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Auto Accident Law in the State of California: Establishing Fault in Side Impact Accidents

Auto accidents can be some of the worst incidents a person can go through. Being unexpectedly hit can cause not only severe injuries, it can also leave a person mentally and emotionally impacted. Fender-benders and other minor accidents are almost always easy to determine which driver was at-fault. When it comes to side impact accidents, however, fault isn’t always immediately obvious.


T-Bone Collision
SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation: T-Bone Collision Lawyers 909.884.6451

Side impact accidents, commonly referred to as T-bone accidents, can occur through various traffic situations. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the event, either driver could be determined at-fault in the incident. If you have been injured as a result of being involved in a side impact car accident, consider obtaining the legal support of an expert attorney. An attorney may be able to help you determine if the other party was negligent in causing the accident, which could ultimately help you obtain financial compensation for the injuries you sustained.

The Dangers of a Side Impact Collision

Undoubtedly, any vehicle accident can be catastrophic, especially if you consider the speeds of the vehicles at the time of the incident. Side Impact accidents, however, can cause significant auto accident injuries. When a vehicle is impacted from the front or the back, the passengers of the vehicle can be slightly more protected by the auto’s front and back bumper. When a vehicle is impacted on its side, however, the vehicle’s passengers do not have extra protection other than the side doors and windows of the vehicle, despite the material used to manufacture the vehicle. A side impact collision can cause catastrophic injuries and even result in an untimely death.  

Establishing Fault

There are certain vehicle accidents where it is obvious which driver was at fault. There are others, however, where determining at-fault is not as easy or obvious. For instance, having a vehicle cut you off so that you find yourself forced to hit the vehicle beside you. If you find yourself in such accidents, there are factors you should consider in effort to protect your rights.

  • Contact the police and file a police report
    • A police officer may make a preliminary determination on who was responsible for the accident
    • By filing a police report, you can state your version of events that could help your case
  • Obtain the contact information of any witnesses
  • Refrain from admitting responsibility for the accident
  • Take pictures of the setting
    • Include pictures of the vehicles involved, the impact of all involved vehicles, traffic signals in the area, and weather conditions.

While the other party may be liable for the accident, there are also other liable parties that can be considered. For example, faulty tires, defective vehicle brakes, and other faulty vehicle parts can be a cause for the accident. Speaking to a knowledgeable attorney can help to determine what party is at fault for the accident.

Obtain Legal Support for Side Impact Accidents

Side impact accidents can be some of the worst auto accidents a person may experience. A victim can suffer severe body trauma, spine injuries, as well as other serious injuries. If you have suffered grievances as a result of a side impact auto accident, consider speaking to an attorney who can help you file a claim. As an injured victim, you may have the opportunity to obtain financial compensation for the injuries you sustained.

The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are experienced in the field of side impact auto collisions. They are dedicated to helping victims obtain financial compensation for injuries resulting from the accident. Side impact auto accident claims are complex and are also tie sensitive. Speak to an expert attorney that can guide you through the process. Call 909.884.6451

SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation

Sanford A. Kassel is one of San Bernardino's preeminent trial lawyers. He has the resources, expertise and raw talent to handle even the most complex personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and employment law cases throughout Southern California. Sanford has maintained his offices in San Bernardino since he began practicing law in 1981. He is second generation of a multi-generational family of the Kassel/Katz Family of lawyers in the Inland Empire, whose experience spans over 50 years.

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