Side impact crashes, also known as T-bone car accidents, account for almost 25% of vehicle accident fatalities each year, according to an IIHS report. In these types of accidents, one vehicle strikes another on the side, at an angle, sometimes causing a ripple effect when the impact causes the vehicle to spin out of control potentially crashing into yet another car.
When you are in a car from a side angle, the force can cause you and all of the car’s occupants to be violently thrown around rapidly – even when you are wearing seat belts and/or the other vehicle is moving at a slow speed. It’s common to suffer injuries like whiplash, fractures, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injury.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the liable party that caused your crash. By taking legal action, you may be able to recover funds that can pay for your car damage, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. It’s important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to understand your options.
What are the Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents?
Side impact collisions most often occur at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way and collides with another vehicle. Another common scenario is a parking lot accident or one in which a driver is backing out of a driveway and is hit broadside by an oncoming car. In these situations, there is likely to be a driver found to be liable for the accident due to negligence. Failing to yield the right of way, driver inattention or distraction as well as illegal activities like drunk driving all constitute negligence on the part of the at-fault driver.
In some cases, the other driver may not bear all or any liability. Manufacturer defects could cause brake failure or other complications that may contribute to a crash. Missing traffic signs or signals can also lead to a t-bone accident.
Settlements after a T-Bone Accident: Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Don’t be quick to accept any offer from the insurance company that comes your way. Many injured victims in a side impact collision suffer serious injuries that require medical care and missed time from work. Given the amount of loss, it isn’t unusual for an accident victim to be unhappy with the initial amount offered. Insurance companies are in business to maximize their profits and minimize claims. If you have been injured in an accident, in many cases, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with the insurer to get a more reasonable settlement for your injuries.
Before you start the negotiation process with an insurance company, consider your situation. If you’ve incurred medical bills, missed work and especially if you anticipate needing further medical treatment, an experienced personal injury attorney’s help would be of use to you. Unless it is a minor issue, such as a case under $5,000, a car accident lawyer may be able to do more for you in securing fair compensation for your claim.
Side Impact Collision Medical Expenses
Car accident claims often include the value of your medical expenses. The higher the value that you are seeking, the more complex the negotiation becomes--and the more important it is to enlist the help of a car accident attorney who can do all of the negotiations on your behalf. If your medical treatment will extend far into the future, or you have lasting injuries that will require ongoing treatment, your claim could include a demand for compensation for future medical expenses, future pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, or lost income. Most insurance adjusters will take you seriously if you pursue a high-value claim with the help of a lawyer, making it much easier to obtain fair compensation.
Pain and Suffering in T-Bone Accident Settlements
When filing an injury claim, you can also recover non-economic damages, such as ‘pain and suffering.’ There are no specific rules around how pain and suffering is calculated in a claim. Insurance companies look at the severity and permanency of your bodily injuries. In other words, you will be entitled to more money for pain and suffering if you suffered a serious burn than if you bruised your leg. The more severe and permanent your injury is, the more pain and suffering you will experience.
Get Legal Help after a T-Bone Accident
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it? When you hire an attorney from our team at Brandon J. Broderick, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success with car accident settlements and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.