The common causes of side-impact collisions, or T-bone car accidents, include:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection
- Speeding
- Failing to make a safe left turn
- Failing to stop at a red traffic light or stop sign
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Vehicle malfunction
- Poor weather conditions
- Road hazards or poorly designed roadways
Distracted Driving Is a Common Cause in T-Bone Accidents
Although driving rules are clear about many of these issues, an unfortunate number of negligent drivers make careless decisions or fail to pay attention behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a significant cause of many of the injury accidents that happen on our roadways.
In 2018 alone, nearly 14,000 Ohio drivers crashed because they were distracted, according to data presented by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can include several activities, but a prevalent one is cell phone use. In general, anything that takes the driver’s attention away from driving can be a cause. This can include texting, surfing social media, emailing, or talking on the phone.
Although, distracted driving does not always involve a cell phone. It can also involve eating and drinking, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, pets in the car, or children.
These are just a few examples of how T-bone accidents happen. If you were injured in a T-bone accident, or some other type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver who caused the crash. Car accident attorneys can investigate the cause of your collision, determine fault, and help you build a case for recovery.
Proving Fault in a T-Bone Accident
Although some people think the driver of the vehicle who collided with the other vehicle is automatically at-fault in a T-bone accident, this is not always the case. Some T-bone collisions can be complicated, and it is not always clear who is liable. In fact, there can be some situations where both parties acted carelessly at the time of the crash and are both at fault.
To prove someone owes you compensation after a T-bone crash, you must show they drove their vehicle negligently. This standard has four elements that you must prove:
- The other driver owed you a duty to drive with reasonable care and skill.
- The other driver did not operate their motor vehicle according to this standard.
- You were injured as a direct result of the at-fault driver.
- You suffered damages such as injuries or lost wages.
Because T-bone collisions often happen quickly and with little warning, it can be hard to put the pieces together. This is where working with expert witnesses and personal injury attorneys can assist you in proving what you need to receive compensation. An accident reconstructionist expert can consider all the available evidence and reconstruct the sequences of events leading up to the crash, for example.
A Lawyer Can Handle Many Aspects of Your Case
Your accident lawyer will work diligently to gather evidence to show the other party is to blame for the accident. This can include eyewitness testimony, video surveillance, photographs, a police report, and more.
If someone failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign, for example, there might be other witnesses who can testify about how the other vehicle failed to stop before entering the intersection. If you need to prove the other driver was using their cell phone at the time of the accident, your lawyer can assist with this, too.
Other services your lawyer can provide include responding to daily communications about your case, appearing at trial on your behalf, preparing you to have your deposition taken if necessary, working on a settlement if you decide to pursue one, protecting your rights against an insurance company, and more.
You Could Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Losses
Your T-bone accident could result in various physical injuries and financial losses, none of which you should bear because of the actions of a reckless driver. You have a right to receive compensation for those losses, and personal injury lawyers can assist you with the insurance claim process. If necessary, they can also take your case to trial.
You could claim compensation for the following:
- Lost wages for your time away from work as you heal
- Reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from working as you once did
- Medical bills, including emergency room visits, medications, and tests
- Physical therapy and counseling
- Property damage, such as car repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one, please accept our condolences. We know money can never replace a family member, but your family may be able to collect compensation for funeral and burial expenses and loss of support. A car accident lawyer can explain the compensation you and your family could pursue.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Common Injuries Resulting From T-Bone Accidents
Following any vehicular accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Whether it is an emergency room doctor or your primary care doctor, they can assess the severity of your injuries and establish a treatment plan for your recovery. Legally, seeing a doctor as soon as possible will provide a connection between your injuries and the accident.
Due to their nature, T-Bone crashes can result in severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Shoulder injuries, including wrist and arm
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
In addition to seeing your doctor and receiving a treatment plan, you need to follow that plan to completion. Not only for your physical well-being, but again, legally, you don’t want to present any doubt to the insurance company about the severity of your injuries.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC Today
If you were hurt in a T-bone accident in the Columbus area, do not wait to learn more about your legal rights and options. You can take advantage of a free consultation with The Fitch Law Firm LLC by calling or submitting our free case evaluation form online.
During this consultation, you can explain what happened, how you were injured, and other key aspects of the situation. You can also ask questions about how the legal process works and whether an attorney may be able to assist you.