The truth is that T-bone accidents account for a large number of injuries and fatalities in Ohio. Because there is less protection from the impact, the injuries suffered can be debilitating, amassing medical bills and reducing the victim's ability to earn an income.
When an accident of this nature occurs because of the negligence of another, taking legal action is often one of the victim's only options.
Before they file a T-bone car accident claim, it's important that they understand the ins and outs of such personal injury accidents. This article will shed some light on this topic to ensure that claimants have access to the information they need to guide their decisions. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also provide insight on head on car accidents in Ohio.
What Is a T-bone Accident?
A T-bone crash, also referred to as a side-impact or broadside accident, happens when the front end of a car comes into contact with the side of another. This makes a "T" shape, giving this type of collision its name.
T-bone accidents frequently occur at intersections when one car fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light, which results in the vehicle crashing into another perpendicularly.
In addition, these collisions can result in significant injuries or even death, especially if they occur at high speeds. T-bone accidents frequently result in head and neck injuries, shattered bones, and internal damage. Reinforced side panels and airbags can help to reduce the severity of such injuries.
Why Do T-bone Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries?
T-bone accident injuries typically sustained by victims range from mild (whiplash and minor sprains) to major (internal organ damage and spinal cord injuries). Following a T-bone accident, victims may be faced with considerable medical costs, lost earnings, and property damage.
An expert Ohio car accident attorney can assist in obtaining the financial compensation that injured drivers or passengers are entitled to for these losses.
These accidents are often serious because the force of impact is not dispersed by the crumple zones present at the front or back of the vehicle, as is the case in front- or rear-end crashes. Instead, the collision force is immediately delivered to the driver or passengers, who rely solely on a door and window to protect them from the blow.
Common Causes of T-bone Collisions
T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact accidents, are frequently caused by a combination of events that involve violating another driver's right of way or failing to follow traffic laws. The following are common reasons why these accidents occur:
Disregarding traffic signals or stop signs. One typical cause is blatant disregard for traffic signals or stop signs, which causes one car to collide with another.
Failure to yield the right of way. Another common issue is failing to yield, particularly at junctions.
Poor visibility. Not being able to see oncoming traffic because of barriers such as parked cars or overgrown plants can also contribute to T-bone collisions.
Speeding. Driving too fast is also another common cause. It's important to remember that speeding can increase the severity of such collisions by lowering the reaction time and increasing the force of impact.
Distracted driving. This includes behaviors such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving. Unfortunately, this introduces an additional element of risk because drivers may miss vital information.
Driving under the influence. When a motorist operates a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they often lose their sense of judgment, which can cause them to drive into another car.
Vehicle malfunctions. In some cases, manufacturing issues may lead to T-bone accidents. If the brakes are faulty, for example, and the driver collides with another vehicle, the manufacturer may be held liable for any resultant damages.
Poorly designed roadways or the presence of hazards. When poorly designed or maintained roads cause an accident, victims may claim compensation from the relevant municipality or government entity.
Assigning Fault in T-bone Car Accidents
When filing a personal injury claim for damages, it is important to identify the party at fault. The truth is that most people assume that the driver of the car who crashed into the side of another vehicle is the person to blame.
However, this is not true in all cases. If the vehicle that was hit on the side ran a red light or failed to stop at a stop sign, the other driver may be able to claim damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.
Then, there may be cases where both parties were to blame. Maybe one driver ran a red light while the other was speeding and could not slow down in time. This is where an experienced vehicle accident lawyer in Toledo can help.
To file a claim against an at-fault party, the claimant will need to prove four important elements. They are as follows:
Duty of Care
The first element that the plaintiff will need to prove is that the defendant owed them a duty of care. This means that the driver had a responsibility to act in a way that did not cause harm, as any reasonable person in the same situation would.
Fortunately, this is relatively easy to prove, as all motorists have a duty to follow traffic signs and the rules of the road.
Breach of Duty
Next, the victim will need to prove that the at-fault party failed to provide this duty of care. In the example used above, surveillance footage, photographs, and police reports could be used to demonstrate the defendant's failure to follow traffic rules.
Causation
The plaintiff will then need to prove that the T-bone collision is what caused their injuries. This will typically involve providing medical records, expert witness testimonies, and photographs that bear witness to the effects of the crash.
Damages
In addition, to successfully win a personal injury lawsuit, the victim must show that they incurred real damages as a result of the accident. This would be done by submitting medical bills, documents from the company to prove lost income, and bills from a repair company for property damage.
Claiming Compensation
Because T-bone crashes frequently occur unexpectedly and without notice, putting the pieces of it all together can be difficult. However, when victims choose to work with a reliable car accident attorney, they can build a strong case and obtain the compensation they rightly deserve.
Attorneys will go to great lengths to uncover vital evidence to back up a claim. They might call in an accident reconstruction specialist, for example, to examine all available information and recreate the order of events that led to the accident.
The truth is that it may not be necessary to file a lawsuit or legal claim for compensation following a T-bone accident. In many cases, filing a claim with the other driver's insurance company is enough to secure fair compensation for damages.
However, it's important to remember that insurance policies have caps, so if a T-bone collision has resulted in permanent disfigurement, amputations, disabilities, or other types of serious and life-changing injuries, the victim might want to consider a legal claim.
That's because medical expenses can accumulate, and in cases of serious injuries, these costs may be lifelong, which can place a considerable financial burden on the sufferer and their family.
By filing a personal injury claim with a trusted law firm, injured victims can receive the compensation they need to cover future expenses. They can also be given information on how to handle a hit and run car accident in Ohio.
How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
There are a number of ways a personal injury attorney can assist victims in pursuing compensation.
1. Advice and Guidance
There's no doubt that car crashes can be incredibly traumatic, and having to deal with the aftermath of a T-bone car accident on their own is often overwhelming for victims. A reliable lawyer can provide reassurance and guide the claimant through the legal process, ensuring that their legal rights are protected every step of the way.
2. They Investigate the Case and Gather Evidence
Secondly, attorneys conduct their own investigations into the cause of the accident, which can be crucial in identifying key sources of evidence.
3. Liaising with the Relevant Insurance Company
In addition, lawyers will also communicate with the relevant insurance company on the victim's behalf, which can prevent them from successfully fooling him or her with a low settlement offer.
The truth is that insurance companies are businesses, so reducing the amount of compensation that a person receives is in their best interest. Attorneys work in the best interests of the claimant, ensuring that they obtain fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
T-bone accidents can be devastating. When they occur, surviving victims can take action and recover financial compensation from the at-fault party. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are ready to go to war for T-bone accident victims to ensure that they are able to obtain the medical treatment they need to make a full recovery.
They can contact the firm for reliable advice and guidance on a suitable way forward.