T-bone car accidents are among the most scary and destructive types of car accidents. Drivers of both cars can potentially face serious injuries and death. In every case, fault will be determined by the circumstances of the accident. What criteria are used to determine fault in T-bone accident situations in NYC?
Have you suffered injuries and losses because of a T-bone accident in New York? Tucker Lawyers can potentially help. We offer free initial consultations, so call (516) 399-2364 to schedule a consultation today.
T-bone accidents are accidents involving two vehicles that are perpendicular or at a sharp angle to one another when they crash. They are referred to as T-bone accidents because the resulting crash display resembles a “T.” These accidents are also referred to as sideswipe accidents and angle crashes.
The devastating effects of T-bone accidents come from the position of the vehicles upon impact. The vehicle that is struck in a T-bone is particularly vulnerable. While the driver of the striking vehicle has an entire engine bay and engine between them and the other vehicle, there is nothing but a vehicle door and perhaps an airbag to protect the occupants of the car that is struck.
The following situations can result in a T-bone crash:
Of course, all three may be true to some extent under New York’s comparative negligence laws. In New York, an injury victim can seek compensation for their injuries as long as they are less than 100% at fault for the accident. For example, an injury victim who is 75% responsible for their injury in a T-bone accident can still seek 25% compensation from the party with that percentage of liability.
All drivers should be aware of the sobering stats for T-bone accidents. While there are no exact statistics for T-bone accidents in New York City, national stats show that nearly 25% of all accident fatalities arise out of T-bone accidents. That percentage equates to thousands of fatalities each year.
Various types of traffic negligence cause these types of accidents. The following are common causes:
Any type of negligent driving can lead to a T-bone accident. However, most of them occur at intersections. This makes sense because vehicles become perpendicular to one another at these types of locations. T-bone accidents may also occur within parking lots and as vehicles are entering or exiting a parking lot.
Depending on their position in the vehicle, certain T-bone accident victims can experience worse outcomes in a T-bone crash. The struck vehicle’s occupants may receive significant, overwhelming trauma in an accident and suffer serious bodily injury or death.
Common injuries in T-bone crashes include:
Psychological trauma and mental health conditions also typically arise out of T-bone accidents, including:
For many victims, these injuries and conditions cause years of pain and require long periods of recovery. Work opportunities are lost and future financial dreams are shattered. Fortunately, many victims can find recompense for their losses through traffic accident compensation.
Tucker Lawyers: Always available to fight for the car accident compensation you deserve.
In some situations, liability may not matter in T-bone cases. When PIP insurance covers an accident, there is no need to prove fault. However, T-bone accidents typically lead to claims and lawsuits outside of PIP coverage, where fault must be proven to collect compensation. In these cases, your attorney must demonstrate the precise acts of negligence and prove that they caused your accident.
For example, if you are hit in a T-bone accident, your attorney must gather evidence to demonstrate that the other driver was in the wrong. For example, traffic cam footage might show that the defendant failed to stop for a red light and caused the accident. Other evidence showing liability might include:
Your attorney must also demonstrate your losses and determine an appropriate compensation figure. As a victim of a T-bone accident, you may have access to a variety of economic and non-economic damages, including:
In some T-bone accidents, the at-fault driver’s gross negligence or recklessness is the cause and not just simple negligence. When this is the case, punitive damages would be appropriate. For example, a person drag racing through a school zone could face punitive damages if they hurt or kill someone.
In all T-bone accident cases, compensation is dependent upon timely action. PIP claims typically must be filed within 30 days of a crash, and personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Although three years seems long, accident victims should never delay seeking compensation. Evidence can become weakened and lost as the months and years move on.
Those who harm you deserve to pay for your serious losses. Although PIP insurance pays for minor accidents, T-bone injury victims often require far more compensation than what PIP pays. Meeting with an experienced accident lawyer who cares can ultimately yield the compensation you need and deserve.
Don’t hesitate to call Tucker Lawyers for the guidance and representation your case deserves. Our team is ready to fight for every penny you need. Call (516) 399-2364 for a free consultation today.
