We know how frustrating it can be to experience a t-bone accident when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. That sounds like something you would prefer to avoid.
If you live on Long Island, you've probably used the highways connecting to other cities in New York State and witnessed or been involved in these types of collisions.
This is because New York is not a state exempt from figures that generate alarm regarding the constant occurrence of accidents yearly. Why is it that in this state's big cities, drivers cannot achieve a balance when living in harmony with the roads around them?
T-Bone Accidents on Long Island
You may wonder why it is of utmost importance for a lawyer to carry out the process that will lead you to compensation.
A T-bone car accident lawyer specializing in these accidents can help you in many ways. From negotiating with the insurance companies seeking to save every penny to gather enough evidence to build the thesis that will lead your case to compensation that will repair the damages and ratify your rights.
The numbers accompanying New York regarding these incidences will make you think about prevention and how safe you are when driving on its highways.
Based on a recent compilation of statistics compiled by Forbes, according to data on auto accidents in New York City, borough-by-borough collision rates differ significantly.
Of all the motor vehicle collisions, Brooklyn has the highest percentage—32,788 accidents. That location accounts for 33% of all collisions in the city. The leading causes of Brooklyn's high level of danger are probably poor road design, lousy driving practices, and traffic congestion.
One of the riskiest intersections in New York City is Flatbush Avenue and Coney Island, which is particularly dangerous in Brooklyn.
In contrast, Staten Island is the safest borough to drive in. Only 5,272 collisions, or 5% of all collisions in New York City, occur there. Queens, with 27,943 accidents, the Bronx (17,678), and Manhattan (16,827) are in the middle, representing 28%, 18%, and 17% of all collisions in the city, respectively.
In T-Bone Accidents, Who Is at Fault?
Assigning blame in a T-bone accident or side impact collisions on Long Island can be challenging. Determining who is at fault in an intersectional collision between two cars is not always easy.
The investigators must determine which car had the right-of-way during the collision. Since it is uncommon for both drivers to have the right-of-way simultaneously, the accident typically results from one driver failing to yield.
Both sides of the vehicles absorb the impact when two cars collide in T-bone accident cases. Even though you were sure you had the right of way, it's crucial to remember that investigators who weren't present at the scene might find understanding your point of view challenging.
When both drivers in an accident deny responsibility, it can be a challenging process to resolve the situation.
Finding the guilty party, however, is simplified if there is proof, such as images, videos, official reports, distracted driving evidence, traffic light technical errors, and eyewitness statements that investigators and lawyers have obtained.
Dealing with this challenging circumstance can be made easier with the help of an experienced Long Island T-bone accident attorney.
How Can You Prove Fault for a Long Island T-Bone Accident?
A personal injury lawyer and T-Bone accident attorney will be very helpful in helping you gather the evidence necessary to support your argument at trial.
Our attorneys have extensive experience gathering valuable evidence to strengthen your compensation claim. It is essential to have the help of an expert in the field to identify the elements that will support your arguments throughout the process.
Proving fault for a T-bone accident on Long Island involves a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence to support your claim. Here's a guide on how you can establish fault with the help of one of our attorneys:
- Photographs and Videos: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing vehicle positions, traffic signals, and road conditions.
- Skid Marks: Document any skid marks on the road, as they can indicate the speed and actions of the vehicles involved.
- Collect Eyewitness Statements: Speak to witnesses who observed the accident. Record their contact information and statements, as their accounts can be crucial in establishing the sequence of events.
- Review Traffic Camera Footage: Check for nearby traffic cameras that may have recorded the accident. Obtain footage that provides a clear view of the intersection and the actions of each vehicle.
- Obtain Police Reports: Request a copy of the police report filed at the scene. This report often contains essential details about the accident, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer's assessment of fault.
- Consult Accident Reconstruction Experts: Engage professionals who specialize in accident reconstruction. Their expertise can help recreate the circumstances of the T-bone accident and provide valuable insights into fault determination.
- Analyze Vehicle Damage: Examine the damage to each vehicle involved. The point of impact and the extent of damage can help establish the force and direction of the collision, contributing to fault determination.
