You deserve compensation for your pain and suffering after a T-bone accident with a tractor-trailer truck. Contact Burg Simpson today, and let us fight for your rights.
T-bone car accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another at a perpendicular angle, forming the shape of a "T" at the point of impact. These accidents are among the most dangerous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Many T-bone accidents take place at intersections, where one driver disregards a stop sign or red light and drives through the intersection while another vehicle crosses the intersection. A bad judgment call on a green light can also cause a T-bone accident, especially if a driver is speeding or distracted.
However, T-bone accidents can also occur in other situations. For instance, they can happen on a highway or interstate when a driver loses control of their vehicle and skids sideways, striking another vehicle. T-bone accidents also occur in parking lots when a driver backs out of a parking space, and another vehicle strikes them from the side.
Because of the sheer force of impact in T-bone accidents, occupants of the struck vehicle are at a higher risk of serious injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. The consequences of these injuries can be long-lasting and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, death may occur. In this case, you should seek guidance from our wrongful death attorneys.
Though there are many situations where an accident can happen involving a tractor-trailer or a T-bone type of wreck, below are some of the most common scenarios in which we see this kind of motor vehicle accident.
Imagine a small sedan driving through an intersection when a large commercial truck runs a stop sign and slams into the sedan's side, creating a T-bone collision. The crash's impact can cause catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries resulting from T-bone car accidents involving semi-trucks include:
It's not uncommon for both parties involved to share some level of negligence, which can complicate the legal process further. For example, the driver who runs a red light and hits another car may bear more responsibility for causing the accident, but the other driver who was texting while driving could also be partially at fault.
In cases with multiple at-fault parties, pure comparative negligence laws come into play. Comparative fault states include Alaska, Kentucky, and Rhode Island. Comparative fault is a legal principle where each party's level of responsibility is evaluated to determine the amount of compensation they are entitled to or if they are accountable for paying damages.
The court finds the driver of a small SUV is 80 percent responsible for a T-bone accident due to running a red light, and the involved semi-truck driver is 20 percent responsible for the car accident for being distracted while driving. If the total amount of damages experienced by the SUV driver is $100,000, they will receive $20,000.
What if one party is more than 50 percent responsible for the collision? Some states apply the 50 percent rule. Under this legal principle, if a plaintiff is more than 50 percent responsible for their injuries, they cannot recover any damages. This rule is also known as modified comparative negligence. States that follow this principle include Florida, Arizona, and California.
T-bone accident lawyers can prove negligence by demonstrating that the other vehicle or driver had a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely but failed to do so, causing the accident and resulting in injuries or damages. They may use various pieces of evidence, such as:
Additionally, they may investigate whether any other negligence factors contributed to the wreck, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or disregarding traffic signals to support their case. Ultimately, proving negligence in a T-bone accident requires a thorough investigation, analysis of the evidence, and a skilled legal strategy.
Negligent driving is often the cause of these collisions, and the burden of proof falls upon the plaintiff's legal team. When an 18-wheeler truck is involved in a T-bone accident, things become even more complicated as multiple parties may share liability for the crash. These parties include:
Sometimes truck drivers act negligently, putting other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. Negligent truck driving can include speeding, failing to signal or check blind spots when changing lanes, and driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Trucking companies can be held liable for T-bone crashes if it is found that the driver's negligence, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety regulations contributed to the collision. Let's say one of its truck drivers runs a stop light at an intersection, T-boning another vehicle with the right of way. If an investigation reveals the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle's brakes properly, and that was the reason for running the red light, the company could be held responsible for the accident and any resulting damages.
The manufacturers of trucks and truck parts could be liable if any defects in the commercial truck's design or manufacturing process caused the T-bone accident. For example, a defective accelerator pedal can cause sudden acceleration, leading to T-bone accidents. In this scenario, the manufacturer's liability for T-bone accident injuries arises from their failure to ensure the safety and reliability of their products, which directly contributed to the accident.
The law allows an injured person to file a personal injury lawsuit against a government entity, who would be liable for a T-bone crash if it fails to maintain proper traffic control measures, road conditions, or signage, leading to the collision. If a municipality fails to repair a malfunctioning traffic light at a busy intersection, it could be liable for accidents that result. For instance, a truck driver may be unable to determine the right of way, leading to a T-bone collision with another vehicle.
Compensation for side-impact collisions can be complex, as it involves proving liability, evaluating damages, and negotiating with the insurance companies to seek financial compensation for the losses that the injured person experiences. Here are the types of compensation you may claim:
You were driving through an intersection, and a commercial truck driver ran a stop light, causing a T-bone collision that left you with severe injuries and significant medical bills. In a situation like this, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your best interests. Here are a few qualities to look for when looking to hire a personal injury lawyer:
By taking care when selecting an attorney, you'll be better equipped to navigate this challenging time and come out with the settlement or verdict that you deserve.
T-bone accidents with trucks are one of the most severe types of car accidents on the road. The severe injuries sustained from these collisions can be life-changing and leave you with a significant financial burden. At Burg Simpson, we believe every injury victim deserves justice and compensation for their suffering.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a T-bone accident, don't hesitate to contact us right away. Our team of experienced lawyers is committed to helping people just like you seek maximum compensation for your severe injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and more.
We offer free consultations so there is no reason to hesitate. Reach out today and let us help guide you through this difficult time while advocating for your rights and interests.
