Determining Fault in T-Bone Accidents

Also known as a broadside collision, a T-bone accident can cause those injured to miss copious time from work and family gatherings. Instead of doing things you enjoy, you may find your time consumed with doctor’s visits, surgeries, and physical therapy. In recovering for the entirety of your losses, you must establish the other driver’s negligence. This is no easy feat, and one that is best left to an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Dangers of T-Bone Accidents

Each year, T-bone accidents result in over 27,000 injuries. A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. Side airbags generally provide less protection than front airbags, making these types of crashes especially hazardous. Victims are at risk for serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Rib and pelvic fractures
• Spleen or internal organ damage
• Other severe traumatic injuries

Internal injuries like organ damage may not show immediate symptoms and are sometimes called the “silent killer,” making prompt medical attention essential.

How is Fault Established in a T-Bone Collision?

Determining fault in a T-bone collision relies on deciding if the other party was negligent. Finding the other party liable will be based on proving that the individual acted with less care than a reasonable person would in the same situation.

For a successful car accident claim, the following elements of negligence must be demonstrated:

• That the other driver had a duty to follow traffic regulations and laws when traveling to ensure the safety of other road users. (A duty that all drivers have).
• Through either an act or omission, the other driver breached their duty to the other driver. The most common traffic violation that results in a T-bone accident is failing to yield the right of way.
• The other driver’s actions substantially contributed to your injuries. Causation can be divided into two categories: Actual and proximate cause. Actual cause requires that the plaintiff prove that their injuries would not have occurred “but for” the defendant’s actions. Conversely, the proximate cause is based on the foreseeability of the harm you suffered. In a negligence claim, both elements of causation must be proven.
• As a result of the defendant’s actions, you sustained measurable losses (damages). Common damages in a T-bone accident include lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. In most circumstances, you can only recover pain and suffering damages if you purchase “full tort” coverage. However, pain and suffering damages may be sought if you have “limited tort” coverage but suffer “serious injury” or any other exceptions apply.

Persistence and Dedication During Traumatic Events

Nobody can describe the terror of having another driver strike the side of your vehicle. Often, T-bone accident victims never see the other vehicle approaching, placing them at a higher risk of serious injury. Since T-bone collisions can result in serious injuries, you may be out of work for weeks or potentially months. At Mette Law, we believe that you deserve to be compensated for both your present and future damages. Our legal team is dedicated to recovering maximum damages for injured motorists. Recouping the full extent of your damages is the first step toward physical and emotional recovery.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

The number of T-bone accidents increases steadily each year, placing more individuals in harm’s way. The ramifications of a T-bone accident can be felt in an individual’s personal and professional life. If you or a loved one has been affected by a T-bone accident, our Harrisburg personal injury lawyer would like to hear from you. To schedule a consultation to discuss your matter, contact our office online or by phone at (717) 232-5000.