T-Bone and Broadside Accidents
Texas attorney dedicated to helping accident victims
When a negligent driver fails to yield the right of way, a T-bone or broadside accident can occur. Determining who is at fault in a T-bone car accident can be difficult since so many factors can play a role in the accident. A driver who hits another vehicle, or is hit by another vehicle, can be found at fault. Sometimes, both drivers can be at fault.
While T-bone and broadside accidents can be complex, an experienced auto accident attorney can get to the bottom of it. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligent driving habits. Consult with Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, and find out how his legal team can help you. With decades of legal knowledge and experience serving Fort Worth, Dallas and the surrounding area, Wooten is dedicated to helping accident victims maximize their compensation.
Severity of T-bone and broadside accidents
A T-bone accident is a type of car accident where one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle at a perpendicular angle. It gets name the “T-bone” because the two vehicles in the collision form a T shape. There are many different ways a T-bone or broadside accident can occur. In order to determine who was at fault, there are some factors that can be observed. T-bone and broadside accidents usually occur because:
- A driver runs a traffic light or stop sign and hits another vehicle from the side.
- A driver runs a traffic light or stop sign and gets hit by another vehicle from the side.
- A driver negligently makes a left turn, cuts off another driver, and is hit from the side.
- A driver is speeding excessively and hits a left turning vehicle on the side.
T-bone and broadside accidents often result in severe, life-threatening injuries. Accident victims must often undergo expensive and time-consuming treatment in order to make a recovery. Common injuries from T-bone and broadside accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Broken bones: T-bone accidents often cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to the sudden force of impact, sometimes requiring surgery and extensive recovery time.
- Spine injuries: Damage to the spine can range from herniated discs to severe spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to chronic pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.
- Head injuries: Victims may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries, which can result in memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and long-term neurological damage.
- Cuts, bruises and contusions: Shattered glass, deployed airbags, and sudden impact can cause deep lacerations, painful bruising, and swelling that may require medical attention.
- Injuries to torso: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, cause broken ribs, or lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Injuries to legs and hips: The impact of a T-bone crash can crush or fracture legs, knees, and hips, often requiring surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Fatal injuries: In severe cases, the force of the collision can lead to catastrophic injuries that result in wrongful death, leaving families with emotional and financial hardships.
T-bone accident settlements and compensation
The average payout for a T-bone accident in Texas typically ranges from $20,000 to $150,000. However, there is no fixed amount for a T-bone accident settlement, as each case is unique. Compensation depends on factors such as:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Liability and degree of fault
In Texas, you can pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, insurance companies often attempt to reduce or deny compensation. Settlement amounts for T-bone accidents can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, or more in cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death.
Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, aggressively negotiates with insurance companies and, if necessary, takes cases to trial to secure fair compensation for his clients. His law firm will assess your case’s value and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What damages can I get after a T-bone accident in Texas?
After a T-bone accident in Texas, you may be eligible to recover several types of damages, depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the crash.
Economic damages
These are tangible financial losses that can be calculated and documented, including:
- Medical expenses: These are hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: This is compensation for income lost due to missed work, as well as diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
- Property damage: This covers costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: This covers transportation to medical appointments, in-home care, and necessary modifications to your home (such as wheelchair ramps).
Non-economic damages
These cover intangible losses that affect your quality of life, including:
- Pain and suffering: This accounts for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Mental anguish: This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional distress resulting from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: This includes inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries.
Why you need an attorney
Following a T-bone or broadside accident, you may be eligible for compensation for the negligent driver’s actions. In order to secure your claim, there are many steps you often need to take, such as:
- Securing the scene to avoid another accident
- Taking photos of the crash scene
- Speaking to witnesses
- Obtaining a detailed police report
You should always seek immediate medical attention after a T-bone or broadside accident. Failure to do so not only results in more serious complications from the injury, but also minimizes your chances of being compensated. Then as soon as possible, contact a T-bone accident attorney.
There is no single average payout or settlement for T-bone wrecks. Your attorney can calculate the value of your specific case.
Don’t waste your time trying to negotiate a settlement with the negligent driver’s insurance company. Leave that to Coby L. Wooten. Attorney Wooten will launch a thorough investigation into the cause of your T-bone or broadside accident. He will fight to hold the negligent driver, and his or her insurance company, accountable for your losses.
If you’ve been T-boned in Texas, contact us for a free case evaluation, or simply call our Fort Worth office at 817-632-8400.