Florida Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer
Side-impact car accidents, also referred to as T-bone collisions or broadside crashes, are among the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents. These crashes often lead to severe injuries due to the limited protection offered by vehicle doors. Victims may face costly medical treatments, lost wages, and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact accident in Florida, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney. The legal team at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa specializes in handling personal injury claims for victims of broadside collisions. Our firm has a strong track record of securing fair compensation for our clients and helping them rebuild their lives after a devastating accident.
Our attorneys understand how difficult the aftermath of a serious car accident can be. That is why we are committed to providing personalized legal support and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Contact our Florida side-impact car accident lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?
When selecting a personal injury law firm to handle your side-impact accident claim, experience and dedication matter. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we take pride in offering top-tier legal representation for accident victims throughout Florida.
Decades of Experience in Personal Injury Law
Our firm has successfully represented victims of car accidents for decades. We understand the complexities of Florida’s traffic laws, insurance regulations, and personal injury claims, making us well-equipped to handle even the most challenging cases.
Aggressive Representation Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims to protect their bottom line. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and will fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that financial concerns do not stand in the way of obtaining high-quality legal representation.
Personalized Legal Support
At our firm, we prioritize client relationships. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. We believe in keeping you informed throughout the legal process so you always know what to expect.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for accident victims. We are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. Do not wait to take action—contact us today to discuss your legal options.
What is a Side-Impact or T-Bone Car Accident?
A side-impact car accident occurs when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These accidents frequently happen at intersections, when drivers fail to yield the right of way, run red lights, or make improper turns. The force of impact can be severe, often leading to catastrophic injuries for occupants sitting on the impacted side of the vehicle.
Common scenarios that lead to broadside accidents include:
- A driver running a red light or stop sign and colliding with cross-traffic.
- A driver making an unsafe left turn and being struck by oncoming traffic.
- A distracted driver failing to notice a vehicle in an intersection.
- A speeding driver losing control and crashing into the side of another vehicle.
Unlike frontal or rear-end collisions, where bumpers and crumple zones help absorb impact, side-impact crashes expose passengers to direct force, making injuries more severe.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Car Accidents in Florida
Side-impact accidents are most commonly caused by driver negligence, reckless driving, and violations of traffic laws. Some of the leading causes include:
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Many broadside crashes occur when drivers fail to obey traffic signals or stop signs, entering an intersection and colliding with cross-traffic.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers who misjudge gaps in traffic or fail to yield while making left turns are often responsible for T-bone accidents.
Distracted Driving
Using a phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions while driving increases the risk of missing traffic signals or other vehicles.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction times, and coordination, making intoxicated drivers more likely to cause side-impact crashes.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Excessive speed makes it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid a collision, increasing the severity of the impact.
Common Injuries from Side-Impact Collisions
Because of the lack of structural protection on the sides of vehicles, injuries from broadside collisions are often severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
Head and Brain Injuries
The impact of a side-impact crash can cause head trauma, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Spinal Cord Injuries
High-impact crashes can damage the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Broken Bones
Fractures in the ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis are common due to the force of the collision.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from a side-impact crash can cause internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Neck and Whiplash Injuries
Sudden impact can cause soft tissue damage in the neck and shoulders, resulting in chronic pain and mobility issues.
Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is critical, even if you do not initially feel injured. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Who is Liable for a Side-Impact Car Accident in Florida?
Determining liability in a T-bone accident requires an in-depth investigation of the crash circumstances. Our attorneys will review:
- Traffic camera footage
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Vehicle damage
- Accident reconstructions
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation. Our Florida side-impact car accident lawyer will build a strong case to prove the other party’s liability and maximize your recovery.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover?
The compensation you may be entitled to depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and impact on your ability to work. Our firm fights to recover damages for:
- Medical bills, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
We work closely with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your losses.
Steps to Take After a Side-Impact Car Accident in Florida
If you have been involved in a side-impact collision, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Do not admit fault or speak to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side-Impact Car Accidents in Florida
How do I know if I have a case after a side-impact accident in Florida?
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may have a valid case. Negligence can include running a red light, failing to yield, distracted driving, or impaired driving. If you suffered injuries and damages as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Speaking with an experienced Florida side-impact car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
What should I do immediately after a T-bone collision?
Your priority should be your health and safety. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos of the vehicles and your injuries, and get contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault or speak with the other driver’s insurance company before consulting with a lawyer.
Who is typically at fault in a side-impact crash?
Fault in a T-bone accident depends on the circumstances. Often, the driver who ran a red light, ignored a stop sign, or failed to yield is at fault. However, liability may be shared if both drivers contributed to the accident. Florida follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.
How much is my side-impact accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additional factors include whether you have permanent disabilities and how the accident has impacted your quality of life. An attorney can evaluate your case and estimate potential compensation based on these factors.
How long does it take to settle a side-impact car accident case in Florida?
Every case is different. Some cases settle within a few months if liability is clear and the insurance company offers fair compensation. More complex cases, especially those involving severe injuries, disputes over liability, or insurance company resistance, may take a year or more to resolve. If the case goes to trial, the process may take longer.
Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact accident, the attorneys at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa are ready to fight for you. Our Florida side-impact car accident lawyer understands the challenges victims face and are committed to securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation. You do not have to face this alone—we are here to help.
