Chattanooga Broadside Accidents Lawyer
Help from our Chattanooga broadside accident attorneys when you suffer harm due to a negligent driver
If you've been injured in a broadside accident, you understand the sudden and devastating impact these collisions can have on your life. As you deal with your injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress, it's essential to have a skilled legal advocate on your side. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, our team of Chattanooga broadside accident attorneys is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. We will fight tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don't face the aftermath of a broadside accident alone—reach out to us today for a free consultation and let us help you recover, both physically and financially.
How can we help?
- What is a broadside accident?
- Why do broadside accidents happen in Chattanooga?
- What types of injuries are associated with Chattanooga broadside accidents?
- Who is liable for my Chattanooga broadside accident?
- What is the value of my Chattanooga broadside accident claim?
- Do you have a Chattanooga broadside accident lawyer near me?
What is a broadside accident?
A broadside accident, also known as a T-bone or angle collision, is a car accident that occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. Broadside accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly types of car accidents.
Broadside accidents can happen anywhere on the road, but they are most common at intersections, highway on-ramps, or rural intersections where only one direction of traffic yields. Broadside accidents often occur when one driver fails to stop at a stop sign or traffic light, or otherwise fails to yield the right-of-way to the other driver.
Why do broadside accidents happen in Chattanooga?
Broadside accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, often forming a "T" shape. Factors contributing to the occurrence of broadside accidents in Chattanooga include:
- Intersection congestion: Chattanooga, like many cities, has intersections with high traffic volume. Congested intersections increase the likelihood of broadside accidents, especially when drivers attempt to navigate through traffic lights or stop signs.
- Failure to yield right of way: Broadside accidents often happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections. This could occur due to driver distraction, confusion, or recklessness.
- Speeding and red light running: Speeding and running red lights are common causes of broadside accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or ignore traffic signals increase the risk of colliding with vehicles crossing their path.
- Driver distraction: Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, diverts a driver's attention from the road. A distracted driver may fail to notice a stop sign, traffic signal, or another vehicle entering the intersection, leading to a broadside collision.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers are more likely to cause broadside accidents by disregarding traffic signals or failing to yield the right of way.
- Poor visibility or weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, as well as low visibility at night, can increase the likelihood of broadside accidents. Reduced visibility makes it challenging for drivers to see approaching vehicles or judge the timing of their movements.
- Road design and infrastructure: Some intersections may have poor visibility, confusing signage, or inadequate lighting, contributing to broadside accidents. Additionally, poorly designed intersections may lack clear markings or designated turn lanes, increasing the risk of collisions.
At Wagner & Wagner, our experienced Chattanooga broadside accident lawyers will investigate your case to determine the cause of your collision.
What types of injuries are associated with Chattanooga broadside accidents?
Broadside accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or life-threatening. Some common injuries include:
- Occupants may suffer head injuries from striking the window, door, or other parts of the vehicle during the collision. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if the head hits a hard surface or experiences rapid acceleration and deceleration forces.
- The impact of a broadside collision can cause occupants to collide with the interior of the vehicle, resulting in chest and abdominal injuries. These injuries may include broken ribs, internal bleeding, and damage to internal organs.
- The abrupt side impact of a broadside collision can cause the occupants' heads to snap sideways, leading to whiplash injuries. These injuries can result in neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Severe broadside collisions can cause spinal cord injuries if the force of the impact compresses or fractures the vertebrae. Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- The force of a broadside collision can cause occupants to suffer fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Soft tissue injuries such as bruises, contusions, lacerations, and muscle strains are common in broadside accidents due to the sudden impact and movement of the body within the vehicle.
- Broadside accidents can also result in psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress, especially for those who experience severe injuries or witness traumatic events.
If you’re involved in a broadside accident, you should seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not initially feel injured, as some injuries may not show symptoms until later. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications and facilitate recovery.
Who is liable for my Chattanooga broadside accident?
Determining liability in a broadside accident depends on the specific circumstances of the collision, an liability could rest with one or more parties involved in the accident. Here are some common scenarios involving liability:
- Negligent driver: If another driver's negligence caused the broadside accident—such as running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, or driving recklessly—the negligent driver will likely be liable for the damages resulting from the collision.
- Multiple parties: Liability might be shared among multiple parties if more than one driver contributed to the accident through negligent behaviors. Tennessee’s comparative negligence laws determine each party's degree of fault and their corresponding liability for damages.
- Vehicle manufacturer: In some cases, a defect in one of the vehicles involved could contribute to the accident. If a defect in your vehicle or the other driver's vehicle directly contributed to the collision, the vehicle manufacturer might be liable for damages under product liability laws.
- Government entity: Poor road conditions, insufficient signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals could also contribute to a broadside accident. If the accident resulted from the negligence of a government entity responsible for road maintenance or traffic control, they might be liable for damages.
- Employer liability: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle for their employer's business purposes at the time of the accident, the employer might be vicariously liable for the actions of their employee, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the nature of the employment relationship.
To determine liability in your specific broadside accident case, our Chattanooga attorneys help gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any available surveillance footage. Consulting with a qualified car accident attorney after a broadside accident can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
What is the value of my Chattanooga broadside accident claim?
Determining the value of a broadside accident claim can be complex and depends on various factors, including the extent of damage to vehicles, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other relevant circumstances. These are the factors that will influence the value of your broadside accident claim:
- Injuries and medical expenses: If you sustained injuries in the accident, the cost of your medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, will be factored into the claim's value.
- Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and any diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident may also be considered in determining the value of your claim.
- Extent of damage: The severity of damage to your vehicle and any property involved in the accident can significantly impact the value of your claim.
- Liability: The determination of fault in the accident plays an important role in assessing the value of your claim. If the other party is clearly at fault, you may be entitled to full compensation for your damages.
If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown of your Chattanooga broadside accident claim, talk to one of the attorneys at Wagner & Wagner today.
Do you have a Chattanooga broadside accident lawyer near me?
Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law are located at 701 Market Street, Suite 310 in Chattanooga, right off Dallas Road. If you are unable to come to our offices due to your injuries, we can schedule a phone or video consultation or come visit you at home or in the hospital.
Chattanooga broadside accident lawyers advocating for you
Don't let the aftermath of a broadside accident overwhelm you. Take proactive steps to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact the reputable Chattanooga broadside accident lawyers at Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law today to guide you through the legal process and fight for your best interests. Act now to secure your rights and explore your legal options. To schedule a free consultation, call our Chattanooga offices or fill out our contact form today.