Las Vegas T-Bone Accident Lawyers
Motor vehicle accidents happen in many different ways, and one of the most serious scenarios is a t-bone collision. In a head-on or rear-end crash, there are several feet of metal between you and a violent impact. When you’re broadsided by another vehicle, there’s a relatively thin barrier to protect your body. The injuries from these wrecks can be severe, and the recovery period may be lengthy. Under these circumstances, retaining a Las Vegas t-bone accident lawyer is crucial to your case.
At Paul Padda Law, we know how auto collision injuries can take a significant toll on your life, which is why we’re dedicated to ensuring you’re made as whole as much as possible. Our team focuses on all types of car crash claims, including broadside incidents that can cause catastrophic bodily harm. To schedule a free consultation of your case with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer, call (702) 707-7000 today, or reach out through the online form.
CAR ACCIDENTS
Understanding T-Bone Accidents
The term “t-bone” refers to any type of collision where the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. Side impact crashes are more common than you may expect. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 3,852 people were killed in multi-vehicle t-bone collisions in 2017.
These side impact incidents occur for various different reasons, and multiple factors can affect who is at fault in a T-bone accident. In some situations, the motorist who was t-boned will be deemed responsible for pulling out into the path of an oncoming car. In other cases, the driver who did the broadsiding could be at fault for causing the crash. Therefore, it’s important to begin documenting the scene right away. You can use your phone to take pictures, which may serve as essential evidence when proving fault. Capture photos of:
- The damage to both cars
- The intersection or roadway
- Any traffic signals or signs at the scene
- Weather conditions
This type of evidence goes a long way in helping prove your claim. Your t-bone accident lawyer can use this information to fight for you to get the compensation you deserve as the victim of a side impact crash.
T-Bone Accident Injuries
Multiple factors affect the severity of t-bone accident injuries. Perhaps the most significant issue is your position within the vehicle. If you’re on the side of the impact, your injuries could be life-threatening. Even victims on the opposite side can suffer severe trauma from the violent force of a broadside collision.
In addition, the physics behind a broadside crash means you may not see the other car coming until the point of impact. When you don’t have the chance to brace your body for the force, it’s more likely that you’ll incur more serious injuries. Plus, most of the advanced safety features in passenger vehicles are meant to safeguard occupants in the event of a front or rear-end accident. Front airbags and seatbelts offer little protection when the impact comes from the side.
For these reasons, t-bone accident injuries can vary considerably. For instance:
- The person on the side of the impact often sustains serious head and neck injuries, as well as spinal cord trauma. Severe bruising, broken bones, and lacerations are also common. These victims are more likely to suffer ear injuries from broken glass.
- Head injuries are a common form of harm for occupants on the non-struck side of the vehicle. The impact forces the head and neck to the side, often striking the window.
- Depending on the speed of the t-bone crash, anyone in the vehicle can suffer trauma to the abdomen, chest, and internal organs.
Another injury of particular concern in a t-bone car crash is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck are thrown violently. Even if the body doesn’t come into contact with another object, the resulting trauma can be severe. When a side impact causes whiplash, the pain can be debilitating and chronic.
Your Rights After a T-Bone Wreck
You may be entitled to recover compensation if you’re injured in a side impact crash, but your success depends on proving the essential elements of a negligence case. A Las Vegas t-bone accident lawyer will develop a strategy to firmly establish:
- That the other driver had a duty to operate the vehicle safely
- That person breached this duty of care
- The breach caused the side impact crash in which you were hurt
- You suffered losses as a result of your injuries
The first step in pursuing compensation is filing a claim with the responsible motorist’s insurance company. Many times, you can receive a t-bone car accident settlement without having to go to court.
However, the insurer may deny your claim or make a counteroffer for an amount that doesn’t fully compensate you for your losses. As mentioned, fault is a key issue, and the insurance company may blame you for the crash. The claims adjuster may also contest the severity of your injuries in an attempt to justify a denial or low payout. When you have a t-bone accident attorney to advocate for you during negotiations, you’re in a better position to obtain a fair settlement amount.
If you cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit in court. Having legal representation is critical when you must resort to litigation, and a lawyer will aggressively fight for your rights.
At Paul Padda Law, we’re more than your lawyers. We’re the allies you want to help set things right.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney for Help
T-bone collisions can be complex because of the severe nature of the injuries and the often-contested fault issues. You can trust our team at Paul Padda Law to overcome the challenges as we fight for your right to compensation. To schedule a free, initial case evaluation with a Las Vegas t-bone accident lawyer, contact us today at (702) 707-7000.
