T-BONE ACCIDENT
ATTORNEYS

Vehicle accidents, even minor ones, can cause a lot of problems. The situation becomes even more complex if you sustained injuries in the crash. Our attorneys can help you deal with the tasks following your accident.
 

Understand Your Rights and Options

The steps you take following an accident are ultimately your decision. However, it is our job to help you make an informed choice. We will explain your options, next steps and possible outcomes. We want to ensure you understand the process so that your decisions are best for you and your family.
 

Investigate the Accident

We will examine the accident scene by reviewing camera footage and photos. We may visit the site to observe the surroundings and look for possible hazards, tire marks and other evidence.
 
We also speak to witnesses and accident reconstruction experts to get a clear picture of what happened during the T-bone crash. It often helps to get perspectives outside the parties involved in the crash.
 

Review Accident Documentation

Your T-bone accident lawyer examines the police reports and witness statements from your broadside accident. We also review the medical documentation and billing records from your visits. These items can demonstrate your financial losses and help determine fault.
 

File Paperwork

The paperwork an accident generates can feel overwhelming, especially if you or your loved one are recovering from injuries. We can take care of completing forms and filing them on time so that you can meet deadlines.
 
You may need to complete forms for insurance companies and, depending on state rules, the Department of Motor Vehicles. Each state also has statutes of limitations on filing accident claims.
 

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often present an immediate offer, hoping you will accept. It can be tempting to take it — after all, you probably want to put the whole incident behind you and move forward as quickly as possible.
 
The initial offer, though, may be much lower than your claim is worth. Insurance companies have a vested interest in saving money. They may try to give you a smaller amount while hoping you don’t know the value of your claim. Our T-bone accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company. We have experience with similar cases and understand the value of your claim.
 

Prepare for Trial if Necessary

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, the chance of a trial exists, especially if all parties cannot agree on compensation amounts or who is at fault. If you choose to take your case to court, we will work on your behalf, representing you before the judge and jury.

If someone else’s negligence led to your side-impact accident, you may be entitled to different types of compensation. They cover the various injuries and expenses you face.
 

Property Damage

Your car likely has damage after someone broadsides you. Your T-bone accident lawyer will calculate the settlement you need to pay for bodywork and other repairs. You may require compensation to replace your vehicle if it is a total loss.
 

Medical Expenses

Medical bills can add up quickly after an accident. You may face costs related to:

• Hospital visits
• Follow-up appointments
• Physical therapy
• Lab work and X-rays

 
Some of these expenses occur immediately following the crash. Others may come up weeks or months later, depending on the extent of your injuries. Our lawyers work to ensure you get compensation to cover all your medical costs.
 

Missed Work and Lost Wages

You may require time off of work if you have significant injuries. During this time, you may lose money because you can’t work. You may also need time away from your job to attend therapy or doctor appointments.
 
Sometimes, your injuries affect your ability to earn future wages. You may be unable to return to the same job or work at all. If so, your T-bone accident lawyer will calculate your lost earning capacity.
 

 

Non-Economic Damages

An accident often causes damages that aren’t physically visible. However, they can affect you and your lifestyle significantly.
 
Depending on your injuries, you may experience chronic, debilitating pain and suffering that alters your life. You may also experience disfigurement from permanent, noticeable scars or severe trauma.
 
Mental anguish is another type of non-economic damage. The crash can leave you with insomnia, anxiety, depression, changes in eating habits and feelings of shame or embarrassment.
 
Loss of consortium and companionship are non-economic damages. If you lose a loved one, your family dynamics change, especially if it is a spouse.
 
These losses are often hard to estimate. Your T-bone accident lawyer can help you calculate them and pursue damages according to the laws of your state.
 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are uncommon, but they can be available when someone’s gross negligence causes an accident. These damages are not compensation for your loss but serve as a form of punishment for the party at fault. Punitive damages involve extremely reckless or irresponsible behavior.

A T-bone or side-impact accident happens when one vehicle crashes into the side of another one. The name comes from the T-shape of the impact.
 

Less Protection From Impact

In a front or rear collision, the engine and trunk take some of the impact before reaching the passengers. In a side impact, however, the only thing between you and the other car is the door.
 
Some vehicles have side airbags, which offer some protection. However, as your T-bone accident lawyer can explain, these accidents can leave drivers and passengers especially vulnerable to injuries.
 

Pushing Into Oncoming Traffic

A broadside crash starts with the initial impact, but the car that hit you may push you into oncoming traffic. This action can lead to a second or third crash.
 
If the at-fault driver pushes you into heavy or highway traffic, the results can be quite serious. It may result in a multi-car pileup, or the speed may cause vehicles to flip.
 

Possible Severe Injuries

The injuries in a T-bone accident can be severe. The head and torso are especially at risk in these types of collisions. Passengers are vulnerable to traumatic brain injury, major organ damage, arm and rib fractures, neck and spinal cord injuries, facial disfigurement and crush injuries.
 
These types of trauma can lead to disfigurement, permanent disability or even death. A T-bone accident lawyer can help calculate the expenses these injuries cost you.

Intersections are a common place for side-impact accidents. Cars moving in perpendicular directions through intersections often have a T-shaped impact if they crash.
 
At intersections, drivers may run a stop sign or red light, crashing into traffic driving on the cross street. Drivers may also fail to negotiate a left turn correctly or turn right on a red signal into oncoming traffic.
 

Entering or Exiting the Road

Other times, side-impact crashes happen when a driver attempts to:

• Pull out onto a highway via an exit ramp
• Turn onto a street
• Pull into a parking lot

 
Broadside accidents can happen when a driver exits a parking garage, driveway or parking lot. Talk to your T-bone accident lawyer if you believe you were hit by a negligent party pulling into traffic.
 

Beyond Simple Human Error

Some accidents happen because drivers are in unfavorable weather conditions or darkness or have an obstructed view. However, other accidents occur because a driver was behaving negligently.
 
Drivers may be holding or using their phones, taking their attention away from the road. A person may also be driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to make good decisions.
 
Other people may be driving while fatigued. It can often happen when truck drivers work too many hours without adequate rest.
 

Getting Help Regardless of the Accident Circumstances

No matter what the location or conditions of your accident are, the results can be devastating for you or a loved one. Our T-bone accident lawyer can advise you of your rights and help you decide how to proceed.