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T-bone car accidents, also known as broadside collisions, can cause victims undue suffering because of the extent of the damage. T-bone accidents are dangerous, and in extreme cases, can result in fatalities. These accidents are unique because of the level of damage they can do. Unlike your typical rear-end fender bender, getting hit by a car on the side offers you little protection. The only thing between you and near-certain death is a small door and a window.
What circumstances lead to a side-impact collision? Who is at fault in this situation, and how can you claim financial compensation for the resulting damages? In this post, you’ll find insights on these and related matters straight from the veteran legal team at the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter.
The Fatality of a T-Bone Car Accident
According to the National Automotive Sampling System, between 2011 and 2014, as many as 141,936 out of of 508,148 passengers involved in collisions were hit from the side. These account for 27.93% of total accidents.
When T-boned, the position of the vehicle is as follows: one vehicle with its front end colliding with the side of the second vehicle. The side can be either on the driver’s side or the passenger’s side. Once one vehicle hits the side of another, there is little protection offered to the passengers inside. The T-boned vehicle gets pushed sideways, and everyone inside is at risk of serious injury. Damages can be extensive, with car passengers up to 25 times more likely to die when hit on the side.
Causes of T-bone accidents can vary. In many cases, side collision accidents happen in intersections, where drivers run a red light. Another common cause is distracted driving, with drivers not noticing traffic lights or stop signs. If you or someone you love was hurt in a broadside collision in the San Diego area, you already know how stressful the accident itself can be. Now, it’s important that you get the legal guidance and support you need to determine whose fault the accident truly was, and to effectively pursue a financial claim using the available evidence.
Either Driver Can Be At Fault in a T-Bone Accident
A T-bone vehicle collision generally happens when one of the two drivers doesn’t give the right of way to the other. Still, more than one driver can be at fault for a broadside car accident.
If both drivers have stop signs, it is easy to determine the right of way. However, if Driver A ignores it and T-bones Driver B, who is driving distracted, who is at fault? Both failed to stop in the middle of an intersection, and both failed to detect each other.
Some drivers who run a red light can be at fault if there is video evidence of their actions. Meanwhile, others who commit distracted driving can be on the receiving end of a side-impact collision. The one who gets hit by a car is not always deemed as the victim of the accident.
In California, determining fault in a broadside car accident requires more than determining the right of way. It requires using evidence, including photos, witness accounts, and police reports.
What to Do After a T-Bone Car Wreck
After an accident, it’s best to take as many photos as you can to document the entire situation. If you can, it’s best to have video evidence that gives you a clear panorama of the accident. Getting as much information as possible is the key to making sure you have enough proof of your claim.
You will also need other details like your medical records, hospital bills, and input from your doctor. To get a successful claim, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Diego, California. Attorney Elliott Kanter can guide you throughout the entire process and see the best ways to pursue compensation.
Choose a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney with Experience Handling T-Bone Car Accidents
After a T-bone car accident, you need the help of a veteran personal injury attorney you can trust. An experienced attorney can present your case to demonstrate that you are the victim of the collision and pursue your rightful claim. Don’t assume you have to deal with your physical injuries, lost productivity, and negotiations with the insurance company all by yourself. Instead, contact the Law Offices of Elliot Kanter. We are here for accident victims throughout the San Diego, California area.
