Side impact collisions or T-bone traffic accidents can happen in various traffic situations. The impact can be particularly devastating, and the consequences are costly. That’s because the safety features in cars protect the occupants from front and rear-end collisions and not side-impact collisions. Worse still, older cars lacking side airbags provide little or no protection.
You might sustain severe injuries when involved in a T-bone accident, and paying for them may be costly. If you’re wondering who will pay for your medical expenses, it might help first to determine who was at fault in the T-bone accident. That helps in determining liability and pursuing appropriate compensation. To discuss your case specifics, a Pasadena personal injury attorney can help.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
T-bone accidents happen when one car hits another on the side. The accident results in the vehicles forming a “T” figure. The crashes are also called side-impact or broadside collisions and typically happen at intersections. They may also occur on interstate and highways when a driver loses control and skids sideways.
Common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Brake failure
- Driving under the influence or while impaired
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring a stop sign or running a traffic light
- Not looking both ways when turning in an intersection
Depending on the speed and location of the accident, the injuries can be severe and may prove fatal. A Pasadena car accident attorney can help you file a compensation claim for the damages or wrongful death.
Who are the Potentially Liable Parties in a T-Bone Accident
Proving who is at fault for a T-bone accident is rarely easy. You must gather the right evidence, but a Pasadena car accident attorney can work with you to build a strong case. Numerous scenarios can lead to a T-bone accident with more than one party at fault. An attorney can evaluate the T-bone accident to determine liability.
Some of the parties to investigate include the following:
The Drivers Involved
Either of the drivers involved in a T-bone accident may be at fault. If a driver slams into another vehicle’s side or is struck broadside, the motorist who fails to yield to the other with the right of way will be at fault for a T-bone accident.
It’s not uncommon for people to wrongly believe that the driver of the vehicle that slammed into the side of the other is automatically at fault. Car accident attorneys know that it’s not always the case. The other driver whose car was slammed into could have been at fault.
The drivers at fault may disagree on who has the right of way. Depending on the accident’s circumstances, any driver in a T-bone accident may share responsibility. A car accident lawyer in Pasadena can collect key evidence to prove liability to help you meet the requirements of the case.
Defects in the Vehicle
Defective vehicle parts can lead to possible complications that contribute to or cause a T-bone accident. For example, the other driver may have run the red light because of faulty breaks. That begs the question if a T-bone accident caused by defects in the vehicle is the fault of:
- The driver for not getting routine maintenance
- The manufacturer for releasing a defective vehicle component to the market
- The shop that inspected the brakes and didn’t recommend any action
Suppose the injuries were severe because the collision prevented the side-impact airbags or occupant’s seatbelt from deploying. In that case, the manufacturer or repair shop could potentially share some liability for the accident or the severity of the injuries. Your lawyer can investigate the vehicle’s condition during the crash to determine if the manufacturer is at fault.
Another Driver
The driver at fault in a T-bone accident may have tried to evade the collision without success. For example, a driver may turn improperly in front of an oncoming car, causing the at-fault driver to swerve to avoid the collision, only to end up ramping into another vehicle. The driver who made the illegal turn holds liability, despite his car not hitting any other.
The driver is legally obliged to remain at the scene, but they may not. Talking to your witnesses and documenting the immediate aftermath of the T-bone collision may help your lawyer determine liability and identify the party that may not have remained at the scene to take responsibility.
How Will My Attorney Prove Liability?
A thorough investigation of the accident must happen to determine who is at fault. Some records that can help prove liability include:
- Pictures or videos of the scene
- Eyewitness accounts
- Official police reports
These can assist your legal team in recreating the accident and identifying the party responsible for the crash or the percentage of fault each party had in the collision. Most of the evidence must come from the accident scene. However, you must also present your medical bills and prove your lost wages to show how the accident has affected your life.
What Type of Compensation Can I Get?
The consequences of a T-bone accident can be devastating, plunging you into a lifetime of incapacitation. The medical expenses may pile up after losing your source of income. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you don’t have to meet the costs from your pocket.
A personal accident attorney in Pasadena can help you pursue compensation for:
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Property repair or replacement
- Medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Wages for time missed at work
This list isn’t exhaustive as you could get compensation for other expenses and damages.
Aggressive Legal Guidance From Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
If you sustain injuries in a T-bone accident, don’t wait until it’s too late to file a claim. It would be best if you took action to protect your life and future. Working with a car accident attorney in Pasadena increases your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Our personal injury lawyer can gather the evidence required to prove that another party caused the wreck. They can also pursue that party and their insurer for compensation. Don’t suffer in silence. Contact our firm to schedule a FREE case evaluation.
