A side-impact collision, or T-bone, occurs in situations where the front end of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle, making a “T” shape of the two cars. If it occurs at high speeds, the injuries it inflicts could be severe and life-threatening. If you or a loved one were T-boned by a negligent driver, a skilled Cleveland car accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Speak to a knowledgeable side-impact collision attorney to discuss your case and legal options.
What Causes Side-Impact Accidents?
Side-impact collisions often occur when a driver pulls out or backs out of a private driveway and strikes the side of a car lawfully driving down the road at the same time.
Another fact pattern occurs when one driver goes through a red light and hits a vehicle that is traveling through a green light, or when someone makes a left turn when they did not have the right of way. However, these impacts could happen anywhere at any time.
Who Should I Call after a T-Bone Accident?
The first step a person in a side-impact collision should take is to call the police and emergency services right away to make sure there is a record of the incident. If they believe their injury is not urgent, and they do not need an ambulance, they should call a family member or a friend to come to the scene of the accident.
The driver should obtain information from the other party, including names and phone numbers. If possible, they should take pictures of the other person’s auto insurance card, any traffic signage nearby, and the damages to preserve the scene of the crash.
Following medical treatment, those who have been injured in a T-bone collision should retain an attorney. A lawyer could collect evidence including photos of the accident scene, and the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and police report number, if available.
Common Damages in T-Bone Collisions
In a side-impact collision, the vehicle frequently sustains exterior damage that could include dents to the doors, damage to the hinges that prevent the doors from opening, and broken windows. When the vehicle is equipped with side airbags, they will discharge in a side-impact collision. Unlike a rear-impact case, there could be frame damage, including twisting or fracturing of the frame, which could lead to the car being totaled.
Injuries in Side-Impact Crashes
The most common type of injuries in a T-bone accident includes:
- Bruising and scrapes
- Lacerations
- Broken hands, legs, or feet
- Burns
- Broken nose from the airbag deployment
- The injured party may also sustain shoulder injuries when the impact is on their side of the vehicle, as well as neck and back injuries that could lead to paralysis.
Schedule a Consultation with a Side-Impact Collision Attorney Today
If you were injured in a side-impact collision, the most important thing is to make sure your injuries are tended to. Immediately following medical treatment, it is best to seek help from a seasoned lawyer. A local side-impact collision attorney will begin their investigation into how the accident occurred. They will look for any video footage from the surrounding businesses or cameras in the intersection, as well as witnesses to help prove your case. A lawyer can put the at-fault party’s insurance on notice of their representation, so the insurance adjuster does not try to offer you a settlement lower than what it is worth. Ultimately, the lawyer will put all of the information together to make the best case and help you recover economic, non-economic, and possibly punitive damages.
The medical bills, mental anguish, and potential for lost wages could be recovered, though, with the help of a side-impact collision lawyer from Tittle & Perlmuter. Call today to get started on your case.
