Car accidents occur frequently nationwide and often result from various factors. Among the most challenging collisions are T-bone accidents, characterized by the front of one vehicle crashing into the side of another.
These collisions, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, frequently occur at intersections and pose significant danger to drivers and passengers.
At The Ward Law Group, we understand the severe consequences of T-bone accidents. We are committed to providing legal assistance to victims in Orlando, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
How T-Bone Accidents Occur in Orlando
T-bone accidents are notorious for causing severe injuries such as brain trauma, spinal fractures, and organ damage due to the force of impact. Common causes of these collisions include:
- Failure to make a complete stop: Neglecting to halt at intersections, often resulting in T-bone accidents.
- Failure to yield: Disregarding right-of-way rules at intersections can lead to collisions.
- Careless right turns: Making right turns without adequately checking for oncoming traffic poses a risk of T-bone accidents.
- Running red lights: Ignoring traffic signals increases the likelihood of T-bone collisions.
- Reckless and distracted driving: Engaging in reckless or distracted driving behaviors, such as texting or intoxicated driving, heightens the risk of collisions.
Seeking Legal Assistance After a T-Bone Collision
If you've been involved in a T-bone collision, it's crucial to take immediate action:
- Contact the authorities: Report the accident to the police and seek medical attention, regardless of apparent injuries.
- Consult with an attorney: An Orlando personal injury lawyer can assist you in filing a claim for fair compensation. They will gather evidence, including police reports and medical records, to establish liability and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Ward Law Group, we prioritize serving our community and protecting the rights of those affected by T-bone accidents. Contact us today for expert legal guidance and support in navigating your personal injury claim.
Common T-Bone Car Accident Injuries
T-bone accidents can result in severe injuries due to the limited protection on the side of a vehicle compared to front or rear impacts. Some of the most prevalent injuries in T-bone collisions include:
- Brain injury
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Organ damage
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Whiplash
Many of these injuries have long-term consequences and can even be fatal.
Determining Fault in a T-Bone Accident
Determining fault in a T-bone accident depends on the specific circumstances of the collision. While one driver may be clearly at fault for making an illegal turn or disregarding a stop sign, fault assessment requires demonstrating several key factors:
- The other driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving.
- The other driver's negligence, or failure to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable person, directly contributed to the accident.
- The T-bone collision occurred as a direct consequence of the other driver's negligence.
- The accident resulted in actual harm or injuries.
Successfully proving these elements allows the victim to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. However, the fault may not solely lie with either driver in some cases.
Poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or vehicle defects could also contribute to the accident, potentially involving government entities or vehicle manufacturers in legal claims.
Navigating fault determination in T-bone accidents can be complex, requiring legal expertise to identify all responsible parties. A T-bone accident lawyer can assist in assessing liability and pursuing appropriate legal action to secure compensation for the victim's losses.
At The Ward Law Group, we advocate for accident victims and ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
How Can a T-Bone Accident Lawyer Help You?
A T-bone accident lawyer guides you through the legal proceedings and advocates for your rights. Here's how they can assist you:
- Understanding Your Rights: A knowledgeable lawyer will explain your legal rights and options, ensuring you are well-informed.
- Evidence Gathering: They will gather essential evidence to support your claim, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Case Evaluation: Assessing the value of your case accurately is crucial. Your lawyer will evaluate the extent of your damages and losses to determine a fair compensation amount.
- Negotiation: Experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators who can engage with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a favorable settlement.
- Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you, presenting your case effectively to seek justice.
Why Choose The Ward Law Group for Your T-Bone Accident Lawsuit?
- Expertise: Our team comprises seasoned attorneys with extensive experience in handling T-bone accident cases. We are well-versed in the relevant laws and regulations, ensuring robust legal representation.
- Personalized Approach: We prioritize individualized attention, taking the time to understand your unique circumstances and goals. Our tailored legal strategies aim to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
- Comprehensive Support: In addition to legal representation, we offer comprehensive support, assisting you in navigating insurance claims, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers.
- Results-Driven Advocacy: Our track record of successful settlements and verdicts reflects our commitment to securing positive outcomes for our clients. We are prepared to take your case to trial, leveraging our litigation skills for your benefit.
- Compassionate Guidance: We recognize the emotional toll of T-bone accidents and provide compassionate guidance. Our team is dedicated to standing by your side, addressing your concerns, and keeping you informed at every step.
