George’s County, Maryland, with 95 deaths that same year. There are various causes of side-impact collisions, such as inclement weather, faulty traffic lights, speeding, and distracted driving. For example, if a driver goes through a traffic light while checking GPS directions or a text message, they may hit another driver making a turn in the opposite lane. The National Safety Council estimates about 390,000 injuries per year due to texting while driving.
What Injuries Occur due to Side-Impact Collisions?
The nature of a side-impact collision can result in catastrophic injuries. While some cars feature side-impact airbags, many do not, which leaves those seated in the car with very little protection. This is why a side-impact collision is often far more damaging to the people and cars involved than bumper-to-bumper accidents. Victims often suffer head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
It is best for those involved in a car accident to seek medical and legal help right away. Injuries are not always what they seem with side-impact collisions. There may be multiple parties at fault in these types of accidents. A car accident lawyer will determine the liable parties and any external factors that could have contributed to the accident. Insurance companies will likely seek to quickly settle the case, offering victims far less compensation than they deserve. Drivers in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County communities also have to consider the statute of limitations. In DC and Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years.
Maryland and DC also have similarly harsh laws surrounding car accident claims. Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule, where even if one of the drivers is found to be one percent responsible for the accident, they will be barred from receiving compensation. DC follows the no fault rule, meaning that each person’s own insurance company covers their damages, regardless of fault. Personal injury protection is bought by each party and covers his or her own damages for medical expenses and lost wages. However, when filing for additional damages, DC also follows the contributory negligence rule.
DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Advocate for Injured Car Accident Victims
If you were injured in a car accident, contact the DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King today. For a free consultation, call 202-331-1963 or fill out an online form. Located in Washington, DC, we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Lago, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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