Reports | November 1, 2022 | Car Accidents
T-Bone Injury Accident Claims
A T-bone car accident, also known as a broadside, is a collision type that commonly occurs. The National Transportation Highway Safety Administration estimates that nearly 8,000 people die yearly in T-bone or broadside crashes.
In this scenario, the side of a vehicle is hit by the other vehicle’s front or rear, resulting in a T shaped collision between both vehicles. An example of how such an accident can arise is when one vehicle misses a traffic light and then T-bones or broadsides another vehicle in the middle of an intersection.
Adding additional risk factors, such as a driver speeding, even at lawful rates, creates a recipe for a catastrophic disaster and risks to all in the zone of danger, ranging from injuries to fatalities. Learn more about T-bone Accident and filing an auto accident claim from our experienced car accident lawyers.
How T-bone or Broadside Accidents Generally Occur
Some causes of these crashes include:
- Driving at an excessive and unlawful speed
- Driving while distracted
- Fatigued driving
- Vehicle defects
- Making an unlawful left turn or running a red light, and then crashing into a vehicle from the direction of oncoming traffic
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol beyond the statutory legal limit
These are forms of negligence that can lead to liability of the other driver.
Common Injuries & Damages in A T-Bone Accident
T-bone accidents can cause serious physical injury because of how the impact occurs. Specifically, T-bone and broadside accidents pose more of a risk of injury when compared to sideswipe collisions or rear-end accidents. Injuries are particularly common in T-bone accidents because of how the crash directly hits the door or window. These vehicle parts are closer to the passenger or driver’s side when compared to other types of auto accidents where there is more space between the occupant and trunk or engine.
Some examples of common injuries you may experience following a T-bone or broadside-related crash include injuries such as neck fractures, or other impairments Ex:
- Leg
- Foot
- Knee
- Clavicle
- Hip
- Skull
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Mental health
Any kind of vehicle collision can lead to significant losses, and a T-bone or broadside accident can violently impact the driver and passengers.
For example:
- You may sometimes need surgical procedures or medical equipment to improve your condition, such as surgery for a dislocated shoulder or crutches to help you walk.
- In the worst of cases, injuries from a T-bone and broadside accident can be life-threatening or lead to death.
- Damages to your emotional and mental health include post-traumatic stress disorder and diminished quality of life due to no longer enjoying things that once brought you joy, such as hobbies.
- In the case of wrongful death, you and your family may suffer from loss of consortium or no longer have the support, love, and care from your deceased loved one.
- Some symptoms seem like an ordinary headache or pressure, and you may conclude it is minor. However, such feelings of pressure in your head, neck, or back may indicate a spinal cord issue.
- For example, you may get evaluated and find that you suffered fractures, sprains, and connective tissue injuries.
- Other serious warning signs include weakness or tingling in your body, which may indicate paralysis.
Therefore, in addition to staying connected to a health care provider to monitor your symptoms, be sure to find a dedicated and invested attorney to help you with the legal aspects. At the same time, you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Who Is Responsible for the T-Bone Accident?
It is not always clear-cut who is liable for the accident. Often, there is more than one party involved in the car accident. For example, if there was a defect in the vehicle that hit you, and the driver was also behaving negligently, you may have a case against both the manufacturer of the vehicle and the driver.
Suppose this was a case of a multi-vehicle collision, and the car that T-boned or broadsided your vehicle hit you after being hit themselves by another reckless driver. In that case, you likely have more than one party that can be held liable for your injuries.
Most importantly, an attorney experienced with car accidents involving multiple parties can identify those who may be obligated to compensate you for damages you suffered. They will understand that the more parties you can hold responsible, the higher the chances of meeting your compensation needs.
What to Do if You Are T-boned or Broadsided
If you or a loved one have had their vehicle broadsided or t-boned and are experiencing injuries or any kind of loss from the crash, there are important things you should do.
Obtain the Medical Care you Need
Do not wait to have your health checked after a T-bone or broadside-related crash. Even if a doctor checked you immediately after the accident, stick to follow-up appointments and any referrals your provider may have recommended.
Additionally, seek care as soon as you notice new or prolonged symptoms that can signify a condition progressing into something worse. For example, in the case of a heady injury, a headache can later lead to something more serious such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Maintain Documentation
As you receive the proper care, be sure to document your progress and maintain medical records, among other documentation, depending on other losses. Your car accident attorney can provide legal advice on what evidence will be helpful to obtain or maintain based on your damages.
Even if you are not sure whether you want to sue the other driver or not, it is important nevertheless to keep and maintain records proving that the accident occurred and that you suffered injuries. You might need police reports and recordings of eyewitness accounts.
