Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming the shape of a “T” at the point of impact. The question who is at fault in a T-bone accident depends on the particular facts of the case.

Indeed, a T-bone crash can happen at intersections when one driver ignores a stop sign or red traffic light and drives through the intersection. At the same time, another car or truck, which has the green light, crosses the intersection.

Additionally, a bad judgment call on running a red light can also cause a T-bone car accident.

As another example, one car could make a left turn into an intersection in front of oncoming traffic.

In addition, T-bone accidents happen in parking lots. A driver could back out of a parking space, for instance, when another vehicle comes along and hits the side of the car.

Lastly, T-bone accidents can also occur on a highway. For instance, a car could be speeding when the driver applies the brakes and goes into a skid. As the car is skidding along the highway, it turns sideways. That car could then have a side impact collision with another car on the highway.

WHAT DETERMINES FAULT IN A T-BONE ACCIDENT?

Various factors can determine who is at fault in a T-Bone accident case. For instance, was a driver speeding through a red light when he T-boned a car crossing the intersection?

Or did someone make a left turn into an intersection and misjudge the speed of the oncoming traffic?

Did alcohol or drug use impair one driver?

Was a driver distracted by talking on a cell phone and didn’t see the stop sign?

All these questions, and many more, can be investigated and answered by an experienced T-bone accident attorney.

Certainly, T-bone Accidents Can Be Devastating

Many of the safety features on our cars protect drivers and passengers from front and rear-end collisions. However, if a car gets in a T-bone collision, there is little protection for the driver and passengers in that car.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, any of the drivers in a T-bone collision can be held liable for the accident.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU GET IN A T-BONE COLLISION?

If you are injured, immediately see a doctor. Even if you have minor injuries, seek medical care. Remember, minor injuries to T-bone accident victims can become major injuries if not treated promptly.

In fact, some injuries to T-bone accident victims may not show symptoms for hours or days after the accident.

Be sure to tell your doctor all your injuries, no matter how minor they may appear to you.

If you can, take pictures of the accident scene. Additionally, take pictures of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident.

You should also get contact information for other drivers and witnesses. Of course, you will exchange information with the other drivers, such as license, insurance and registration details.

You should call the police to report the accident. Your insurance company will want a copy of the police report.

You should notify your insurance company as soon as you can. Indeed, the company may require notice within a specified time.

Lastly, if you have been injured, immediately contact an experienced Indiana T-bone accident lawyer. Indiana, as every other state, has specified periods within which injured persons must file personal injury lawsuits (two years from the accident; if a minor, two years from when the minor turns 18).

Don’t wait; you may get a call within days or weeks from the other driver’s insurance company. Certainly, you don’t want to talk to them until you have spoken to an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer.

WHAT TYPES INJURIES HAPPEN IN A T-BONE ACCIDENT?

As noted above, injuries in T-bone car accidents can be particularly serious, especially for the driver and riders in the car that is hit broadside. Below are several of the injuries that T-bone accidents cause:

• Soft tissue
• Bruises, lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Road rash
• Concussions, head injuries
• Shoulder, back and neck sprains/strains
• Damage to internal organs
• Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury
• Amputations of limbs
• Spinal cord/paralysis
• Wrongful death

Serious injuries that T-bone accidents cause can mean hospitalization for days or weeks. Additionally, once the hospital releases the injured person, she will have multiple follow-up visits with a doctor.

Lastly, people who get a T-bone accident injury may also need multiple visits for physical therapy.

WHAT ARE MY DAMAGES IN A T-BONE ACCIDENT CASE?

There are multiple damage claims you can make in a T-bone accident case:

Medical expenses

You may seek compensation to recover all your medical bills (even those for which insurance paid).

Lost wages

As part of your T-bone accident claim, you may recover the wages you lost because you had to miss work because of the accident.

Pain and suffering

This type of damage is subjective. Nonetheless, it is widely recognized in personal injury law. As a result, you can tell the jury how badly your neck sprain hurts you.

In addition, you can tell the jury how you got chiropractic treatment for weeks and you still have pain and stiffness in your neck. That is pain and suffering.

Disability

Furthermore, you can tell the jury about the lingering injuries you have and how they affect you. Perhaps you work in a warehouse and are required to lift or move boxes and other bulky items. But your neck injury interferes with that. You can tell that to the jury about.

Future medical treatment

If you suffered a head injury or compound fracture of a limb, you may need medical and physical therapy treatment for the foreseeable future. You (and your doctor) can tell the jury about your expected future treatment.

Loss of consortium

If a T-bone accident killed or severely injured your spouse, the jury can compensate you for losing the affection, advice and companionship spouses show to each other.

Personal injury law recognizes this claim. It is called the loss of consortium.

What is My T-Bone Accident Case Worth?

It all depends. Who caused the accident? Were you partially at fault? Can you prove the other driver solely caused the accident?

How bad are your injuries? Are the settlement offers from the insurance company fair?

In short, you will need legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer to answer these and other questions.

EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE T-BONE ACCIDENT INJURY ATTORNEY LAWYER

If a T-bone accident caused by a driver’s negligence injures you, a close friend or a loved one, you need an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

You need an experienced personal injury attorney who will collect evidence to support your claims. He will hire whatever liability and medical practitioners you need to prove your case. He will be sure the negligent driver’s insurance company fully compensates you for your injuries.

Contact us at our Hammond office at (219) 200-2000 or online at alexmendozalaw.com for a free consultation.