Internal Injuries Can Cause Lifelong Damage
T-bone accidents can result in severe internal injuries that may have lifelong consequences. While visible injuries like fractures and soft tissue damage are apparent, internal organ damage is a hidden danger. The impact of the collision can necessitate surgical intervention to repair vital organs, leading to ongoing medical treatments such as surgery and physical therapy.
Don't Settle for Less
Don't settle for a quick lowball offer from the insurance company. Accepting a premature settlement may seem tempting, but it could deprive you of the compensation needed for long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
It's crucial to wait until you've reached maximum medical recovery to understand the extent of your injuries fully.
T-Bone Accidents: Injuries and Statistics
T-bone accidents are a significant concern on American roads, comprising 13 percent of all car accidents nationwide. Shockingly, they also account for 18 percent of fatal car accidents, resulting in devastating consequences for victims and their families.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 8,000 lives are lost annually in the United States due to T-bone collisions.
These accidents are hazardous for children, with side-impact crashes claiming more lives over the past two decades due to increased travel speeds and the prevalence of SUVs on the roads.
More than half of all automobile accident fatalities involve T-bone collisions, making them deadlier than head-on or rear-end crashes. The lack of structural reinforcement in the doors of vehicles involved in side-impact collisions renders occupants vulnerable to severe injuries or fatalities.
In addition to the initial impact, T-bone accidents often result in vehicles being propelled into secondary collisions, increasing the risk of further harm.
Occupants may be at risk of additional collisions, such as hitting guardrails, telephone poles, or other vehicles or even experiencing a rollover.
Survivors of T-bone collisions frequently suffer debilitating injuries, including brain trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and spinal damage.
Those on the side of the vehicle that absorbs the impact typically endure more severe injuries compared to rear-end collisions.
Understanding Right-of-Way and T-Bone Crashes
Understanding the concept of right-of-way is crucial in preventing T-bone accidents and determining fault:
- Always yield to oncoming traffic, especially when making a left turn. Rushing through oncoming traffic increases the risk of an accident.
- Traffic signals dictate right-of-way; follow them diligently and remain vigilant of pedestrians.
- Green lights indicate the right-of-way, but drivers must exercise caution and avoid reckless behavior.
- Adhere to "Yield" signs, and proceed only when it's safe.
- Respect law enforcement and emergency vehicles, yielding to their right-of-way.
- When two vehicles enter an intersection simultaneously, the car on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.
- Vehicles should not obstruct traffic flow by entering intersections prematurely, regardless of traffic control devices.
- When entering a road from a driveway or private road, yield to moving traffic and proceed cautiously.
By understanding and respecting right-of-way rules, drivers can minimize the risk of T-bone accidents and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Accident Statistics in Florida
Florida's traffic crash reports, accessible under section 316.0055 of Florida Statutes, provide valuable insights into road safety trends. In 2018, these reports revealed a modest one percent decrease in accidents compared to the previous year.
The number of accidents decreased from 402,489 in 2017 to 397,812 in 2018. This decline also extended to fatalities, decreasing from 3,114 to 3,004, and injuries, decreasing from 254,300 to 251,970.
T-bone accidents, a significant concern nationwide, represent a considerable portion of car accidents in Florida. They account for 13 percent of all car accidents and a staggering 18 percent of fatal accidents.
Annually, T-bone accidents claim the lives of approximately 8,000 individuals, making them one of the deadliest types of accidents on Florida roads.
Children are particularly vulnerable in T-bone accidents, with fatalities on the rise. The prevalence of SUVs and increased travel speeds have contributed to a concerning trend, with child fatalities rising from 31 percent to 51 percent. These statistics underscore the severity of T-bone accidents and the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to protect all road users.
T-bone Collisions Involving Large Trucks
When a large truck is involved in a T-bone type collision, the results are usually far worse than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Despite more cars having side-impact airbags, a reduced buffer exists between the colliding truck and the people inside the vehicle.
Large trucks cannot stop and start like smaller vehicles can. They cannot go from zero to 20 miles per hour very quickly.
That means these huge trucks cannot “cut” in front of oncoming traffic as smaller vehicles can. But when these trucks attempt a move like that, it can result in a T-bone truck accident.
Truck drivers and the trucking company may try to blame you for causing the accident. The insurance companies may also blame you.
The stress of the situation may be overwhelming. Before you accept or sign anything from the trucking company, consult an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact an Orlando T-Bone Accident Lawyer for Help
At The Ward Law Group, we serve our clients with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Contact us today to discuss your T-bone accident case and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact The Ward Law Group today for expert legal representation and ensure your rights are protected. Schedule a free consultation with our dedicated attorneys and take the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55!