You want records of losses that may be challenging to prove, such as pain and suffering and loss of the support of a loved one that passed away in the crash. Some examples include using your personal accounts kept in a journal and discussing with a therapist demonstrated by records. In such cases, your attorney can strategize with you and advise what you need to retain.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney About Your T-Bone Accident
Schedule a Consultation
While you or your loved ones heal from the T-bone and broadside accident, you may wonder what to do as the next best step. Specifically, seek personal injury attorneys with skills and experience in T-bone and broadside accidents.
Discuss the Damages of your Broadside Collision
Be sure to discuss all your losses from the accident with an experienced T-bone and broadside accident attorney. Often, there are several ways such an accident can disrupt your life, and you may not believe you can receive compensation for them. Furthermore, you don’t have to try proving such injuries alone- a zealous attorney can present your legal options and advocate for your just and fair compensation.
What to Expect When You Speak To an Auto Accident Lawyer
The initial interaction will help you assess whether you are comfortable with the firm’s legal representation on your behalf. Use this time to assess whether you find them to be a good fit to represent your legal needs. For example, do you find them compassionate and invested in your case? Additionally, you can expect to discuss the details of your case and learn your legal options.
As a follow-up to the meeting, your attorney may ask you for documentation and information to help them get started on your case. Throughout the course of your attorney-client relationship, you can expect them to work diligently on your behalf and keep you updated.
Importantly, don’t be afraid to be vocal and ask questions such as inquiries regarding how their fees work, their method of communication, their general availability, and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Legal Options after a T-Bone Accident
Discuss the details of your losses with your attorney and your priorities and legal needs. For example, due to the hefty expenses and losses associated with a catastrophic accident, you may be wanting to obtain compensation for your damages sooner rather than later. Knowing this information about your needs will help the attorney to present your legal options to you, including the pros and cons of pursuing litigation versus taking a settlement.
What is a T-Bone Accident Worth?
The attorney will help assess your damages and how much they amount to by calculating both your current and future losses. This will be the starting point amount. However, there is no guarantee of the exact amount you will receive.
Your skilled attorney will strategize how to present your case to maximize your damages awarded in litigation or in a settlement.
Obtaining a Settlement Offer for a Broadside Accident
When you settle a case, you will relieve the other party from the possibility of litigating the matter and instead agree to accept an agreed-upon amount between you and the other driver.
Your attorney will counsel and guide you on a fair and just amount based on the total damages you have incurred and may incur in the future, such as loss of income. A benefit of the settlement offer is that you will receive an agreed-upon payment versus the chances you will take in a litigation matter, where it is up to a judge or a jury to determine.
A downfall to keep in mind is that you will have agreed not to pursue a lawsuit against the other driver, so you want to be sure that you make a well-informed decision with your attorney’s help.
As part of this process, the attorney will seek a settlement negotiation with the insurance companies of the liable parties. Negotiation will likely be involved. For example, an insurance adjuster may challenge the expenses to avoid payment. However, your attorney’s strong negotiation and advocacy skills will come into play here so they can effectively argue back and forth with the other side to achieve the best settlement outcome and compensate you justly and fairly for your injuries.
Note that as the client, you deserve updates on the progress of the settlement negotiations, and you have the final say in approving a settlement amount that you are satisfied with.
Filing a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit
Your attorney’s extensive experience in T-bone or broadside matters means they can identify the potential causes of action and theories likely to prevail against the other driver. For example, your attorney will make this assessment based on their thorough understanding of the facts and circumstances of your case when conducting legal analyses of the laws and court cases in your state.
Additionally, since most personal injury cases rarely make it to trial, the other driver will likely make an offer to settle the case after the stage where evidence from both sides is shared, a process known as discovery.
Importantly, the case must be filed promptly within the statute of limitations or deadline for your respective state. Your attorney will be highly knowledgeable about such requirements and your options in case you have missed this deadline.
Always discuss your situation with your attorney. For example, the limit to bring a personal injury case in your state may be two or three years; if missed, a waiver might be in place depending on whether you meet the criteria.
Don’t Delay in Calling a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or loss because of a T-bone or broadside accident, then you need a skilled attorney by your side. Taking care of this critical step will get the process started so that you can be made financially whole again and placed in your position before the crash occurs.
While it can be difficult to move forward with the next step, a compassionate attorney will help guide you through the next legal steps to move on with your life and put the accident behind you.
There is no doubt that a T-bone crash can be terrifying and can change the course of your life for months or years. If another driver is to blame, you should always learn about your legal options. Seek help today from a car accident lawyer who will evaluate the best course of action for your claim. Never wait to protect your legal rights.