While some collisions are minor, this is unfortunately not always the case. Car accidents can occur in many ways. However, one of the most dangerous types is a “t-bone” accident. These accidents are hazardous because of the point of impact. If you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Bronx Car Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for the just compensation you deserve.
What are the most common causes of T-bone accidents in New York?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming the shape of a “T” at the point of impact. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side impact accidents accounted for 23% of vehicle occupant deaths in car crashes in 2020.
T-bone accidents most often happen at intersections. When one driver fails to yield to another driver who has the right-of-way at a stop sign or red light, the results can be devastating as the driver who fails to yield ends up striking the side of the other vehicle. T-bone accidents do not only occur at intersections, though. They can also happen on a highway when a driver loses control of their car or in parking lots.
Who’s liable for a T-bone accident?
If you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident, it’s crucial to determine who’s at fault, as you may be entitled to significant compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. T-bone accidents can be severe because the side of a vehicle does not offer the same protection as if you were struck from the front or the back. While various types of injuries can occur from this type of accident, some of the most common include:
- Brain injury
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Organ damage
- Pelvic injuries
- Bone fractures
- Burns
Unfortunately, these injuries often have lifelong consequences and may even become fatal. As such, determining who is liable for the accident is crucial.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the drivers involved may share fault. In most cases, the drivers dispute who had the right of way. If the driver ran a red light while the other vehicle had a green light, the driver who committed the traffic violation would assume fault. However, sometimes, the at-fault driver may have evaded the collision. For example, if a driver makes an improper left turn in front of an oncoming car, leading that driver to swerve to avoid the crash and strike another vehicle.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to retain the legal services of an experienced lawyer from James Newman, P.C., who can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to prove your claim.