Santa Fe Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney

Car driving down the street

Side-impact collisions, also called T-bone collisions, are among the deadliest car accidents. When the front end of one motor vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, a T-bone collision occurs. T-bone collisions are common at intersections when two lines of traffic meet. If you or your loved one have been injured in a side impact collision in New Mexico, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

The personal injury attorneys at Hunt Law have the experience and skills necessary to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. During your initial consultation, we will review your case, answer any questions you have, and determine whether you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. After determining your claim’s value, we will begin pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. Contact the New Mexico personal injury attorneys at Hunt Law today to learn more about your legal options.

How Do Side-Impact Accidents Happen?

Side impact collisions, called T-bone collisions, are some of the most dangerous accidents on New Mexico’s roadways. When a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, the driver and passenger on that side are vulnerable to serious injuries. For example, if the force of the collision is strong enough, the colliding vehicle can crumple the side barrier. The vehicle may even enter the passenger’s physical space, causing catastrophic injuries or death.

Many Side Impact Vehicles Are Caused By Negligence

As with other car accidents, most side impact accidents are caused by distracted or reckless drivers. When a driver needs to pay attention to traffic signals or stop lights, he or she may turn into the side of another vehicle without having the right away. Drivers have a legal obligation to stay focused on the road, stay out of the path of oncoming vehicles, and respect other drivers’ right of way. Some of the negligent behaviors that can lead to T-bone accidents include the following:

  • Making a dangerous turn
  • Reckless or aggressive driving, such as speeding
  • Failure to come to a complete stop at a four-way intersection
  • Distracted driving, including texting while driving
  • Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to yield

Injuries Caused By Side Impact Accidents

Injuries in T-bone collisions range from insignificant to fatal. Even when a vehicle travels at a relatively low speed, the force of the collision can crush the driver and passenger on the affected side of the vehicle. Not every vehicle has side-impact airbags, and in some cases, airbags, seat belts, and other safety features are not enough to prevent significant internal injuries. Some of the more common injuries caused by T-bone accidents include the following:

  • Whiplash and other neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
  • Hip and shoulder displacement
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Ear damage and hearing loss
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Bone fractures 
  • Mouth and dental injuries

What Damages Are Available in Side Impact Collision Cases?

There are two main ways to obtain compensation after a side-impact accident: an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. To recover compensation, you will need to show that the at-fault driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. Under New Mexico law, when negligent drivers cause an accident resulting in a victim’s injury, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy must pay for the victim’s damages up to the policy limits. Suppose the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance or doesn’t have enough car insurance. In that case, you may be able to obtain compensation by filing an uninsured or uninsured motorist claim with your insurance provider. 

Victims can also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the party or parties who caused their injuries. Depending on the facts in your case, multiple parties may be at fault for your injuries. For example, if a drunk driver caused your side impact collision while on the job for a trucking company, you may be able to bring a claim against the driver and the trucking company. Plaintiffs can recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable out-of-pocket expenses, such as current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and loss of future earnings. Plaintiffs can also recover non-economic damages for their loss of enjoyment of life, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering

The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Santa Fe Side-Impact Attorney

Suppose another driver’s negligence in the Santa Fe area has seriously injured you. In that case, you may be wondering what steps you should take next. the most important step is receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation. After you’ve received medical treatment for your injuries, speaking to an attorney can be beneficial. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to begin contacting you and pressuring you to accept a settlement offer that is far too low. Having an experienced attorney on your side can level the playing field. 

When you work with the skilled litigators at Hunt Law, you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. We have the resources and professional network to effectively work with accident reconstruction specialists, financial experts, medical experts, and other professionals to determine the cause of the accident and correctly value your claim. We will immediately investigate the car accident site to obtain evidence supporting your side of the story. At Hunt Law, we have a proven track record of negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and defendants to obtain a fair settlement or achieve a favorable court verdict for our clients. 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a New Mexico Car Accident Attorney

Many side-impact collisions lead to significant financial damages and injuries. If you have been injured in a side-impact car accident in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, it’s important that you reach out to a well-established personal injury attorney. You only have a limited time to file a claim for compensation. The experienced trial attorneys at Hunt Law are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve from the at-fault party. Contact Hunt Law today to learn more about how one of our car accident attorneys can advocate for you and your rights.