A T–bone accident can be perhaps one of the most painful and jarring car accidents that one can experience in their lifetime. If you’ve encountered a T-bone collision, you will know how traumatizing these accidents can be and the ways they can impact your life.
Undeniably, tackling the aftermath of such a serious accident in Waterbury can be hugely overwhelming, especially if you are trying to heal from severe injuries.
If you can relate to this scenario, consulting an experienced Waterbury car accident lawyer will be beneficial to getting the compensation you deserve.
The sections below discuss the intricacies of a T-bone collision.
T-Bone Car Collision: A Quick Overview
A T-bone car accident, also popularly known as a side-impact collision, usually occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle, thereby forming a ‘T’ shape.
Generally, these accidents occur at intersections when one driver runs a red light or fails to stop at the stop sign.
The causes of T-bone collisions are similar to those of other types of accidents. They include:
➔ Distracted driving
➔ Reckless driving
➔ Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
➔ Judgement errors, like trying to get through a light before it turns red
➔ Bad weather conditions
➔ Icy roads
➔ Speeding
Common T-Bone Accident Injuries
Side-impact collisions can lead to various injuries.
For instance, although the crash takes place on the side of the vehicle, one can still end up with a whiplash. This is a common type of injury that a majority of people tend to associate with rear-end collisions.
Let’s take a look at some common types of injuries that can result from a T-bone car collision.
➔ Brain Injury
➔ Head and Neck Injuries
➔ Back Injury
➔ Pelvic Injuries
➔ Abdominal Injuries
➔ Chest Injuries
➔ Spinal Cord Injury
➔ Organ Damage
➔ Bone fractures
➔ Serious Burns
Most of these injuries have lifelong impacts. Sometimes, they can be fatal, too.
Who is at Fault for a T-Bone Collision?
Based on the circumstances, the driver of either vehicle can be blamed for a T-bone collision. In several cases, it becomes incredibly easy to figure out who caused this kind of accident. Like a driver who made an illegal left turn or one who went through a stop sign hurriedly is clearly the one to blame after the crash.
However, it’s crucial to understand what T-bone accident victims must prove so that the at-fault driver can be held legally responsible for the crash. To prove fault, a plaintiff needs to show that
➔ The other driver had a duty to act with a reasonable level of care behind the wheel.
➔ The other driver was completely negligent. This implies their behavior fell below the level of care that an average, reasonable person should have demonstrated.
➔ The T-bone collision occurred due to the negligence of the other driver.
➔ The accident caused actual harm.
If an accident victim can prove these four things, they can easily pursue a compensation claim from the at-fault driver.
Final Thoughts
The sad truth about T-bone car collisions is that their consequences can last for a while. They often bring permanent changes to the victim’s life, bringing numerous difficulties that they never anticipated.
Yet, amidst this sad reality, there lies a beacon of hope. One can hire a car accident lawyer to fight for their rights and make sure that justice is served. You don’t always need to walk alone!