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Side Impact Car Accidents

Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer

Side impact car accidents can result in injuries that are sometimes more severe than those in other types of car collisions. Knoxville car accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe can help you if you were hurt in a side impact accident. Mr. Hartsoe has decades of experience helping accident victims take legal action against the responsible parties. He can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call us today to discuss your case.

Side Impact Car Accidents

Side impact car crashes occur when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), these accidents can be particularly fatal. A car’s sides generally lack the structural capability to absorb the impact of a car collision, and cannot always shield its occupants from the impact. In a 2009 study, the IIHS found that side impact car crashes account for 27 percent of car accident fatalities in the U.S. Several factors contribute to the severity of a side impact car collision, such as speed and the size and weight of each vehicle.

Motorists can take steps to protect themselves in a side impact car accident. They can:

  • Pay close attention to other vehicles at intersections and traffic signs
  • Drive a car equipped with side and torso air bags
  • Review a car’s side impact crash test ratings prior to purchase
  • Wear a seat belt to avoid ejection in case of an accident

A driver’s failure to yield or obey traffic signals can cause side impact collisions and serious injuries to other drivers and passengers. Victims of side impact car crashes are more likely to suffer injuries, and can seek to hold the at-fault party responsible for their injuries.

Liability & Compensation for Side impact Accidents

Side impact car accidents can be caused by careless driving. Under Tennessee law, motorists are required to follow the rules of the road. This includes yielding the right of way, obeying traffic signals and signs, and sharing the road with other motorists. All drivers must exercise care when they operate their vehicle.

In a side impact car collision, the driver that causes the accident may have failed to exercise his or her duty of care. He or she may have been too distracted to pay attention to the rules of the road. The driver may have disregarded a traffic signal or sign, or may have been speeding at the time of the crash. By failing to exercise care, a driver’s reckless behavior can result in serious harm to another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian.

If you were hurt in a side impact car accident, you can potentially hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries. Side impact car crashes often lead to severe injuries that require long-term treatment. You can seek compensation for your medical costs, rehabilitation care, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Side impact car accidents are fatal in some cases. If a loved one died in a side impact accident, Tennessee law allows you to file a wrongful death suit against the driver responsible for the accident. You can seek compensation for your relative’s medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of consortium.

Committed to Your Case

Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe is dedicated to helping clients in the Knoxville area who have been injured in side impact car accidents. With his years of experience in the area of personal injury, Mr. Hartsoe knows what it takes to prepare your case and represent you. He will canvas the accident scene, speak to witnesses and experts, and deal with the insurance companies. Mr. Hartsoe can work towards a settlement on your behalf, and is ready to vigorously advocate for you at trial if necessary. Call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online to see how we can help you.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
★★★★★
I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
★★★★★
I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
★★★★★
I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
★★★★★
Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
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