One of the most difficult aspects of a t-bone accident is figuring out who is at fault. This is because there are often multiple factors that contribute to the accident. For example, if one driver ran a red light and another driver was speeding, both drivers could be considered at fault.
An experienced Concord car accident attorney can help you investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is liable for your damages. Contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to schedule a free consultation. Our Concord car accident lawyers have years of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A t-bone accident is a car accident that occurs when one vehicle hits the side of an oncoming car. These accidents are also known as side-impact collisions or right-angle collisions. T-bone accidents can be caused by various factors, including speeding, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right of way.
A lot of t-bone accidents occur on a highway or interstate when a driver loses control of their vehicle and skids sideways. Due to the dangerous nature of t-bone accidents, victims are likely to suffer from serious injuries.
Are T-Bone Accidents Common in Concord, North Carolina?
There is no specific data relating to t-bone accidents in Concord. However, according to data from NCDOT, there were more than 3,000 accidents in the city in 2019, 3,232 people were injured or possibly injured in vehicle accidents in 2020, and 36 persons were involved in fatal car crashes in 2019, making car accidents fairly common in a city with just over 94,000 citizens.
10 Steps to Take After a T-Bone Car Accident in Concord, North Carolina
If you have been involved in a t-bone collision, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. These steps are as follows:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary.
- Move your car to the side of the road if it is safe.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number.
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible. Include pictures of the damage to both vehicles and any injuries you may have sustained.
- Call the police and file a report.
- Contact your insurance company and let them know about the accident.
- See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
- Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, and insurance correspondence.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
- Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. Anything you say could be used against you to deny or reduce your claim.
Who Is At Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Determining who is at fault in a t-bone accident can be difficult. In some cases, both drivers may be partially at fault. The following factors are typically considered when determining liability:
- Who had the right of way?
- Was anyone speeding or driving recklessly?
- Was anyone distracted at the time of the accident?
- Was either driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Were there any road or weather conditions that contributed to the accident?
At-Fault Parties in a T-Bone Accident
The following parties may be at-fault in a t-bone accident:
The Other Driver
The other driver may be at fault if they were:
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly
- Distracted
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not yielding the right of way
Vehicle Manufacturers
A vehicle manufacturer might be at fault if a vehicle’s design or manufacturing defect contributed to the motor vehicle accident. For example, if a car’s brakes fail and cause an accident, the manufacturer may be liable.
Other Parties That May Be at Fault
There are a few other third parties that may be at fault in a t-bone accident, such as:
- A mechanic who worked on either of the vehicles involved in the accident and failed to repair or maintain the vehicle properly
- A parts manufacturer who supplied a defective part for either of the vehicles involved in the accident
- The driver of a third vehicle that caused the accident by cutting off one of the drivers involved
What If The Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the other driver does not have insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. However, you will likely only receive compensation up to your policy limits.
You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you investigate your options and make sure you are taking the best course of action for your unique situation.
How to Get Compensation After a T-Bone Accident in Concord, North Carolina
There are a few different ways to get compensation after a t-bone accident in Concord, North Carolina. You may be able to recover compensation through:
- A personal injury claim: If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you might be able to file a personal injury claim against them. This type of claim can help you recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- A lawsuit: If you cannot reach an agreement with the other driver’s insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit. This is a lengthy and complicated process, so it is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer before taking this step.
What Happens If I’m Partially At Fault for the Accident?
North Carolina law follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. If you are even partially at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation from the other driver.
This is why it is so important to speak to a personal injury lawyer after an accident. A lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident and determine who was truly at fault.
How to Prove Negligence in a Concord, NC T-Bone Collision Case
Four elements must be proved to establish negligence in a Concord, NC t-bone collision case. They are:
- Duty: The first step is to show that the other driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving. This is typically not difficult to do as all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely.
- Breach: The next step is to show that the other driver breached their duty of care. This means that they failed to operate their vehicle safely. For example, if the other driver ran a red light, this would be considered a breach of their duty of care.
- Causation: The third element is to show that the other driver’s breach of duty caused your injuries. This means that if you would not have been injured if the other driver had not breached their duty, they will be held liable for your injuries.
- Damage: The fourth and final element is to show that you suffered damages due to the accident. This could include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a t-bone accident, it is important to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have years of experience handling these types of cases, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Three Types of Damages You Can Recover in a T-Bone Accident Claim
If you have been involved in a t-bone collision, you may be wondering what types of damages you can recover. The answer will depend on the specific facts of your case, but typically, you can recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value attached to them. This could include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages do not have a specific monetary value attached to them. This could include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages may also be available in rare cases. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their egregious actions and deter others from engaging in similar conduct, such as driving while impaired.
Filing Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal T-Bone Accident
If you have lost a loved one in a t-bone accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury claim brought by the family members of someone who has died due to the negligence of another.
The damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim will depend on the specific facts of your case. Still, they could include funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
What Can a Concord Car Accident Attorney Do for Me?
If you have been involved in a t-bone accident, you may be wondering what an experienced Concord car accident attorney can do for you. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Collect evidence to support your claim
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Determine who is liable for your damages
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Fight for the maximum compensation available to you
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Concord, North Carolina
Our Concord auto accident attorneys have experience with all types of personal injury cases. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation. We value the attorney-client relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.
