Scottsdale T-Bone Accident Lawyer
Contacting a Scottsdale T-Bone Accident Lawyer When Involved in a Side Impact Collision
Side collisions or side impact collisions are a common type of car accident. Other names for this kind of crash include t-bone, right angle collisions, or broadside accidents). A side impact crash can cause severe injuries and permanent disabilities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side impact collisions cause 25 percent of the traffic-related deaths in the United States.
Side airbags can help decrease the severity of injuries. However, injuries sustained by drivers and passengers can require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods. When a negligent driver causes a car accident, that driver can be held liable for property damage, injuries, and losses caused by the crash. If you are injured in a t-bone accident, contact a lawyer for help. Call 480-802-8232 for a free consultation to discuss your options for pursuing an insurance claim.
Are There Different Types of Side Impact Collisions?
Yes, there are two main types of side impact crashes. The first type of crash is called a sideswipe collision. Sideswipe collisions usually occur when the vehicles are traveling in the same direction and collide side-to-side. Common causes of sideswipe crashes include:
- Improper lane merges
- Changing lanes improperly
- Failing to check blind spots
- Drifting into another lane because of distracted driving, fatigued driving, or drunk driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
Broadside collisions or t-bone car accidents are the second type of side impact crashes. In this kind of car accident, the front end of a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. The most common cause of t-bone car accidents is a driver turning in front of an oncoming vehicle. The turning vehicle strikes the other vehicle on the side in a head-on collision.
Common reasons why side impact car accidents occur include:
- Failing to obey traffic laws (e.g. failing to yield right of way)
- A driver fails to stop at a stop sign
- Running traffic lights (e.g. running a red light)
- Making an illegal turn
- Turning left in front of oncoming traffic
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Even though newer vehicle models have crumple zones and side airbags, there is very little to protect drivers and passengers in side impact collisions. Unlike a head-on collision or a rear-end collision, there is no hood or trunk between the oncoming vehicle and the occupant. In addition, the force of the impact can cause a vehicle to roll over, spin out of control, or collide with other objects, including cars and fixed objects. Therefore, drivers and passengers are at a high risk for severe injuries in t-bone car accidents.
Damages Caused by a T-Bone Accident
The damages and injuries caused by t-bone collisions can be substantial. T-bone accident victims should consult with a lawyer soon after the accident occurred to file an insurance claim. A law firm with experience handling traffic accidents involving side collisions can help a victim seek compensation for their damages as outlined below.
A T-bone accident lawyer can help with obtaining compensation for damages such as:
- Catastrophic and severe injuries, including brain injuries, broken bones, crushed or punctured internal organs, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and paralysis
- Property damage to the vehicle
- Loss of income, including loss of future wages, earning potential, and employment opportunity
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Cost of personal care and services
- Emotional trauma and stress
- Physical pain and suffering (e.g. neck and back pain)
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life, companionship, and intimate relations
- Wrongful death claims
The pain and suffering caused by a side impact accident can be substantial. A Scottsdale t-bone crash lawyer can help you hold the driver responsible for the crash accountable and liable for your damages.
Proving T-Bone Accident Fault and Liability
Several factors can contribute to the cause of a t-bone car crash. Multiple factors can play a role in why a side impact crash occurs. Some of those factors include driver error, defective automobile parts, road conditions, and weather conditions. Determine which of those factors contributed to the cause of the crash is vital to proving liability for the accident.
In many cases, driver error is the primary contributing factor in a car crash. Motorists must exercise reasonable care to avoid causing injury while operating a motor vehicle. To hold a driver liable for damages arising out of a t-bone car accident, a lawyer may present evidence to demonstrate the other driver was at fault.
To establish fault, an attorney may demonstrate evidence that the other driver:
- Owed you a duty of care;
- Breached that duty of care by failing to exercise reasonable care;
- The breach of the duty of care was the proximate cause of the crash; and,
- You suffered injuries and damages because of the accident.
Because multiple factors could be involved in your car accident, one should seek the assistance of a t-bone accident lawyer to handle their injury claim. Insurance companies often fight side impact collision claims by alleging that both drivers were partially at fault for the crash. Under Arizona’s comparative fault laws, your compensation could possibly be reduced if the insurance company is successful in convincing a judge or jury you are partially responsible for the cause of the crash.
Our car accident attorney has experience handling traffic accidents involving side impact collisions. We begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the crash to determine the cause of the crash. Our investigation may include gathering evidence from the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, searching for video evidence, consulting industry experts, obtaining police reports, and working with your physicians. We will aggressively pursue the collection of evidence to prove the other driver is responsible for the t-bone accident.
Call a Scottsdale Side Impact Collision Attorney Today
The Scottsdale t-bone accident attorney at Amar Esq. PLLC uses extensive research and skill to see that the negligent driver who caused your injuries is held accountable. Our law office wants to help you receive full compensation for your damages. Call 480-802-8232 to request a free consultation.