- Evaluate Traffic Laws: Review New York traffic laws to understand right-of-way rules and other relevant regulations. Assess whether any driver violated these laws, contributing to the T-bone collision.
- Check for Traffic Signal Violations: Determine if any driver violated traffic signals, such as running a red light or failing to yield the right of way. Traffic signal violations are common contributors to T-bone accidents.
- Consider Expert Testimony: Seek expert testimony from professionals in accident reconstruction, traffic engineering, or other relevant fields. Their opinions can provide authoritative perspectives on fault.
- Preserve Vehicle Data: If available, preserve data from the vehicles' event recorders (EDRs). This information can include speed, braking, and acceleration, offering insights into the drivers' actions.
- Medical Records and Injuries: Document any injuries sustained by drivers and passengers. While not directly related to a fault, injuries can provide context and support for the collision's severity.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Long Island T-Bone Accident Claim?
One of our attorneys at The Ward Law Group will evaluate your case in detail and help you identify what type of compensation you can obtain based on what happened and the facts of your case.
It is important to consult with an expert attorney to determine the average payout for a T-bone accident. Every case will be different in this regard. Remember that you can share your questions with us through any of our contact channels.
Why is it necessary to receive the advice of an attorney before determining in what respects you will be compensated?
Specialized lawyers already have many years of experience in the field and know how to optimize the time that the whole process may take to the maximum. They also learn how to identify the key points when developing a case, which can play in your favor regarding a verdict that supports your interests and recognizes your rights.
In a Long Island T-bone accident claim, victims may be eligible to recover various damages to compensate for their losses.
The damages can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages, each addressing different aspects of the accident's impact on the victim's life. Here's a breakdown of the potential damages:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for current and future medical bills related to the T-bone accident, including hospital stays, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing the front of one vehicle and other personal property affected in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. This includes both current and future lost earnings.
- Transportation Costs: Reimburse additional expenses, such as rental cars or alternative transportation for vehicle repairs.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of the T-bone accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the negative impact on the victim's ability to enjoy life's activities and experiences.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for any visible scarring or disfigurement resulting from the T-bone accident.
- Emotional Distress: Reimbursement for psychological trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges stemming from the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to the spouse or family for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the victim's injuries.
- Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent disabilities resulting from the T-bone accident.
Punitive Damages (In Certain Cases):
- Punitive damages may be awarded in exceptional cases where the at-fault party's actions were egregious or involved intentional misconduct. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
It's essential to note that the damages can vary based on factors such as the severity of injuries, the degree of fault, and the overall impact on the victim's life.
Seeking compensation for damages in a Long Island T-bone accident claim typically involves working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess the case's unique circumstances, calculate damages accurately, and advocate for the victim's rights throughout the legal process.
A T-Bone accident attorney from The Ward Law Group can protect your rights and prevent insurance companies from catching you by surprise by reducing the potential amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
Insurance firms often leverage contributory fault to diminish the value of a claim, even in situations where the accident victim bears no responsibility.
The insurance adjuster utilizes your statements and other purported "evidence" to cast doubt on the circumstances of the accident.
To safeguard your interests, never admit fault at the accident scene. Whenever feasible, document the accident scene by capturing photos and videos.
If an insurance adjuster reaches out to you, you should direct them to your Long Island car accident lawyer rather than engaging directly with the insurance company. This proactive approach helps protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.
Contact Our T-Bone Accident Lawyer on Long Island
If you have sustained injuries in an accident in Long Island, NY, and require legal assistance, contact The Ward Law Group's Long Island car accident lawyers. Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Having the assistance of an experienced attorney, such as those on staff at The Ward Law Group, is critical to the success of your claim.
Attempting to engage in legal proceedings alone, without the help of a professional, can be a waste of time, as well as mistakes that could cost you access to the compensation you deserve.
Don't hesitate any longer, and rest assured that with the help of the best in the business, your chances of success will be greater.
Contact The Ward Law Group right now and schedule a free consultation! Call now at 855-DOLOR-55!