T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer | California

Any type of vehicle accident can cause devastating injuries, but a T-bone car accident can be hazardous because of the angle of impact.

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides head-on with the side of another vehicle. This point of contact creates the shape of a T with the two vehicles.

These may also be called broadside accidents. There is usually little time for a person to see the oncoming danger and brace for the impact, which can result in significant injuries.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that side-impact collision accidents accounted for 23% of vehicle occupant deaths in car accidents in 2020.

If you or someone you know has been in a vehicle accident, you may want to consider seeking counsel from a T-bone car accident lawyer California.

There are a number of factors that go into determining what your T-bone accident settlement is worth and the best legal strategy to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

What Causes T-Bone Accidents?

Turning in any direction is inherently risky, as is entering an intersection. Intersections are a prime location for T-bone accidents.

Accidents often occur when one vehicle is turning and the other is going straight. Only one of these vehicles has the legal right of way, and the other should be waiting its turn.

Eyewitnesses may be an important factor in determining who was at fault. Here are some other common causes of T-bone accidents.

Left-Hand Turns

There are a lot of situations where turning left can be dangerous. Blind spots can make other cars virtually undetectable when turning, which is a recipe for T-bone accidents.

It is important to proceed carefully any time you are turning left. 

Not Stopping at a Stop Sign

Stop signs exist to prevent accidents like T-bones. Of course, running a stop sign is a common cause of accidents.

It is important to note that not everyone at an intersection may have a stop sign.

This means that in some situations, the approaching vehicle may not have the legal obligation to stop, resulting in a higher likelihood of an accident.

 Running a Red Light

When the light turns yellow, drivers have little time to determine if it is best to slow down or speed up, given the distance between the vehicle and lights, along with the proximity of other vehicles.

Choosing incorrectly could cause a T-bone accident if other vehicles end up in the intersection at the same time. 

Making a U-Turn

There are many situations where making a U-turn is illegal. The driver making the turn is responsible for determining whether the maneuver is safe.

This includes making sure the turn is legal and that there are no vehicles that could be impacted. 

Exiting a Parking Lot or Driveway 

It is important to check in all directions before leaving a parking lot or driveway. Failure to see traffic coming, especially when turning left, can result in T-bone accidents. 

Average Payout for T-Bone Accident

Though a T-bone is a very specific type of accident, no two accidents are exactly the same, which means that there is no average paytout for T-bone accident settlement.

A minor T-bone accident at low speed can still cause plenty of compensable damage, but it may not be as severe or costly as a high-speed accident causing catastrophic injuries. Your side impact lawyer will play an essential part in determining the value of your claim.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining the amount you are owed, including:

• The severity of injuries, 
• Medical expenses, 
• Injury prognosis, 
• Who is liable for the accident, 
• Damage to personal property, and 
• Other costs associated with the injury.

Vehicle accidents can be traumatic, and you should not be responsible for expenses associated with injuries you did not cause. Even if you were partially at fault, you might still have a viable case. 

Pure Comparative Negligence

California follows the system of pure comparative negligence. This means that you can receive compensation even if you contributed to the accident.

It is important that you do not admit or imply fault after the accident because any out amount of admission can be used against you, and the other party will likely attempt to place as much blame on you as possible. 

Your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 25% responsible for the accident, you would receive $75,000.

Your T-bone car accident lawyer can help you determine the best way to build your legal strategy and use evidence to show that you were minimally or not at all responsible for the accident. 

T-Bone Car Accident Injuries

A side impact collision can cause unique injuries because of the way the body shifts sideways.

Though vehicles are designed to be as safe as possible, there is very little protection from accidents on the side. Head trauma is common due to impact on the window.

Other common T-bone car accident injuries may include:

• Broken bones,
• Lacerations,
• Whiplash,
• Spinal injuries, and 
• Internal bruising. 

There are a lot of variables when it comes to the type of injuries that arise from a side-impact collision. 

Choosing a T-Bone Accident Lawyer 

The team at Starpoint Law Firm has an impeccable record of successful representation. Unlike many other personal injury lawyers, we do not accept every case that comes across our desks.

We carefully analyze every case so that we have a thorough understanding of its strengths and weaknesses before determining the best course of action. 

Many clients find that the most frustrating part of the process is not knowing what is going on with their case.

At Starpoint Law Firm, we pride ourselves on maintaining constant communication with everyone we represent. You are more than just a number. Contact us today for your free case consultation.