If your car were hit on the passenger side in Fort Myers, the immediate consequence would be damage to the car. Should someone have been in the passenger seat, they might have sustained severe injuries, depending on the level of impact.
If you were involved in a side-impact crash, one of our car accident attorneys in Fort Myers can help you make a case against the other party so you can recover compensation.
Common Causes of Passenger Side Car Accidents in Fort Myers
Side-impact crashes often occur at intersections, during merging, or when another vehicle fails to yield the right of way. Common causes include:
- Drivers running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving behaviors
Understanding the specific cause of your accident is critical to proving liability and holding the at-fault party accountable.
What to Do in the Aftermath of a Passenger Side Accident in Fort Myers
The moments and days following a car accident can feel like a blur. Knowing what to do will not only help ensure your and your passengers’ health, but it will also protect your right to hold the other driver accountable.
After a side-impact crash, we recommend:
- Pulling over to the shoulder of the road if you can and if it’s safe
- Calling an ambulance
- Calling the police to the scene
- Notifying your insurance company about what happened
- Exchanging information with the other driver
- Taking down witness information
Once the situation has stabilized, you may want to consider consulting a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at our firm. They can handle all matters pertaining to your case while you take care of yourself.
Long-Term Consequences of Side-Impact Injuries
Injuries sustained in a passenger-side crash may require months or even years of treatment. Victims may need ongoing physical therapy, in-home assistance, or even surgery. Chronic pain or mobility limitations are also common in serious crashes.
Children or elderly passengers are especially vulnerable to lasting complications. Their bodies may not absorb the impact as well, leading to prolonged recovery times or even permanent disability.
Liability and Evidence in Passenger Side Accidents
Proving who is at fault in a T-bone or sideswipe accident can be complex. Evidence such as:
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Police citations
A personal injury lawyer will collect and organize this evidence to strengthen your case.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Care After Getting Hit on the Passenger Side
Prompt medical attention is paramount after getting hit on the passenger side front end, especially if someone is in the passenger seat. This individual can sustain devastating, life-altering injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Soft tissue injury
- Crushing injuries
Even if the passenger thinks they’re okay, they must see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like a TBI, don’t always manifest until days after they’ve occurred. By the time they receive medical help, their condition could have long-lasting or even permanent effects.
Immediate medical care also shows the direct link between the crash and injuries, which gives the insurer less of a reason to challenge the validity of your claim.
What to Expect From the Insurance Company in a Passenger-Side Crash
Insurance companies are businesses, so they always seek to protect their bottom line. In doing so, they may look for gaps in your version of events or try to pin some of the blame on you.
For example, they may say that you didn’t come to a complete stop at a stop sign. As a result, the other driver didn’t have enough time to brake and struck the passenger side of your car. In that case, they may invoke Florida Statutes § 768.81 to say that you contributed to your crash so they don’t have to pay out your claim in full.
Our lawyers can combat these tactics and help ensure the insurance company pays you what you’re entitled to receive.
Compensation Available After a Passenger-Side Collision
Victims of side-impact collisions may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, therapy)
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
If the passenger sustained fatal injuries, surviving family members may seek wrongful death compensation.
In some instances, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault driver was acting with gross negligence, such as driving while intoxicated or engaging in reckless racing behavior.
Passenger Side Rights in a Fort Myers Car Crash
Passengers injured in a crash may file a claim against either driver, depending on who is determined to be at fault. Unlike drivers, passengers are rarely held responsible for collisions and have strong legal standing to pursue full compensation.
In multi-vehicle accidents, passengers may have claims against multiple insurance policies. This can significantly impact the value and scope of a claim. Legal guidance is crucial for navigating this process.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we bring over 20 years of experience to every car accident claim. We understand the severity of side-impact crashes and have secured multimillion-dollar settlements for clients throughout Florida.
Proven results include:
- $3.85 million truck rollover accident settlement
- $5.25 million for a fatal crash
- $2 million pedestrian accident recovery
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Call Our Firm After Your Car Is Hit on the Passenger Side in Fort Myers
Don’t wait to call our firm after your car is hit on the passenger side in Fort Myers, as Florida Statutes § 95.11 limits how much time you have to sue.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at 844-643-7200 to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
