T-bone accidents are automobile collisions in which two vehicles form the shape of a T – the front of one vehicle striking the side of another vehicle. Other terms for a T-bone accident are side-impact collisions and broadside accidents. The party at fault for a T-bone accident could be the driver that struck the broadside of another vehicle or the driver of the broadsided vehicle. The steps you take after a T-bone accident can decide whether you recover compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of a T-Bone Accident
T-bone accidents are almost always preventable. They occur when one or both parties involved do something wrong, such as running a red light or proceeding into an intersection without the right-of-way. Either or both parties might be at fault for a T-bone collision.
- Running a red light
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Ignoring rights-of-way
- Turning left in front of oncoming traffic
- A malfunctioning traffic light
- Failing to maintain a vehicle’s brakes
- Brake defects
Speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving and many other driver errors can cause catastrophic T-bone accidents in Phoenix. Proof of another driver’s fault for your collision could give you grounds for a claim against his or her insurance company.
Types of Injuries
The value of your T-bone accident claim will depend on many factors, including the type and severity of your related injuries. T-bone accidents often cause catastrophic injuries – especially when the impact occurs at high speed. One vehicle colliding with the side of another could seriously injure passengers in both vehicles.
- Blunt force trauma
- Head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Knee injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Internal injuries
A T-bone car accident can crush one or both vehicles, leading to shattered windows, roof collapses, airbag deployment and many related personal injuries. Survivors may have permanent disabilities and disfigurements, on top of significant emotional injuries.
Liability in a T-Bone Case
One of the first steps to take after a T-bone collision in Arizona is to identify who or what caused your crash. Arizona’s tort-based insurance system means the at-fault party will be financially responsible for everyone else’s damages. With help from professionals such as police officers, crash reconstructionists, investigators and attorneys, you may be able to identify the at-fault person and bring a claim to damages against him or her.
- The other driver
- The city for an unsafe roadway or defect
- A vehicle manufacturer for a defective part
- A property owner for a dangerous roadway
- Multiple defendants
If you can prove someone else’s fault for your T-bone collision, you may qualify for financial compensation from that party for your damages. The at-fault driver may owe you compensation for your personal injuries, related medical bills, lost wages, lost future capacity to earn, physical pain, suffering, emotional distress, vehicle repairs and more. The money you earn through an insurance claim or injury lawsuit could help you and your family move forward after a serious side-impact crash.
How a Lawyer Can Help in a T-Bone Case
After a T-bone accident, stay calm and start collecting data about your collision. Use your cellphone to take photographs and videos of the scene of the crash, if you can. Photographs can serve as strong proof during your injury claim. Go to a nearby hospital in Phoenix for medical care for your injuries. Keep copies of medical documents such as x-rays and treatment plans. Do not admit fault for the T-bone accident. Call the police to respond to the scene, requesting an ambulance, if necessary.
Once you have received medical care for your injuries, contact the insurance provider of the at-fault party to file a claim. Your claim should include a full breakdown of what the crash will cost you in terms of medical bills, vehicle repairs and other damages. Then, contact an attorney for assistance with the insurance claims process. A car crash attorney in Phoenix can prevent an insurance claims adjuster from taking advantage of you during settlement negotiations. You can rely on your lawyer to handle the claims process for you while you focus on healing.