Orland Park Side Impact Collisions Lawyer

Experienced T-Bone Collision Attorney Serving Orland Park, IL

Did you know that over 16,000 car accidents happen every day in the U.S.? Side-impact collisions are some of the most deadly, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Driver error is usually the cause of these crashes, and injured victims can take steps to obtain compensation through a car accident claim. Families of fatal car crash victims may also qualify to file a wrongful death claim.

Although you can handle your case alone, people who have the assistance of an effective personal injury attorney typically receive substantially higher payouts. From our office in Orland Park, the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. serves injury victims throughout the Chicago area. We provide dedicated legal representation that makes a real difference.

The Deadliness of Side Impact Crashes

If another vehicle hits the front or rear of your car, you have some protection provided by the engine compartment and the trunk or rear cargo area. Doors do not provide much shielding against impacts that come from the side, making drivers and passengers more vulnerable. Some newer cars have side airbags, but even they may not adequately protect occupants in high-speed side impact collisions.

Occupants on the side of the vehicle that is hit in these collisions often sustain serious or catastrophic injuries, including:

• Head injuries, including brain damage
• Back injuries, including spinal cord damage
• Broken bones, particularly to the arm, leg, and hip facing the side of the vehicle that is struck
• Amputations
• Neck and chest injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage

The severity of these and other injuries depends, in part, on the speed and angle of impact. T-bone collisions, when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another dead on, frequently cause more serious injuries. Sideswipe accidents, when the side of one car collides with the side of another, may not be as deadly.

Causes of Side Impact Collisions

T-bone collisions and side impact accidents frequently happen at intersections. The at-fault driver may run a red light, misjudge another car's speed and position, or simply not see the car he or she is about to hit. Human errors like the following are responsible for the majority of collisions:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Disregarding other traffic laws
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driver fatigue
  

These and other behaviors are considered to be negligent. If you can prove that negligence led to your accident and the resulting injuries and losses, you can take legal action to receive compensation. Getting as much as you deserve, however, is often an uphill battle unless you have an experienced lawyer from the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. on your side.

Challenges You May Face in Car Accident Cases

Car accident claims are often complex. Attorney J. Francis Barker can help you navigate and overcome the potential challenges that may arise, which may include:

• Shared fault for causing an accident
• Multiple-party liability
• Insurance claim denials
• Low settlement offers
• Insurance company tactics designed to minimize your settlement
• Government agency or commercial vehicle involvement

When you work with the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we will investigate your accident, determine who is at fault, and work diligently to help you achieve a favorable outcome. If the liable party's insurer does not make an acceptable settlement offer through negotiations, we can help you file a civil lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Damages in Side Impact Auto Accidents

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors, so we cannot tell you how much your case is worth until we discuss it with you. However, you may be entitled to various damages, which may include reimbursement and compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Losing the ability to enjoy life
• Pain and suffering
• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could also receive punitive damages, which may be awarded to victims as a further punishment to the defendant. Attorney Barker will calculate your damages and work to maximize your compensation.

Contact Our Orland Park, Illinois T-Bone Accident Attorney

You cannot expect to get the best possible outcome to your car accident case without the necessary legal knowledge, experience, skill, and diligence. When you choose the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we will work tirelessly on your behalf, supporting you with effective legal representation throughout the entire process. Attorney Barker will handle your case personally rather than passing it to an associate. This personal attention ensures that you will receive the respect you deserve as we help you take steps to recover the compensation you need.

Contact us today at 708-321-1223 for your free consultation with our DuPage County car accident attorney. We do not charge upfront fees, and we will not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.