Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?

Car accidents can occur in many different ways, and some of them are inherently more dangerous than others. T-bone car accidents, sometimes called side-impact collisions, frequently cause severe injuries and even death. One of the reasons they are more likely to cause severe injuries is because the driver and passengers in the car that is hit only have a door and window to protect them from the other vehicle.

If it were a head-on collision or a rear-end accident, on the other hand, the occupants in the car have more protection between them and the vehicle that hits them.

If you were involved in a T-bone accident, seek medical attention. Once you are stable and safe, consider your legal options. A car accident lawyer can be your advocate as you try to recover from your financial losses and physical injuries.

Who Is at Fault for Your T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident occurs when one car broadsides the other, causing the cars to form a “T.” Most of the time, T-bone accidents happen when one driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle—for example, a driver who drives through an intersection when they have a red light. In this scenario, the driver who entered the intersection when their light was red would likely be found liable for an accident and, therefore, any damages they cause.

It is also possible that more than one driver can bear liability for an accident. For example, presume in an intersection that is controlled by stop signs, one driver drives through a stop sign and T-bones another driver who was texting and did not see the oncoming driver. The texting driver could have possibly avoided the impact if they were not texting. In this scenario, both drivers were negligent, and they could each be assigned a percentage of fault in the accident. Even if you are partially to blame for your accident, a car accident attorney can help maximize your compensation.

How Fault is Determined in a T-Bone Accident

Due to the potential for both drivers to be at fault in a T-bone accident, many will hire a car accident lawyer to protect their interests.

To determine and prove fault, your attorney will rely on various pieces of evidence such as:

• The police report
• Witness accounts of the accident
• Pictures of the vehicles
• Pictures of the area where the accident occurred
• Accident reconstruction reports

Injuries Caused by a T-Bone Accident

It is necessary to determine who is at fault in a T-bone accident to ensure that victims obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. A car accident attorney is often the best resource for determining and proving fault.

Studies reveal that occupants in the rear seats and on the same side of the impact are more likely to suffer severe injury and fatalities in T-bone accidents. The speed both vehicles were traveling at the time of impact and the angle at which they collided can determine the severity of the accident and its resulting injuries. Passengers in the vehicle can hit something inside the vehicle. The force of the impact can cause injury to organs, often as a result of force supporting structures. For example, force applied to the skull or ribs can cause injury to the brain or spleen, respectively.

Common injuries from T-bone accidents include:

• Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Whiplash which often involves torn neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Cervical spine injuries such as fractures or soft tissue damage
• Chest and abdominal injuries on the side of the impact
• Upper arm, shoulder, and clavicle injuries on the side of the impact
• Pelvic, hip or femur injuries on the side of the impact
• Internal bleeding
• Punctured eardrums if the vehicle is not equipped with side-impact airbags

Any one of these injuries can result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, as well as months or years of recovery. Some of them can also result in long-term or even permanent disabilities. You may never be able to enjoy the activities you did before your accident or return to your job.

Always seek medical care after a T-bone accident. Even if you feel okay or do not think you have serious injuries, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Once you are medically stable and receiving the care that you require, you may want to hire a car accident lawyer. They can focus on getting you compensation to pay for medical care and your other damages, such as pain and suffering.

Elements of a Successful T-Bone Accident Injury Claim

Proving that the other driver acted negligently or in an unreasonable way is not the only element in a successful T-bone accident claim.

Your car accident attorney will also need to demonstrate that the accident caused your injuries and contributed to your other damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Your lawyer can do this by submitting medical records and bills from your healthcare providers as well as work absences. If your lawyer can identify the elements of negligence—duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages—you may have a strong case.

What to Do After Your T-Bone Accident

Whether you go to the emergency room by ambulance after your T-bone accident or see your own doctor, always see a doctor soon after a crash to ensure your injuries are properly treated. Doing so ensures proper medical documentation. When you are ready, contact Golden State Lawyers LLP for legal help. A car accident attorney can address your questions and concerns and advise you as to your next move after a T-bone accident.

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