A T-bone accident happens when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. While side-impact motor vehicle crashes are dangerous for all parties, injuries can be especially severe for the occupants of the car from the side that was hit, according to a study published in Injury Epidemiology. T-bone collisions occur for several main reasons, such as when drivers run red lights or stop signs or lose control of their vehicle.
If you were involved in a T-bone accident, a car accident lawyer could help you recover a monetary award from the other driver and their insurance company. The job of a car accident lawyer in Birmingham is to fight for your rights and make sure you recover the compensation to which you are entitled.
The Causes of T-Bone Accidents
Many circumstances can increase the chances of T-bone accidents, some involving careless or reckless driving behaviors, others a result of poor road or weather conditions. No matter how your T-bone accident happened, it is crucial to take the right steps afterward to minimize your liability and hold the responsible driver financially accountable. The person who caused the accident, not you, should be accountable for the damages.
Here are some of the most common potential causes of T-bone accidents:
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
A T-bone accident can occur when one driver runs a red light or stop sign and strikes a vehicle proceeding through the intersection with the right of way. Alternatively, the driver who runs the red light might be struck if they proceed into the path of another vehicle.
Those riding on the side on which the vehicle is struck will most likely suffer the most serious injuries.
Loss of Traction or Control
A T-bone accident may also occur when one driver loses control of their vehicle, or their tires lose traction with the pavement. This loss of control can cause the vehicle to skid sideways, potentially into the path of another vehicle that then hits it on the side.
When a T-bone accident results from a loss of control, it may not be the result of careless or reckless driving by either party. It is still possible, though, that one driver is considered at fault in the eyes of the law and thus financially liable. A lawyer can help you sort out liability after a T-bone accident caused by loss of traction or control.
Reckless Driving
Some T-bone accidents are the result of reckless driving behaviors, such as cutting across multiple lanes of traffic, drag racing, or drunk driving. If a reckless driver caused your T-bone accident, they should pay for the damages. A lawyer can help you in your fight to hold them accountable.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends all motorists take specific steps after an auto collision. Particularly after a T-bone accident, they recommend following these steps:
Get the Other Driver’s Information
Once you are out of harm’s way, you should always collect the other driver’s information, starting with their license plate number. This is so you can track them down if they leave the scene after the crash. You should also trade contact and insurance information.
Call the Police
If people were injured, or there was damage to one or both vehicles, it is a good idea to have a police officer come out and make a report, even if everyone involved in the accident is cooperating. You should also see a doctor as soon after your accident as possible, even if your injuries don’t appear serious. This ensures that should any driver involved in the crash decide to argue liability at a later date, you will have an authoritative statement to lend credibility to your claim.
If the police officer cites the other driver—perhaps for running a red light or stop sign—this evidence of a traffic violation can also go a long way toward demonstrating their liability and helping you recover compensation.
Call a Lawyer
You should speak with a lawyer after a T-bone accident, at least to educate yourself on what your options are. At the Morris Bart law firm, we offer a free consultation and do not charge a fee until we win money for car accident victims, which reduces financial risk for you.
Common T-Bone Collision Injuries
Because T-Bone accidents are often severe, the types of injuries car accident victims sustain are also more severe.
Here are some examples of common side-impact collisions injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Muscle strains
Spinal Cord Injuries
Due to the speed and impact of these kinds of collisions, victims often sustain spinal cord injuries. These can be relatively minor (such as whiplash), but they can also be catastrophic, resulting in paralysis or a loss of mobility. Spinal cord injuries may have life-long financial and health consequences, so victims should be compensated for these future needs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries occur when the head experiences a violent back-and-forth motion or is heavily impacted. The severity of a TBI depends on the force of impact and the kind of injury. While concussions may be a more minor type of TBI, victims of car accidents should always be examined by a medical professional to rule out severe complications of a head injury.
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Call the Morris Bart Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you were involved in a T-bone accident, the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help you protect your rights. For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call us today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
