Bautista LeRoy Law Firm can assist in understanding what happens during side-impact collisions where both drivers are equally to blame. Our attorneys have long provided legal services in Southern Illinois and St. Louis area, specializing in cases like personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, sexual assault/abuse and railroad crossing litigation. Over time we have built up an impeccable track record by consistently producing positive outcomes for our clients.

This article explains your rights if involved in a side-impact accident, how partial liability impacts compensation amounts and why having a personal injury attorney can be beneficial.

What Are My Rights After A Side-Impact Accident?

Side-impact accidents, commonly referred to as T-bone collisions, are among the most devastating road accidents, occurring when one car's front hits another's side at an intersection. Understanding rights after an accident is important for victims since many can lead to severe injuries with complex legal implications.

Your rights do not change simply because you take on some responsibility. Many states employ comparative negligence laws that may reduce your compensation depending on how much is your fault.

What If I Am Partially Responsible?

Even if your actions contribute to a side-impact accident, that doesn't have to mean loss. Adjustments typically only need to be made to your payout accordingly. Here's how it typically works:

• States that employ pure comparative fault allow you to claim damages minus your percentage of liability.
• Modified comparative fault states place a cut-off, often at 50% or 51%. If you're more at fault than that, recovery could be denied.

Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

Navigating a side-impact accident claim where both parties share responsibility can be stressful. Insurance companies will do whatever they can to minimize or deny your claim. That's why hiring an experienced personal injury attorney could prove invaluable:

• Legal Expertise
• Complex fault determination
• Maximizing compensation
• Handling insurance tactics

When Is The Time To Hire An Attorney?

After getting medical care and reporting the accident, it's a wise idea to reach out immediately to a personal injury attorney. Once engaged, an attorney will help protect evidence, communicate with insurers and advise on the next steps that must be taken.

Should you wait too long, your case could become compromised. Each state has an applicable statute of limitation which typically lasts only several years. Complex situations such as shared fault make it crucial that swift actions be taken.

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

• Expertise: Choose a personal injury attorney with experience handling side-impact collision cases.
• Track Record: Hire an attorney with proven success in successfully seeking compensation for comparative fault.
• Communication: Hire an attorney who provides clear explanations and updates you throughout the process.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC

Bautista LeRoy Law Firm has earned an exceptional reputation for representing those involved in car accidents - even where liability is still in dispute. We take great care to provide personalized services so each of our clients feels valued and understood.

Our expertise lies in personal injury litigation. Therefore, we can build a strategy specifically for your case. Our attorneys will negotiate effectively with insurers to secure maximum compensation payments for accident victims.

Suggested Action Steps

• Seek medical assistance for fast recovery and document all injuries properly.
• Document the scene by taking photos of damages and gathering contact info of witnesses.
• Report your accident immediately to both insurance and law enforcement officials.
• Understand your options and rights by consulting with a personal injury attorney.

Shared fault can only complicate side-impact accident cases. Understanding your rights, comparative negligence and hiring a personal injury attorney with proven results may make all the difference for your case. Contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving the surrounding areas of St. Louis, Benton County, Southern Illinois as well as Kansas City, MO and KS.