Did you know that approximately 25% of all car accidents involve a T-Bone collision? Further, nearly 18% of all fatal car wrecks can be attributed to these side-impact collisions. This makes T-bone car accidents extremely dangerous, as the front end of a car can absorb anywhere from two to five times the amount of force as the side panels. Joey Greenwald, a renowned Shreveport car accident lawyer, has handled several cases for clients who have been wounded in such tragic accidents. He works tirelessly to receive compensation for those whose lives have been hit head-on by these types of crashes. In this post, the Greenwald Law Firm will provide more information regarding these devastating accidents and what you might expect from a T-bone car accident settlement.
What is T Boning?
A T-bone collision is a type of accident that may also be known as a side-impact collision or an angular collision. It happens when the front end of one automobile collides with the side of another. This might happen on either the passenger or driver’s side of a vehicle.
Because of the way the automobiles meet in these accidents, it has been termed a “T-Bone” accident. Think of it this way: the horizontal top of the T is represented by one automobile, while the vertical line is represented by the other.
When one motorist fails to yield the right of way to the other, a T-bone collision may occur. As such, the majority of T-bone collisions happen at busy intersections when one of the two automobiles fails to stop when it should. Depending on the flow of traffic, the negligent driver who runs a red traffic signal or a stop sign may either be the one who T-bones someone else or is the one who gets T-boned.
When a person is struck from the side, the only thing separating them and the force of the impact is a door and a window. Because there is essentially no barrier between one vehicle and the person inside the other, T-bone automobile accidents can be extremely dangerous.
What To Do After a T-Bone Accident?
The first thing you should do following a T-Bone accident is to ensure that you and any passengers, if any, do not have life-threatening injuries. In a T-Bone crash, it’s very likely that someone received injuries, even if you can’t see them right away. You’ll want to get medical help as soon as possible. After you are sure medical assistance has been requested, you’ll also want to make sure police are on their way.
Once the police arrive, they will supply you with a report that you will later need to file your claim. If you need to be taken to the hospital immediately, this report can be done later. Of course, your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance.
It is also important that you collect the necessary contact information of all persons involved in the crash, including any potential witnesses. You’ll need their phone numbers, their names, and driver’s license information.
You’ll want to document as much evidence as possible while you’re still on the scene (so long as your injuries are not too severe). If you have access to a camera, take as many photographs as you can. Include the entire scene of the accident, all involved vehicles, visible injuries, and any property damage.
Next, contact your insurance company. You’ll want to report the accident as quickly as possible since many insurance companies have reporting obligations. You may lose your right to file a claim if you miss the deadline.
Finally, contact a Louisiana car accident attorney. Having an attorney there for as much of the process as possible is important. DO NOT speak with the insurance company of another motorist until you have spoken with your own attorney.
Common T-Bone Car Accident Injuries
T-bone vehicle accidents are among the deadliest of all traffic collisions. A T-bone collision is one of the most common types of traffic accidents, and it frequently results in the most severe injuries and fatalities. In the majority of these collisions, the driver and/or passengers hit from the side typically sustain more injuries than the opposing motorist. This is because the car hitting head-on will have additional safety measures, such as airbags and crumple zones, to protect them.
Because of the lack of side protection, T-bone accidents frequently lead to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries that result from a T-Bone auto accident include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Brain Damage
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), head trauma, spine injuries leading to paralysis, herniated discs, etc.
- Neck Injuries
- Broken, Crushed, or Amputated Limbs
- Injury to Internal Organs
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Orthopedic Injuries
- Significant Bruising
- Broken Bones
- Hip Injury
- Shoulder Injury
Who’s at Fault in a T Boning Accident
Because failing to give the right of way is the most prevalent cause of side-impact crashes, T-bone accidents are usually the fault of the vehicle that initially hits another. In T-bone investigations, speeding and running traffic signals are frequently found to be the cause of the accident. However, though it’s common that the motorist who T-bones another car is often the at-fault driver, this isn’t always the case. The accident can be a result of either driver. It’s also possible that the responsibility will be shared between the two parties.
For example, let’s say one of the drivers failed to grant the correct individual the right-of-way. They certainly hold responsibility, but if the other party disobeyed the law or was driving while distracted, they may share some of the blame.
Average T Bone Accident Settlement
There is generally no such thing as an “average T-bone car accident settlement.” In fact, you can never truly know how much to expect from a car accident settlement of any kind. This is due to the fact that every case is inherently different, especially a T-Bone accident case. Compensation for a T-bone car accident settlement depends on a number of things. This includes the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries, the amount of financial loss incurred as a result of those injuries, losses incurred by a spouse or dependents, and more. Some of the economic damages and non-economic damages your attorney will seek compensation for in your personal injury settlement include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Immediate medical attention, ongoing medical care, physical therapy, pain medication, medical devices, etc.
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional or mental distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Due to the severity of a T-bone collision and the common car accident injuries that often occur, you may be looking at anywhere from hundreds of thousands to even millions of dollars in settlement money.
Contact the Greenwald Law Firm ASAP
At the Greenwald Law Firm, we recognize the pain and distress that motor vehicle accidents such as a T-bone accident can impose on you or a loved one. We also recognize the need for financial recompense for the resulting losses. That’s why you need the help of Shreveport personal injury attorney Joey Greenwald. Joey has extensive experience helping clients all across Louisiana with their personal injury cases, including a number of T-bone collisions. To schedule a free consultation today, call the Greenwald Law Firm at 318-219-7867.