Being T-boned in a car accident—where another vehicle strikes the side of your car—can be a terrifying experience with serious consequences. These collisions usually happen at intersections and often result in significant injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of most vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a T-bone crash, it’s important to understand your legal options and what steps to take. A car accident lawyer with experience can help you determine fault, assess your damages, and fight for fair compensation. Our friends at Patterson Bray PLLC explain some of the things you should do if you are involved in an accident in an intersection where you get hit by another person who is being negligent.
How T-Bone Accidents Happen
T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, are most common at intersections. They usually occur when one driver ignores a stop sign, fails to yield while turning, or runs a red light. In many cases, one vehicle is moving straight through the intersection while another attempts a turn or enters the intersection from a cross street. Determining who had the right of way is key to establishing fault.
While it may seem obvious that the driver who struck the side of another car is responsible, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the driver who was hit may have entered the intersection without proper caution or may have failed to obey traffic laws. That’s why evidence—such as traffic camera footage or witness statements—is critical in these types of accidents.
Injuries That May Result From A T-Bone Accident
Side-impact collisions can lead to some of the most severe injuries, especially when the impact is on the side where a person is seated. Common injuries include head trauma, concussions, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. Even with the presence of side airbags, the sudden force from a T-bone crash can result in long-lasting physical and emotional damage. These injuries often require extended medical care and time off from work, which can cause financial strain in addition to physical pain.
What To Do After A T-Bone Collision
If you’re involved in a T-bone accident, safety should be your first concern. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay at first—some injuries may take time to show symptoms. If you’re able, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any traffic signals or signs. Get contact information from witnesses and request a copy of the police report, which can be a vital piece of evidence later.
It’s also wise to avoid discussing fault at the scene or with insurance companies before you’ve spoken to a lawyer. The wrong comment can be used against you during the claims process, even if you weren’t at fault.
How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
T-bone accident claims are rarely simple. Insurance companies often dispute who is to blame, especially when multiple vehicles are involved or there are conflicting accounts of what happened. A car accident lawyer can gather the evidence needed to prove the other party’s negligence. This may include reviewing traffic camera footage, analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
In addition to proving liability, a lawyer can help calculate the true value of your claim. It is crucial to know how injury settlements are calculated, and an experienced car accident attorney can do this for you. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company offers a low settlement or tries to deny the claim, your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf or take the case to court if needed.
If you’ve been T-boned in a car accident, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. A knowledgeable lawyer can make sure your rights are protected and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.