T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle collides into the side of another, making a “T” shape. These types of accidents are common and occur mostly at intersections. When someone is speeding and blows through a red light or stop sign, he or she can broadside a vehicle crossing the other direction. T-bone accidents can be devastating and leave victims searching for answers.
If you have been involved in a T-bone accident, Norris Injury Lawyers is here to help. We have dedicated over 40 years of our lives to supporting personal injury victims in the Birmingham, AL, area. You do not have to face your experience alone. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to fight for you 24/7.
You can reach us at (800) 477-7510. There is no fee unless you win your case.
T-Bone Accident Statistics
T-bone accidents are among the deadliest types of accidents on the road today. According to data from the IIHS, side-impact accidents account for the second-highest rate of death for vehicle types.
The numbers for each vehicle type break down as:
- 23 percent of all accident deaths
- 26 percent of car accident deaths
- 18 percent of pickup truck accident deaths
- 19 percent of SUV accident deaths
Frontal impacts result in more than half of all accident deaths, at 58 percent. Rear impacts came in last at 5 percent of deaths.
Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents
There are a few ways T-bone accidents can happen. One of the more common causes is drivers who run a red light or stop sign. Most roads intersect with other roads moving in a different direction.
Intersections are designed to allow for safe interactions so traffic can flow smoothly. A negligent driver who is not paying attention, though, can easily collide into the side of a vehicle that has the right-of-way.
The IIHS shared results of a study in 1999 that carefully watched five busy intersections in Fairfax, VA. They spent several months watching how drivers treated those intersections. It was concluded that motorists ran a red light approximately every 20 minutes. Even worse, they found that more people ran red lights during peak travel hours.
Other errors that can contribute to T-bone accidents include:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Bad road conditions
- Weather
- Reduced visibility
- Vehicle issues, like brake or tire problems that prevent stopping
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident caused by a negligent driver, call Norris Injury Lawyers today. We can help you get a fair settlement to compensate for your medical bills and suffering.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
In the moments after a T-bone accident, there might be a moment of shock. A car came out of nowhere and smashed into the side of your vehicle. Once you have collected yourself, the first thing you should do is make sure you and your passengers are not seriously hurt.
If you can do so, follow these instructions carefully. They might just help you later when making a claim against the at-fault driver
Call 911
After checking for injuries, the next step is to call 911. This ensures a police officer and medical professionals will be sent to the scene. The police will investigate the crash and file a report which can help with your case. Even if you feel you are not injured, let the medical professionals check you out for injuries. If they recommend going to the hospital, do not turn them down. You may not feel the symptoms of some injuries until later. A record of injury will help your claim for compensation.
Gather information
After calling 911, you should try to talk to as many people as you can. Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Speak to witnesses to get their statements. Having a statement from a bystander will go a long way towards proving who was at fault for the accident. This is especially true if it was obvious that the other driver ran a red light or stop sign.
Take pictures
Having photo evidence of the accident is another way you can bolster your case. Snap pictures of skid marks, the damage on both vehicles, and even the weather conditions. This will help piece together the events of what happened along with a police report and witness statements.
Call your insurance company
Once things have calmed down, do not forget to call your insurance company. You will need to do this to make a claim. It is important to note that the other party’s insurance company may call you to hear your version of events – but do not speak with them. The adjuster may attempt to find a way to poke holes in your story. Instead, politely hang up the phone.
Call Norris Injury Lawyers
Proving a personal injury case is not easy. Alabama is an at-fault state. This means a clear fault must be established before you can seek compensation. This requires a personal injury attorney to investigate on your behalf. We have over 40 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. We can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf and are prepared to go to court if necessary.
T-Bone Accident Injuries
T-bone accident injuries can be severe and life-threatening. This is especially true for the passengers sitting on the side that is hit. Even if passengers are wearing a seatbelt, the sheer force of the collision can cause their necks to snap violently to the left or right. Since their heads could impact that side door and glass, many vehicle manufacturers have started adding side-impact airbags to vehicles.
Victims of T-bone accidents may also be injured by broken glass, crushing metal, and more. Some of the injuries may require prolonged recovery or even cause permanent disability.
The most common types of T-bone accident injuries include:
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash
- Musculoskeletal damage
- Organ damage
- Deep lacerations, especially to the face
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal cord injury
- Bone breaks and/or fractures
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of hearing or sight
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- Facial disfigurement
- Loss of mobility
Who is Responsible for a T-Bone Accident?
After being involved in a T-bone accident, you might think it will be easy to determine who is at fault. The truth is, though, that there may be more than one responsible party.
The other driver
Yes, this might be obvious. The other driver slammed into you. It is likely the motorist was distracted or decided he or she was going to break the law, but this always is not the case.
Road engineers
The roads themselves can be in such bad shape that they cause an accident. Potholes or debris can force a driver to lose control and hit another vehicle. When this happens, the road construction workers or a government entity could be found liable.
Local municipalities
As briefly mentioned above, the accident can be caused by the lack of care of regional entities, such as the city or county. For example, they are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring roads are clear, which usually involves cutting back bushes, trees, and anything else that might limit your visibility. Some drivers have, unfortunately, come up to a stop sign only to find a giant bush blocking their view of oncoming traffic.
What Damages Can Be Claimed After a T-Bone Accident?
After being involved in a T-bone accident, you may be facing an uncertain future. Recovery can be long, grueling, and painful. You will likely have mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and so much more. This is where personal injury attorneys, like Norris Injury Lawyers, can help get you back on your feet.
Call us to find out about our client-based approach. We have the goal of offering compassionate support while you recover.
Medical expenses
Staying at the hospital and receiving ongoing treatment will be expensive. The good news is that it’s possible to recover 100 percent of your medical expenses now and in the future. This includes stays at the hospital, physical therapy, emergency room visits, and all future treatment.
Lost wages
While you recover from your injuries, you may not be able to work. How are you going to pay for all your other bills, like mortgage payments or rent, food, and electricity? A personal injury attorney can help you recover the lost income you would have made now and in the future.
Property damage
Often lost in the shuffle is the damage sustained to your vehicle. Whether the accident resulted in a total loss or required expensive repairs, these costs will be covered.
Pain and suffering
Considered non-economic damages, it can be difficult to pin a price on someone’s suffering. This can include a person’s mental and physical anguish. Our team of experienced attorneys will be able to include this in the fair settlement we can negotiate.
Call Norris Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, you do not have to suffer alone. Call Norris Injury Lawyers to help you through the process. We may not be able to treat your pain and suffering, but we can help ease the financial burdens caused by the car accident. We will not rest until you get every dollar you deserve. Our No Fee Guarantee® means you will not have to pay a dime until you win your case.
Call us right away at (800) 477-7510 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 for your convenience.
