A T-bone accident can happen suddenly and leave victims with serious, even fatal injuries. These accidents are nearly always avoidable, meaning that some form of negligence can be attributed to the at-fault driver. Seeking compensation from the responsible party takes a skilled law firm that isn’t afraid to fight on behalf of its clients.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a T-bone wreck, a compassionate car accident attorney in Indianapolis at Sevenish Law Firm is here to stand up for you.
What Is a T-Bone Collision?
A T-bone wreck happens when the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another, forming a shape that resembles a capital T. These accidents usually occur at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and heads straight into traffic. A driver may also turn at an intersection straight into the path of oncoming traffic, causing another automobile to crash.
Another way these wrecks happen is when a vehicle pulls into traffic from a parking lot or side street, either hitting another vehicle or causing another driver to hit him or her.
T-bone accidents are sometimes called broadside collisions or side-impact crashes. Regardless of what name they go by, negligence is nearly always to blame.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
A study conducted by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute and other researchers determined that the ten intersections in Marion County with the most accidents (including T-bone collisions) are:
- East Stop 11 Road and Madison Avenue
- East Thompson Road and South East Street
- East Raymond Street and Shelby Street
- East 86th Street and North Keystone Avenue
- South Emerson Avenue and East Southport Road
- West 38th Street and Guion Road
- East 38th Street and North Meridian Street
- West Washington Street and South West Street
- East 21st Street and North Post Road
- South Post Road and East Washington Street
If you’ve been in one of these wrecks, one of the first things a T-bone accident lawyer will tell you is that the burden is on you to prove that the other driver negligently caused the crash. That makes it essential to understand some of the most common reasons these accidents happen. These are some examples:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding, which makes it difficult or impossible to avoid hitting another vehicle
- Failing to yield, for instance when making a U-turn
- Distracted driving (e.g. texting while driving)
- Not checking for traffic before entering or crossing an intersection
- Turning in front of oncoming traffic
- Reckless or aggressive driving
However, not all T-bone accidents are caused by driver error. For instance, the brakes on a vehicle may be faulty and fail as a driver approaches an intersection. In a case like this the manufacturer of the brakes or a mechanic could be to blame.
Injuries in T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents usually cause at least one vehicle to be seriously damaged or destroyed. It may be flipped over or onto its side, depending on the speed, size, and force of the vehicle that struck it. While injuries can be minor, a severe T-bone accident can be fatal to the drivers or passengers involved.
The following injuries frequently occur in these wrecks:
- Whiplash
- Spine, neck, and back injury
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burn injuries from fires
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Mental and emotional trauma
These and other injuries could leave a victim with major losses. Retaining a T-bone collision attorney can help you recuperate damages to compensate you for:
- Medical bills, including for ambulance services, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drug medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and more
- Permanent disability and related needs such as adaptive medical equipment
- Lost wages while the victim is recovering from injuries, attending medical appointments, and handling other accident-related matters
- Lost earning capacity and future benefits in the event the injury is so bad that the victim either cannot work or cannot work at the same productivity level
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages if the victim dies (e.g. funeral and burial expenses)
- Property damage
- In some cases, punitive damages (intended to punish especially wrongful conduct)
Your T-bone accident attorney will work to determine not only the types of damages you’ve incurred but their financial value. Our goal is to win victims the highest amount of damages available under law for their injuries.
How Is Fault Determined in an Indiana T-Bone Accident?
The issue of T-bone car accident fault can be complicated. Simply looking at which vehicle was the most damaged will not necessarily determine who is to blame. Consider two examples of these wrecks:
- A driver runs a red light and crashes into the side of another vehicle. In this case, the driver of the most damaged vehicle is probably not at fault while the one who ran the red light is.
- A driver fails to check both ways before crossing an intersection and pulls into traffic. An oncoming vehicle T-bones the car. The driver of the more damaged vehicle is probably responsible.
But a slight change in factual circumstances can shift fault in a T-bone accident. Maybe the driver in the second example did check both ways before entering the intersection, and perhaps the oncoming vehicle was speeding. A third party (such as the brake system manufacturer) could also share blame, making the issue even more complex. Hiring a T-bone collision attorney will be necessary to identify who is ultimately liable.
How our law firm can help
When you retain Sevenish Law Firm as your T-bone collision lawyer, our firm immediately gets to work investigating how the accident occurred and who was responsible. We handle all communications and settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company so you can focus on recovering. To determine the value of your damages, including future losses you may be reasonably expected to incur, we develop testimony from expert witnesses.
If the insurance company will act in good faith, an out-of-court settlement that saves the time and stress of a trial may be possible. But we are not afraid to take a victim’s case to court if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer. Throughout our representation we will keep you updated on the status of your case and answer any questions or concerns you have.
Contact Our T-Bone Accident Attorney in Indianapolis Today
Auto accident attorney Randall Sevenish has served countless victims who were injured because of negligent drivers and others. He understands what it takes to build a winning case and will apply his legal experience to seek the maximum damages available. To learn more and to receive a free case review, give Sevenish Law Firm a call at 317-720-3229 today.
