What is a T-Bone Auto Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. This type of accident gets its name because it resembles the shape of a “T” at the point of impact.
Our personal injury attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. The car accident lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group have years of experience dealing with motor vehicle accident cases, and we know how to get the most out of them for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents
Several factors can contribute to a T-bone collision. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver error, such as failing to yield the right of way at an intersection
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a cellphone while driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving, such as speeding or street racing
- Weather conditions, such as fog or rain that reduces visibility
What Should I Do After a T-Bone Collision?
If you are involved in a T-bone collision, you should first check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then, if anyone appears to be injured, call 911 right away.
Once you have determined that everyone is okay, exchange insurance information with the other driver and take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, then contact your insurance company to report the accident and begin the claims process.
If you were injured in a T-bone collision that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your damages. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a case and guide you through the legal process.
Common T-Bone Accident Injuries
T-bone accidents often lead to serious injuries, including:
Concussions
A concussion is a type of brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head. However, concussions can also occur when the head and body are shaken violently, such as in a car accident. Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, and fatigue.
Broken Bones
T-bone collisions often involve high speeds and can cause the occupants of the vehicles to be thrown around, resulting in broken bones. Common fractures in T-bone accidents include fractures of the arm, leg, or pelvis.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused when the head and neck are suddenly jerked backward or forward. Whiplash often causes pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It can also lead to long-term headaches, vertigo, and chronic pain.
Who is Responsible for a T-Bone Car Accident?
When you are involved in a t-bone accident, there is a good chance that one driver will be at fault. They may have run a red light or stop sign, putting themselves in the way of oncoming traffic. In some cases, a third party is responsible for the accident. Other parties that may be at fault in your case include:
Automobile Manufacturers
This is usually the case when there is an issue with the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process.
Road Engineers
When a road department is at fault, it may be held responsible for the car accident. This can happen if there is an issue with the roadway, such as potholes or debris on the road that caused you to get into an accident.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance in Florida
If you live in Florida and have car insurance, you are required to have PIP insurance. PIP insurance is no-fault insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses and lost earnings. This insurance will cover you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
You should review your policy to make sure you are fully covered in the event of an auto accident. If your policy doesn’t cover all of your expenses, you may need to speak with a personal injury law firm about filing a lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence in T-Bone Accident Cases
If you are injured in a car accident and file a lawsuit for damages, your case may be decided using the doctrine of comparative negligence. This means that the court will compare your degree of fault to the other driver’s degree of fault and award damages accordingly. Under HB 837, Florida switched from a pure comparative fault system to a “greater percentage of fault” system in March 2023. This means that if a party is found to be greater than 50% at fault for their own harm, they are barred from recovering any damages.
How to Prove Fault in a T-Bone Crash
To prove fault in a T-bone accident, you must show that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. There are several ways to do this, including:
- Witness testimony
- Police reports
- Evidence from the scene of the accident
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Expert testimony
When you hire a lawyer at The Fran Haasch Law Group, we will help you investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to support your personal injury claim.
What Damages Can I Claim for a T-Bone Crash?
If you are injured in a T-bone accident, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Medical Expenses
You can recover the cost of your medical expenses both now and in the future. This includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments you may need.
Lost Wages
If your injury keeps you from working, you can recover the income you have lost due to your injury. This includes both past and future earnings.
Pain and Suffering
You can also recover damages for the pain and suffering caused by your injury. This includes both physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Property Damage
You can also recover the cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the accident.
Other Losses
You may also be able to recover damages for other losses caused by your accident, such as the cost of hiring a caregiver or the value of household services you can no longer perform.
When you file a lawsuit for damages, your lawyer will help you determine the damages you are entitled to recover.
T-Bone Accident Settlements
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving auto accidents, as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. Here are some of our car accident case results:
- $1.8 million for our client in Pinellas County who was injured in a car accident
- $1.8 million for a 33-year-old female client in Hillsborough County who was lawfully stopped for a left-turning vehicle ahead when she was rear-ended by the defendant vehicle, which was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind it, causing the client to feel two impacts. This resulted in multiple back surgeries and an infection which caused the client to be hospitalized several times.
- $1.6 million for a 25-year-old female passenger on a motorcycle when the defendant cut across the client’s path. The client was thrown over 200 feet from the motorcycle. The accident resulted in a fractured leg, broken finger, back surgery, and many other injuries.
- $1.55 million for a 46-year old male in Pasco County who was stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County and was rear-ended by the defendant at a high rate of speed.
- $1.35 million for a client in Pasco County. The defendant turned left in front of our client, causing the client’s vehicle to flip and resulting in many injuries.
- $1.34 million for a 69-year-old male client in Orange County who was in the left turn lane when the defendant came across his pathway while attempting to turn and collided with the client. The accident resulted in multiple severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, punctured lung, a broken arm that required surgery, and several lacerations.
- $1.3 million for a 33-year-old female client in Pinellas County who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light with her three children in the car with her. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and complications.
- $1.025 for our client injured in a car accident in Hillsborough County.
- $1.0 million for a client in Hillsborough County rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.
What Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Do For You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 23 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at The Fran Haasch Law Group Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and victims of bicycle, and semi-truck accidents.
If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
