Side-impact accidents, which are sometimes known as T-bone accidents, occur when one car drives directly into the side of another car. Although side-impact accidents are one of the main types of car accidents, they are avoidable in most situations, and they usually occur due to careless or irresponsible driving. If you were harmed in a side-impact accident in North San Diego County, you should promptly consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss the circumstances surrounding the accident and the compensation that you may be able to recover for your harm. Attorney Zev Rubinstein is a seasoned San Marcos car accident lawyer with over 25 years of experience assisting people injured in side-impact accidents in San Marcos, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, and the surrounding areas. Mr. Rubinstein will work diligently to gather evidence and develop strong arguments to help you seek a successful outcome.
Causes of Side-Impact AccidentsMany side-impact accidents happen when a driver proceeds through an intersection against a red light instead of yielding as required. Side-impact accidents can also occur in situations with limited visibility, when a driver proceeds regardless of the fact that they cannot ensure that there is adequate clearance. Side-impact accidents frequently occur when a driver is distracted as well.
Proving Liability Following a Side-Impact AccidentIn most lawsuits arising out of side-impact accidents in San Marcos, Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, or Escondido, the injured person will allege that the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver of the car that caused the impact. Under California law, a person alleging negligence must prove that the defendant owed the person a duty of care, which the defendant breached in some manner. The injured person and their attorney must then show that the breach proximately caused the accident to occur. This means that the breach was a substantial force in bringing about the accident and that the accident would not have occurred without the breach. Lastly, the victim and their attorney must prove that the accident caused the victim to suffer calculable damages.
Although liability is often clear in side-impact cases, the defendant driver may attempt to reduce responsibility for the accident by arguing that the injured victim in some way caused or contributed to the accident. Under California’s pure comparative negligence standard, though, even if a victim was partly at fault for an accident, they can still recover a percentage of their damages.
Damages Recoverable After a Side-Impact AccidentSide-impact collisions typically cause substantial property damage and significant injuries. If you were a victim of a side-impact accident in Carlsbad, San Marcos, Oceanside, Vista, or Escondido, you may be able to recover the cost of treating any injuries that you sustained as a result of the accident, which includes the cost of prescriptions, adaptive devices, and therapy, and the cost of any treatment that you may need in the future. If your injuries rendered you temporarily or permanently unable to work, you may also seek compensation for lost wages and loss of future earnings. In addition to compensation for your economic harm, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering that you experienced as a result of the accident.
Discuss Your Next Steps with a Skilled Car Accident AttorneySide-impact collisions frequently cause significant and permanent injuries, and they are almost always caused by negligent driving. If you were harmed in a side-impact accident, you should find out about your options for recouping compensation for your harm. Attorney Zev Rubinstein is adept at assisting people injured in side-impact collisions with seeking damages and can advocate aggressively on your behalf. Mr. Rubinstein has an office in San Marcos, and he regularly represents people harmed by side-impact collisions in San Marcos, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, Escondido, and elsewhere in North San Diego County. You can contact Mr. Rubinstein through the form online or at 760.804.2790 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.