Side-impact collisions can be particularly dangerous because of the angle of impact and the reduced amount of protection at this angle. These collisions can result in severe injuries, as well as fatalities.
A side-impact car accident lawyer here in Cleveland can help you get justice when you have been hurt by a negligent driver. The Cleveland car accident lawyers from Tittle & Perlmuter are ready to put in the work. We will fight for you, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t delay. To request a free consultation with our team of attorneys, contact our Northeast Ohio law firm today.
What is a Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crash and Why Are Injuries So Severe?
A side-impact crash occurs when two vehicles collide at a perpendicular angle. According to the National Safety Council, these types of crashes account for 44.8% of deaths and 44.3% of injuries.
Part of what makes T-bone accidents so severe is that the side of the vehicle generally offers the least amount of external protection since it is the thinnest part of the vehicle. The force of impact may be more direct, and more force may be absorbed by victims. Hiring a side-impact car accident lawyer near you can provide legal support while you focus on recovery.Â
Common Causes of T-bone Accidents in Cleveland
T-bone accidents are most likely to occur at intersections and places where a vehicle must cross traffic. These collisions can occur for a variety of reasons, but human error is often a common underlying factor in these preventable accidents. Causes of these accidents can include:Â
- Failure to yield
- Running red lights
- Left turns
- Blind turns
- Speeding or driving aggressively
- Alcohol or drug impairment
- Distractions
A side-impact car accident law firm can help you determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault. We thoroughly investigate the accident so we can understand how the other party’s negligence caused your injuries.Â
Who Is Liable in a Side-Impact Collision?
Determining fault in a side-impact accident may not be as straightforward as it may look on the surface. The oncoming car may seem the most obvious liable party, but that is not always the case.
For example, if you and the other driver were both distracted, you could both be held liable for causing the resulting accident. To further add to the possibilities, defective vehicle parts could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. In these situations, manufacturers could even be held accountable.Â
Given the possibilities, it is important to talk with a side-impact car accident attorney and allow them to assess the accident to see what factors were at play.Â
How to Prove Fault in a Cleveland Side-Impact Crash
When you need to establish another party’s fault in a side-impact crash, it is important to have sufficient evidence to back up your claim. Types of evidence you can use include police reports, photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, vehicle repair estimates, and pay stubs showing lost income.Â
With this documentation, a side-impact car accident lawyer can demonstrate that the other driver violated their duty of care and caused an accident and losses, for which they may be liable for damages.Â
Injuries and Damages We See in Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact crashes can result in serious injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Damage to joints
These injuries can cause extensive physical damage, as well as emotional, psychological, and financial damage.
To offset the impact these losses have on your life, a side-impact car accident attorney can help you recover compensation, which may include:Â
- Cost of medical care
- Cost of property damage
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Death benefits, such as funeral and burial expenses
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and a lack of enjoyment
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Loss of consortiumÂ
The team at Tittle & Perlmuter thoroughly calculates the value of your losses and factors in variables such as the scope of your injuries, insurance limits, and shared fault. We aggressively fight for you to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Ohio Deadlines and Shared-Fault Rules That Affect Your Claim
It is important to pay attention to Ohio’s deadlines for filing a lawsuit in your case. According to Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, legal action must be taken within two years of when the accident occurred. Waiting too long to file could restrict your options or leave you bearing the burden of your expenses yourself. When you schedule a consultation with our side-impact car accident lawyers, we can discuss how long you have and what your options are.Â
Additionally, you should also be aware of Ohio’s modified comparative negligence laws, which come into play if you share fault for the accident. Per Ohio Revised Code §2315.33, any party who holds 1-50% responsibility for causing an accident is likely to have their compensation reduced by their level of fault. So if you were 15% at fault for an accident, that is how much your damages would be reduced by. For those who were at fault for 51% of the accident or above, compensation may not be recovered.  Â
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
To protect your health and claim after a side-impact collision, it is important to take a few steps.
Steps to Take at the Scene of the T-Bone Accident
You should file a police report about the accident and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved. Taking pictures and getting witness information can also be useful to use as evidence in your case.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Medical attention should be a priority, given the potential severity of these accidents. Receive a thorough exam, prompt treatment, and follow medical advice closely. You can even start collecting evidence by keeping thorough records that document your medical care and expenses.
Notify Your Insurance Company About the Accident
Additionally, you will also need to notify your insurance company about the accident within the timeframe stated in your policy. However, before submitting your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, talk to a side-impact car accident law firm for added support and protection.
How a Cleveland Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
When a side-impact car accident lawyer takes on your case, they can help with various facets of your case. Our team begins with investigating how the accident occurred, who was involved, what evidence is available, and so much more. The information we find and the evidence we gather inform how we develop your case, what strategies we use, and what case results we think we can get for you.Â
Insurance claims are not always easily resolved because insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. We submit a demand letter with the details of your losses so the insurance company will take your case seriously. We remain in communication with them as we negotiate on your behalf so your settlement is fair and reflective of what you have lost.Â
If the insurance company refuses to pay you what you deserve, then we prepare your case for trial so a judge and/or jury can issue a judgment in your case. During this process, we continue the discovery process and negotiations to help you receive fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About T-Bone Crashes
If the other driver was cited, does that guarantee they’re liable?
Just because the other driver received a citation, it does not mean that they are automatically liable for causing the accident. Fault must still be determined, including whether or not fault was shared between you and the other driver. However, a citation can be used as a form of evidence in your case.
What if I was a passenger in a side-impact crash? Who can I pursue a claim against?
If you were a passenger in a side-impact accident, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent driver, whether that is the driver of the vehicle you were in, another driver, or both, depending on the circumstances. If defective parts contributed to the accident, you could even file a third-party claim against the manufacturer. A side-impact car accident law firm can help you determine your options.Â
Can I recover compensation if I’m partly at fault in Ohio?
If you are partly at fault in Ohio, you may be able to recover reduced compensation as long as your fault remains below the 51% threshold. If you are eligible for compensation, your damages will likely be reduced in proportion to the amount of fault you hold for the accident. Talk to a Cleveland side-impact car accident lawyer about how to optimize your case for maximum compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a side-impact accident in Ohio?
You have two years to file a lawsuit after being involved in a T-bone accident. It is important to talk to a side-impact car accident lawyer near you right away, so you do not risk losing the ability to recover compensation after an accident.Â
Contact a Cleveland Side-Impact Accident Attorney Near You
Tittle & Perlmuter acts quickly and works diligently to help you get results after you have faced serious injuries in a side-impact car accident. We know these accidents can cause a variety of devastating losses, and we ensure that the insurance company pays you fairly for the losses you have suffered. For a free consultation with our side-impact accident lawyers in Cleveland, contact our Northeast Ohio law firm today.Â
