We’ve all seen the aftermath of a T-bone accident or maybe even seen the actual accident occur. Crashes like this can be terrifying and happen extremely fast. No matter who is at fault, lives are changed, possibly forever.
There are many things to think about when you’re in an accident. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should know.
How Do T-Bone Accidents Occur?
A T-bone accident happens when the side of one vehicle collides with the front of another car, resembling the letter ‘T’ when the accident occurs. This kind of crash can happen almost anywhere and can be the result of several different things. For example, T-bone accidents can be in a parking lot, at an intersection, on a freeway, or in a neighborhood. It can also result from running a red light, not paying attention, or just a bad judgment call in general.
T-bone accidents can be hazardous simply due to the nature of a T-bone hit. A front head-on hit with one car is dangerous, but when the other car is getting hit on the side, possibly right at the door with a passenger, it can be very serious. Many injuries and even deaths occur each year due to side hits like this.
What Should I Do If I Am in an Accident?
The scene of the accident is where you make the first crucial decisions to protect yourself. It doesn’t matter how or where your accident occurs, the evidence of the accident is essential and will help determine who’s responsible.
Call the police at the scene of the accident so that a police report can be filed. The officer who reports to the scene may or may not make an initial decision about who is responsible for the accident. Document details in any way you can. Take pictures, record videos, and get witness contact information and statements as soon as possible. There are usually many people that saw the accident and can help.
With T-bone accidents, there is usually very little evidence at the scene showing fault. It’s hard to tell fault just by the way the cars are positioned. This is why witnesses are always key to your case. Another vital thing to remember is not ever to admit liability to the other driver at the scene.
Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Not just one person is always at fault in a T-bone accident situation. The driver in either car could be at fault, or even a driver in a car that wasn’t hit could be at fault. Sometimes it’s not always obvious.
Proving fault is not always easy. It’s a good idea to get help from a personal injury attorney. At Wormington & Bollinger, we work hard for your unique situation. Our experience can put you at ease as we take care of the hard things involved in the aftermath of an accident.
Possible Damages Caused By a T-Bone Accident
Did you know that according to the CDC, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death in the US for people aged 1-54? Even though there are many safety standards each car must meet in production, the ever-increasing size and weight of cars, trucks, and vans lead one to wonder if these standards are really safe enough.
A T-bone auto accident can create a host of issues for you afterward, too. The expenses and bills that suddenly stack up after an accident can be overwhelming and hard to sort through and deal with. What bills take priority? How will you pay for everything? Any costs that you can prove are a cause of your auto accident can be part of your claim. They can include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs (like surgeries, rehab or other treatments)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Car damage
Your attorney will need to prove the fault of the other party before a settlement can occur. Depending on the state where your accident occurred, you can determine what compensation you are able to claim. For example, in some states, you might not be able to collect any payment at all if you are more than 1% at fault. Other states will let you claim compensation even if you’re responsible for 50%.
Make sure to keep copies and documentation of all of your expenses together so that you can easily share them with your lawyer when the time comes.
Filing a Lawsuit After a T-Bone Accident
Obtaining a lawyer to help protect your rights and to help you receive compensation after a T-bone accident is not only wise but necessary. Your lawyer will gather all the evidence needed to show that another party was responsible for your accident and that their insurance needs to compensate you appropriately. Things like insurance disputes can be a lot to handle and take quite a bit of your time. This is why hiring a lawyer can be one of the best decisions you will make.
The evidence that you collect at the scene of the accident will really help your lawyer. When you decide to file a lawsuit, any information you have collected will be necessary to your case. Things like pay stubs to show lost wages, medical bills, and any other proof of your life being interrupted and changed due to your injuries will be key.
After you receive the immediate medical attention you need, hiring an attorney should always be your next step. You will need the guidance, expertise, and protection our lawyers can provide. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you when it comes to settlement time.
If you have been in a T-bone accident or know someone that has, contact us as soon as possible. Wormington & Bollinger attorneys offer a free legal consultation to know what options you have and what steps you should be taking. So get in touch with us to learn more and be in the best position for the best outcome possible.