If you are involved in a T-Bone accident, it can be challenging to determine who is at fault. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the cars collide at an angle, and the drivers may not see each other. In many cases, both drivers share some of the blame.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Greenville car accident attorneys have years of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact a car accident lawyer today for a free consultation if you have questions about who is at fault in a t-bone accident.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-Bone car accident occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. These accidents are also sometimes called side-impact or broadside collisions. They can be especially dangerous because the force of the impact can cause serious injuries to the passengers in both vehicles.
Common Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents
According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, over 3,000 car accidents occurred in Greenville in 2019. Car accidents occur for various reasons, some of the most common causes include:
- Running a red light
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Icy roads or other hazardous conditions
Common Car Accident Injuries
Some of the most common injuries that occur due to a T-bone car accident include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
If you or someone you love has been injured in a T-Bone car accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at our firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and recover compensation for your medical bills.
What to Do After a T-Bone Car Accident
If you are involved in a T-Bone accident, it is important to take the following steps:
- Make sure everyone involved is okay and call for medical help if necessary
- Call the police and ask them to come to the scene
- Do not leave the scene of the accident without talking to the police
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Collect evidence at the scene, including photos of the cars involved and witness statements
- Contact a Greenville car accident attorney as soon as possible
Liable Parties in a Greenville T-Bone Accident
In most car accidents, one at-fault driver is held responsible for the damages caused by the accident. However, there are other instances in which another party may be held liable.
The Vehicle Manufacturer
The car’s manufacturer may be found liable for a T-bone accident in some cases. This is usually the case if there is a defect in the vehicle that contributed to the accident. For example, if the brakes failed or the airbags did not deploy properly.
A Third Party
In some cases, a third party may be held liable for damages caused by a car accident. For example, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable. An experienced Greenville car accident attorney will be able to investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your damages.
How To Prove Negligence in Your Greenville Car Accident Claim
To recover damages in a personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the other party was negligent. This means that you will need to show that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- The breach of duty caused your injuries
An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you gather the evidence needed to prove negligence.
Damages You Can Recover in a T-Bone Car Accident Claim
There are a variety of damages you may be able to recover in a T-bone car accident claim. These include, but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you determine which damages you are entitled to recover.
Factors That Impact Your Car Accident Settlement
The Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you will need to file your claim within three years of the accident date, or you will be barred from recovery.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries is one of the most important factors that will impact your car accident settlement. The more severe your injuries, the more damages you will recover.
Contributory Negligence in North Carolina
In North Carolina, contributory negligence is a legal doctrine that can reduce the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover. This means that if the plaintiff was even partially responsible for the accident, they may not recover any damages. An experienced Greenville car accident lawyer will help you determine whether contributory negligence applies in your case.
What if a Drunk Driver Hit Me?
If a drunk driver hits you, you may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. A car accident attorney will be able to help you determine whether you are entitled to punitive damages.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our auto accident attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases, including car accidents. We have represented car accident victims in North and South Carolina since 2005, and 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.
