We never imagine getting side-swiped unexpectedly when most of us enter an intersection. However, these collisions, or t-bone accidents, happen more often than you might think. The force of these side-impact accidents often severely injures drivers and passengers. If you suffered injuries in a t-bone accident, read on to learn more about these accidents and how a Sacramento t-bone accident attorney can help you get the financial relief you deserve.
The Most Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents occur when the front of one car strikes the side of another. There are several ways this collision may occur. But the most common cause is a driver’s failure to yield, which results in their car striking a vehicle that is appropriately entering the same intersection. Other common causes include the following;
- Speeding,
- Reckless driving,
- Failing to adhere to traffic lights and signals,
- Distracted driving,
- Driver inexperience,
- Inclement weather resulting in poor visibility, and
- Unsafe intersections.
Maintaining awareness of the most common causes of t-bone accidents can help keep you safe when you’re on the road.
How Is Fault Determined?
One of the most common questions after t-bone accidents is, Who is at fault? Determining liability is critical to obtaining much-needed compensatory damages. California is an at-fault state, meaning that to recover compensation, you must prove the required elements of negligence.
- Duty—the driver owed a duty of care to operate their vehicle in a reasonable manner;
- Breach—the driver breached this duty by failing to operate their vehicle reasonably;
- Causation—the driver’s breach caused the t-bone accident; and
- Damages—you suffered damages as a result of the driver’s breach.
Proving negligence is not always easy and requires the help of an experienced Sacramento t-bone accident lawyer.
California also requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of automobile insurance. As an at-fault state, injured victims may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. All drivers must carry liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person,
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and
- $5,000 for damage to property.
However, those suffering from catastrophic injuries may find these coverage limits fail to adequately cover the total cost of their losses. In these situations, your attorney may advise you to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver individually.
What Type of Injury Is Commonly Associated with T-Bone Accidents?
The most common injuries from t-bone car accidents include the following:
- Severe cuts and bruises,
- Muscle sprains and tears,
- Damaged spinal discs,
- Nerve damage,
- Whiplash,
- Internal bleeding or organ damage,
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis,
- Facial injuries or disfiguration,
- Amputation or loss of limb, and
- Broken bones.
You may face a long road ahead as you recover from your injuries. Many injuries suffered in t-bone accidents can cause permanent damage and force victims to change their way of life. You have the option today to speak with our attorney to seek fair compensation.
Damages After T-Bone Car Accidents
California permits injured victims compensatory relief through economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are direct financial losses resulting from the accident. Examples of economic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Loss of future earnings,
- Lost wages, and
- Property damage.
Maintaining a record of these tangible losses helps your lawyer calculate your economic damages demand. Keep copies of invoices, bills, and pay stubs to support your claim.
Non-economic damages are more subjective losses usually identified as a victim’s psychological and emotional harm. Examples of non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Permanent disability and disfigurement.
Non-economic losses substantially impact a victim’s life. However, there are no receipts or invoices to help you calculate the value of such intangible losses, so having a lawyer can help to ensure that you get properly compensated.
FAQ
What Are Examples of T-Bone Accidents?
A typical example is when one driver makes a left-hand turn and another fails to yield, therefore hitting the left-turning car. T-bone accidents also happen when one driver runs a red light and hits another car that is entering the intersection properly.
How Common Are T-Bone Accidents?
In 2021, t-bone accidents made up 8% of total crashes in the United States. Despite this small percentage, t-bone accidents tend to result in severe injuries.
What Happens to Your Body When You’re T-Boned?
The force of impact causes the occupants of the t-boned car to move side-to-side suddenly. Due to the impact force and location, t-bone accidents cause more severe injuries to the upper body, including spinal injuries, head injuries, and internal bleeding.
What Percentage of T-Bone Accidents Are Fatal?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 23% of t-bone collisions were fatal in 2020. The individual in the t-boned vehicle often suffers the most severe injuries.
What Causes Death from a T-Bone Accident?
T-bone accidents may cause internal bleeding, which can be fatal without prompt and appropriate medical attention. Fatal head injuries can also occur.
What Side of the Car Is Hit Most Commonly in a T-Bone Accident?
The impact of a t-bone accident usually affects the right or left broad side of a car and the front of another.
Contact The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C. Today
At the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., we provide full-service legal representation for car accident claims, family law matters, and employment law issues. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. Our mission is to zealously represent our client’s interests while keeping the process as amicable and as straightforward as possible. While we try to resolve cases without litigation, we understand that a settlement is not always possible. We have vast trial experience and are fully prepared to take your case to a jury if needed. We take the time to get to know you and create a personalized legal strategy aligning with your specific needs. Contact the attorneys at The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, PC, by phone or email for a free consultation to find out how we can assist you!