Side Impact Collisions

Side impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents, happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of a second vehicle. Side impact collisions are almost always avoidable, and they should not happen unless someone is driving irresponsibly. If you were injured in a side impact collision in New Hampshire, you should retain a knowledgeable injury attorney to assist you in pursuing damages from the responsible party. The New Hampshire car accident lawyers of Peter Thompson and Associates jointly have more than 60 years of experience representing injured parties in car accident cases. We can vigorously pursue any compensation that you may be owed.

Side impact collisions are most commonly caused by one or both drivers failing to yield. For example, a driver may run a stop sign or red light and drive into the side of a car that is proceeding with the right of way. There are multiple factors that could cause a driver to fail to obey a traffic device. In some cases, a driver may be in a rush and may speed through a red light or stop sign. Side impact collisions can also occur when a driver is distracted or impaired due to drugs or alcohol.

Side impact collisions rarely occur without negligent driving. Under New Hampshire law, anyone who acts in a negligent manner may be held responsible for any harm caused by his or her negligence. To successfully prove a negligence claim against a driver who caused a side impact collision, you must show that the driver owed you a duty of care, he or she breached the duty by driving in an inappropriate manner, and the breach caused the accident to occur. You must also prove that the accident caused you to sustain actual damages. Negligence must be shown by a preponderance of the evidence.

While sometimes it is clear who is at fault for a car crash, liability may be contested in cases involving a side impact collision. For example, the driver from whom you are seeking damages may allege that they drove in a safe manner and that it was your negligent driving that caused the accident. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, it does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation, however. New Hampshire has adopted a modified comparative negligence law, which means that as long as your negligence does not exceed the negligence of the defendant, you may be awarded damages. Any compensation awarded is reduced in proportion to the fault assessed to you. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can identify any potential flaws in a defense and seek information via discovery to help prove that the other driver caused the accident and should be held liable for your harm.

In addition to extensive property damage, side impact collisions often cause severe injuries. Many older cars do not have side airbags, and there is little protection between the side of the vehicle and the driver or passenger. Side impact collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, shoulder and hip injuries, fractures, concussions, and lacerations. In some cases, parties injured in side impact collisions ultimately succumb to their injuries.

Following a side impact collision, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing any damage to your vehicle. You may also be able to recover compensation for the cost of any treatment for your injuries or any treatment that you may need in the future. If your injuries left you unable to work, you may be able to recoup lost wages as well. In addition to damages for the economic harm that you suffered due to the accident, you may be able to recover damages for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by the accident. If you were married at the time of the accident, your spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.

Side impact collisions can be traumatic and in most cases are entirely avoidable. If you were injured in a side impact collision, you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation. At Peter Thompson and Associates, we have decades of experience helping injured people in New Hampshire seek the full amount of damages that they may be owed. Our skillful advocacy has resulted in a record of successful outcomes. We have offices in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester. We represent victims in areas throughout New Hampshire. You can reach us at 800.804.2004 or through our online form to schedule a free appointment.