Side-impact collisions — sometimes known as “T-bone” or “broadside” collisions — are difficult to anticipate and often lead to some of the most severe injuries we see. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact collisions accounted for 23 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2020. Even at low speeds, side-impact collisions can leave vehicle occupants with severe injuries, huge medical bills, and long-term pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in a side-impact auto accident in Charlottesville, Marks & Harrison is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Charlottesville T-bone accident lawyers have more than 100 years of experience helping injury victims fight for their right to compensation. Let us fight for you. Contact our Charlottesville injury lawyers today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
Most side-impact auto accidents in Virginia arise due to driver negligence. Common examples of negligent behavior that can lead to this kind of collision include:
- Failure to yield – Most side-impact accidents arise when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. In Virginia, the law mandates that “when two vehicles approach or enter an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.”
- Impaired driving– Drivers often run red lights and stop signs because they are intoxicated behind the wheel. When they do, they run the risk of a side-impact collision. In Virginia, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is criminalized by the same law.
- Distracted driving– Drivers often fail to heed red lights and stop signs because they are talking, texting, or otherwise distracted on their cellphone. This can also lead to serious side-impact collisions.
- Drowsy driving– Someone driving while sleepy or otherwise fatigued will react more slowly, similarly to drivers impaired by alcohol. Fatigued drivers can cause side-impact collisions when they approach an intersection. Because they are particularly susceptible to drowsy driving and likely to cause more serious accidents, commercial drivers must comply with federal hours-of-service regulations.
- Tailgating – When drivers follow too closely behind vehicles in front of them, they have much less room to maneuver and avoid a crash. If the driver in front makes a sudden turn, the tailgating driver might broadside them.
- Speeding – Of course, speeding through an intersection is extremely dangerous. Drivers can cause side-impact collisions when they speed through intersections without checking for oncoming traffic.
- Poor road conditions– All motorists have a responsibility to adjust their driving as needed when inclement weather and poor road conditions increase the risk of an accident. In all cases, drivers have a legal duty to slow down and take necessary precautions to avoid a crash, including when approaching an intersection.
Common Injuries Sustained in Charlottesville T-Bone Accidents
Drivers and passengers have less protection from side-impact collisions than they do from other types of crashes. In this kind of collision, the doors of the impacted vehicle are the only things between the vehicle occupants and the oncoming car. Ultimately, even low-speed impacts can lead to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Broken and fractured bones
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Sprains, strains, bruises, and other soft-tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Burns
- Wrongful death
Proving Liability in a Charlottesville T-Bone Accident
To recover compensation for your injuries in a side-impact auto accident, you will need to file an insurance claim and potentially even a lawsuit. In both cases, you will need to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. To do so, you will need evidence. Important evidence in your personal injury claim may include:
- Police reports
- Photographs and videos from the scene
- Footage from traffic or security cameras
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert testimony and reconstructions
- Medical treatment and billing records
Often, the evidence available at the scene will begin to deteriorate or disappear all together within hours after the accident. Therefore, the sooner you begin to collect this evidence, the better. The attorneys at Marks & Harrison are ready to help you collect and evaluate the evidence you need to build a strong personal injury case.
What Damages Can I Recover in a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit?
If you were injured in a side-impact collision at no fault of your own, you are likely entitled to a wide range of compensation. By working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wrongful death
Is There a Deadline for Filing a T-Bone Accident Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. If you have been injured in a Virginia auto accident, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you miss this deadline, the other driver can file a motion to have your case dismissed in court. In almost all cases, a judge will be legally required to grant this motion, thereby eliminating your route to compensation in court. Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a collision to avoid this result.
What Steps Should I Take After a T-Bone Accident?
Many side-impact collisions result in very serious injuries that limit your ability to take immediate action. That said, there are some basic steps you should take where possible to protect your right to compensation. These include the following:
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Take pictures of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles, and the scene of the crash
- Collect names, contact information, and insurance information from all other drivers
- Seek medical attention and save all medical records and receipts related to the crash
- Do not give recorded statements, admit fault, or accept any settlement offers from insurers without legal representation
- Do not make any social media posts about the accident
- Speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
Our Charlottesville T-Bone Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you were involved in a side-impact collision, you might be entitled to legal compensation. The Charlottesville injury lawyers of Marks & Harrison are ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Contact our car accident lawyers today!
