T-Bone Car Accidents
There are many ways in which car accidents can occur. One common type of crash is a T-bone accident. Also known as a side impact crash, a T-bone accident is when the front of one car collides with the side of another. T-bone crashes can be serious in nature. They caused 23% of motor vehicle fatalities in 2020.
T-bone accidents tend to occur at intersections where there is a stop light or stop sign. Going through a yellow light is dangerous, as a car which may have the right of way might hit a turning vehicle. It’s also possible that a driver may pass through a stop sign and hit the side of a vehicle while in the intersection.
Sadly, drivers can make dangerous decisions that can lead to a T-bone accident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Running a red light
- Distracted driving
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Icy roads
Who is at Fault?
In a T-bone crash, the driver of either vehicle may be held responsible, either in whole or in part. Sometimes it is easy to determine which driver caused the accident. For example, if a driver did something illegal, such as running a stop sign or making an illegal turn, then they could clearly be at fault. However, every accident is different, and it is important to know your rights and consult an experienced car accident attorney to discuss the details of the accident.
If you have been injured in a T-bone crash, you will need to prove negligence. There are four elements involved:
- The other driver had a duty to act in a safe and reasonable manner while behind the wheel.
- Breach of duty. The other driver was negligent, which means his or her behavior fell below the level of care an average reasonable person would have exhibited
- The T-bone accident directly caused harm to others.
- The T-bone accident resulted in damages, such as medical bills, property damage, scarring, and lost wages.
Your Options for Financial Recovery
After a T-bone accident, there are several options for victims to obtain the compensation they deserve. These options include:
- Compensation from the at-fault driver. This will typically be an injured person’s first course of action.
- Usually, this involves dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company if that driver had liability insurance on their car. You may be offered a settlement or you may have to go to court.
- Medical treatment paid for by your own health insurance. Each health insurance plan is different. However, your own health insurance plan may cover the treatment you receive, including emergency room care, medications, surgeries, lab work, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses.
- Compensation from your own auto insurance. Depending on the type of coverage you have, you could receive compensation for damage to your vehicle, as well as medical bills and even lost wages. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you could also receive compensation if the at-fault driver had little or no insurance.
Contact Us Today
T-bone crashes can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Get the right legal help on your side so you can recover compensation for damages.
Car crashes can cause significant damages. Contact a Columbia car accident lawyer at Simmons Law Firm for help with your case. Because issues can arise regarding insurance coverage, it is important to speak with one of the experienced accident attorneys at Simmons Law Firm immediately following your accident. Fill out the online form or call (803) 779-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/t-bone-accident/#:~:text=T%2Dbone%20accidents%20most%20often,stop%20light%20or%20stop%20sign.
