T-bone accidents can lead to traumatic injuries and insurance disputes. Most of these disputes occur because of unclear fault or insurance pushback.
Knowing what to do in this situation is important because T-bone collisions account for 23.6% of all accidents (source: NHTSA). Side-impact collisions also tend to be serious, since the side of a car offers less protection than the front or rear.
What Injuries Are Common in T-Bone Accidents?
Outcomes of T-bone collisions often depend on the angle of impact and the speed of the striking vehicle. Common T-bone collision injuries include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Chest and thoracic injuries
- Orthopedic injuries and broken bones
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Many of these injuries are visible at the scene, whereas others will develop over the next hours or days. A serious car crash can also inflict psychological trauma.
In personal injury claims, this falls under emotional distress damages.
How Should You Manage Injury Disputes?
Most injury disputes in a T-bone car accident come down to two factors: fault and compensation. Being aware of this is the best way to protect your rights.
Determining Fault
Every injury claim requires providing proof of negligence. To win your case, you need to be able to prove each of the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
The strongest cases rely on many forms of evidence. Each source of proof supports one or more forms of negligence.
The more evidence you have, the easier it will be for the court and insurance adjusters to evaluate your claim.
Dealing With Low Offers
Even if you can prove the other driver's negligence, your insurance company may still try to lowball you. This is where it pays to be on your guard.
Imagine this scenario: you've been hurt in an accident. Your insurance company contacts you quickly, asks you to record a statement, and offers a settlement.
At this point, however, you may not know the full extent of your injuries.
If you accept this offer, you may find yourself covering costs that aren't your responsibility. You may also be entitled to several types of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Lost wages
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident?
The first thing to do after a T-bone accident is take care of your safety and the safety of others involved in the crash. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Next, you'll want to document the crash correctly. This will help you avoid injury disputes and strengthen your insurance claim. If it's safe to do so, collect key pieces of evidence before they change or disappear, such as:
- Photos of injuries and vehicle damage
- Images of road conditions and traffic signals
- Names and contact information of the other driver and witnesses
You should also consult a reputable attorney, such as the Matlin Injury Law team. They can help you prove negligence and overcome common insurance tactics.
This Is How to Deal With T-Bone Accidents
The bottom line: T-bone accidents are a common source of insurance disputes. If you're not prepared for a prolonged battle, your compensation may be reduced. The above guide will help you protect your rights!
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This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
