Side-Impact / T-Bone Car Accidents in Banning
Side-impact/T-bone car crashes are when one car hits the side of another car. Sideswipes—or when one car swipes the side of another—can also be included in this category. The name T-bone stems from the fact that the shape of the cars forms the letter “T,” and one of the cars is impacted on its side. These accidents can be very serious because the side of the vehicle usually does not have as much protection as the front or back of the vehicle would for the driver and passengers. These collisions can result in severe injuries or death even at slow speeds, and can cause long-term trauma to those who survive due to their unexpected nature.
When you or a loved one are involved in a side-impact collision, it is important to know your legal options. Life after side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Banning can be hard to navigate on your own. A complex, time-intensive legal case may be anxiety-inducing when you are also facing a mountain of unpredictable medical bills and injuries. For help navigating this challenging time, enlist the services of the experienced car accident attorneys at our firm. They could help ease your burden and stand up for your rights to fair compensation.
Frequent Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone crashes are known to happen at intersections with a traffic light or stop sign. There are many reasons as to why such accidents occur. Some big reasons are:
- Weather conditions
- Consuming food or drinks
- Focusing on other passengers
- Being distracted by a phone or GPS
- Trying to speed through a yellow light to “beat” the red light
- Wrongly assuming that the other driver would yield or drive slower
A Banning lawyer with experience litigating side-impact car crashes could help an injured party further understand which facts are important for the success of their case.
Common Injuries Resulting from Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact wrecks tend to result in catastrophic damage. This is because the side of the car cannot absorb as much of an impact as the front or back, and that results in more significant injuries to the people inside the car. Some common injuries resulting from T-bone crashes include:
- Broken bones
- Broken ribs
- Brain injuries
- Chest trauma
- Organ damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Death
Anyone injured in a T-bone crash should hire a proactive Banning attorney to assess their injuries and advocate for comprehensive compensation on their behalf.
Paths to Financial Compensation Following a Sideswipe
There are several legal options to explore after someone is hurt in a T-bone accident. One common route is through the insurance companies. Injured parties can get compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company; however, insurance companies will try their hardest to give the injured party the lowest settlement possible. It is difficult for an insurance company to dispute losses for which the injured person has receipts. Still, for intangible things like pain and suffering or emotional damage, it can be challenging for the injured person to prove a specific, correlated monetary amount. Companies often hope to settle with the injured party directly since lawyers tend to negotiate higher amounts. When the injured person has an attorney to advocate for them, the insurer might offer a more appropriate settlement.
Sometimes, the insurance companies won’t budge, or the driver does not have insurance coverage. The injured individual might then need to take their lawsuit to court, where it can be heard before a judge and jury. The injured party will need convincing evidence to help them prove that the other side breached the appropriate standard of care and owes them money for their losses.
In addition, it’s essential to be aware of Proposition 213 law implications. Proposition 213, commonly known as the “No Pay, No Play” law, restricts certain recovery options for individuals who are driving without insurance at the time of an accident. Understanding how Proposition 213 may impact a case is crucial, and consulting with a qualified attorney could help an injured individual navigate the legal complexities associated with such situations.
The Banning legal system and all the options an injured person can pursue after a side-impact car accident are complicated, so it is best to hire a seasoned legal professional to navigate through it.
Reach Out to a Banning Side-Impact/T-Bone Car Accident Attorney
You do not need to navigate the next steps alone after experiencing a side-impact/T-bone car accident in Banning. You may believe that it is cheaper to deal with insurance companies without hiring a lawyer, but you must keep in mind that the other driver’s insurance company is trying to save its own money by giving you the lowest settlement possible. Insurance companies have well-trained teams of legal professionals on standby, ready to protect their assets.
A dedicated personal injury lawyer could help you craft a strong legal claim to seek the accountability and recovery you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
