While high-speed collisions on highways and interstates may be obviously dangerous, a lot of harm can come from low-speed crashes in intersections and parking lots, as far too many Pennsylvanians learn each year. If you were T-boned or sideswiped and suffered any physical injury as a result, understanding your right to file a legal claim could be crucial to obtaining the financial recovery you deserve.
When it comes to pursuing monetary damages over side-impact / T-bone car accidents in State College, there is no substitute for a seasoned legal professional’s guidance. In addition to explaining your options and helping you build a comprehensive case, your capable motor vehicle wreck attorney could also ensure that common legal obstacles and pitfalls do not keep you from getting the compensation you need.
T-bone wrecks and similar car accidents can happen under numerous circumstances, but they are especially common in places where cars are traveling in different directions. Some specific forms of negligence that commonly result in incidents of this nature include:
No matter how they happen or what irresponsible behavior causes one, side-impact car crashes in State College can be dangerous for every occupant of the impacted vehicle, since there is relatively little separating he or she from the full force of an oncoming vehicle. An experienced car accident attorney could provide valuable assistance by helping an injured person recover for all ensuing damages through insurance negotiations and/or third-party litigation.
Importantly, it is not possible in every situation to file a lawsuit over a T-bone car accident in State College, even one that results in physical injury. Specifically, individuals with “limited tort” might not be allowed to file suit for pain and suffering or other damages unless they suffered “serious injuries,” which generally means an injury that results in prolonged impairment of a bodily function. However, limited tort insureds are still able to recover for economic losses, such as lost wages, regardless of their limited tort status.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon for defendants in side-impact car crash claims to accuse injured plaintiffs of being partially or primarily responsible for causing the wreck through their own negligence. If a court agrees with this argument and assigns a plaintiff a percentage of total fault, it may lead to a proportional reduction in the victim’s compensation, or can even bar a recovery altogether.
Finally, there are strict deadlines under Pennsylvania state law for all personal injury lawsuits, including those based on auto accidents. As a seasoned legal professional could explain, most prospective plaintiffs have two years after their injuries occur to begin the litigation process, and anyone who waits longer to file suit will almost always have his or her case thrown out.
Any type of traffic accident can be stressful to go through, but being T-boned can be especially traumatic as well as especially dangerous. Even worse, getting the compensation you deserve after this kind of incident a uniquely challenging endeavor.
Fortunately, help is available from a dedicated legal representative at Marcus & Mack who knows how to fight on behalf of people involved in side-impact / T-bone car accidents in State College. Learn more by calling today.
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