All accidents are dangerous and serious events. However, a T-bone collision is one of the more severe and potentially fatal types of accidents. T-bone accidents (also known as a side-impact collision) occur when one vehicle hits another on its side with its front end. When a T-bone collision happens, it is often as a result of a driver running a stop sign, red light, or otherwise not adhering to the rules of the road. These infractions are likely to occur when a motorist is distracted (i.e. texting while driving, surfing the internet, reaching for something in their vehicle, etc.), in a rush, or driving recklessly. Many T-bone collisions result in severe injuries such as brain damage, back/spinal injuries, extreme contusions, broken bones, or death. Those that are involved in T-bone collisions typically suffer far worse injuries than those involved in rear-end collisions. If you have been involved in a T-bone collision accident, it is imperative that you get compensated for your injuries. Give the San Diego t-bone collision attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers a call to schedule your free consultation today.
T-Bone Collision Statistics
T-bone collision statistics are likely to surprise you. They are a lot more common and much more deadly than you may suspect. Listed below are pertinent facts about T-bone collisions.
- According to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration, there are approximately 8,000 deaths each year as a result of T-bone accidents.
- A T-bone collision is most dangerous for children
- More than 50% of car collision fatalities are a result of a T-bone collision
- Fatalities resulting from a T-bone collision are on the rise across the nation
- Many T-bone collisions result in additional accidents like hitting a guardrail, traffic light, or another car that was not involved in the initial collision.
Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
Determining fault in a T-bone collision is not a “cut and dry” process. Conventional knowledge may lend one to believe that the driver that the colliding driver is always at fault. However, this is not always the case. In some cases, the motorist that is hit is at fault and other times a third party may be the culprit. Furthermore, multiple drivers may be at fault in certain situations. T-bone accidents typically happen when a driver is not given the appropriate right of way. For example, a driver is broadsided by another driver that was supposed to stop at a red light or stop sign. Even in this scenario, the driver that is hit may share some of the fault. This is especially true if they could have avoided the oncoming collision but was speeding or distracted.
What Does Comparative Fault Mean?
The State of California operates under comparative fault personal injury laws. This means that blame is assigned to each party based on the percentage of fault that they share. For instance, if a judge or jury finds that ‘Driver A’ was mostly at fault, but ‘Driver B’ shared some of the blame, it may affect the amount of compensation that ‘Driver A’ can recover. The amount of fault attributed to each driver will be determined by police reports, eye-witness accounts, personal testimony of each driver, etc. In the case that you have been involved in a T-bone collision, it is recommended that you immediately seek medical attention, collect as much evidence as possible (video, pictures, observations, loose car parts, etc.), identify potential witnesses, an connect with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as you can.
Connecting With a Personal Injury Attorney
To successfully prove that your specific injury occurred as a result of another driver’s negligence in a T-bone collision you must present strong evidence in a fashion that is convincing to insurance companies and/or courts. This is not an easy task to accomplish on your own. If you have been the victim of a T-bone collision, it may be in your best interest to work with an experienced personal injury attorney that can effectively investigate your claim, advise you, and present your case to insurers as well as in court. Give the San Diego t-bone collision attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers a call today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your T-bone collision claim today.