According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 23% of all vehicle occupant deaths in 2020 resulted from T-bone collisions (also referred to as side-impact crashes). It's one of the deadliest types of crashes and can lead to severe injuries.
When T-bone accidents happen, it can adversely impact the victim's physical, mental, and financial state. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have extensive experience helping injured victims by protecting their rights and fighting for the compensation they deserve.
Injured victims in Indianapolis, Indiana, should reach out to Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options. They can assist with questions like What happens in Indiana if you get in an accident without insurance?
What Is a T-bone Car Accident?
As the name implies, a T-bone car accident refers to a collision involving a driver that hits the front of their vehicle with the side of another car, forming a "T" shape.
These types of accidents are often common at intersections, as it can get confusing for the drivers to navigate or yield the right of way.
Besides intersections, T-bone car accidents can happen on highways and interstate roads, where drivers may lose control of their vehicle before crashing into another car.
Whether it's a bad judgment call or distracted driving, T-bone accidents can have devastating consequences for the driver and other road users involved. It's crucial to seek medical and legal help immediately.
Who Is Liable for a T-bone Accident in Indiana?
T-bone accidents occur due to several reasons, with negligence being the most common factor in a majority of these incidents.
Under personal injury law, the injured victims can recover compensation for T-bone car accidents caused by another's negligence.
However, before the victim can receive compensatory damages, they must identify the liable party to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against.
Determining fault in a T-bone collision can be challenging, especially if there are multiple parties involved. An experienced car accident attorney can help investigate the incident to determine the liable party.
There could be one individual or multiple parties responsible for a T-bone accident in Indiana, some of which include the following:
The Drivers
A T-bone accident involves two vehicles, one at the top of the "T" and the other at the bottom of the "T." A driver running a red light, for example, could get hit from the side by the driver who had the right of way.
However, in most T-bone accidents, there is often confusion over which party is responsible, as both drivers could claim that they had the right of way.
In some T-bone accidents, another driver who evades the accident could be responsible for the incident. They may have started a chain of events, causing two vehicles to collide with each other before fleeing unscathed from the accident scene.
Under personal injury law, any driver who fails to follow the traffic rules or acts negligently is legally responsible for the injuries caused. The injured victims may be able to pursue a car accident claim against the other driver to recover monetary damages.
The Motor Vehicle Manufacturer
A T-bone accident could happen because of the negligence of a motor vehicle manufacturer. Automobile manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that their cars are safe to use before selling them.
Under product liability laws in Indiana, if a car has a faulty component, such as bad brakes or a stuck accelerator, the injured parties may be able to pursue a car accident claim or lawsuit against the motor vehicle manufacturer.
Pursuing a product liability lawsuit against a motor vehicle manufacturer is as challenging as filing a claim against a negligent party. It's essential for the injured victim to seek legal assistance from skilled vehicle accident lawyers.
A Government Agency
In situations involving broken traffic lights, misplaced or incorrect signs, and poor road conditions, a government agency may be liable for a T-bone crash.
When a government agency is responsible for T-bone accident injuries in Indiana, the injured victims may be able to pursue a claim against the relevant department to recover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
What Types of Damages Can the Injured Victims Recover in T-bone Accidents?
There are two main types of damages the injured victims can recover in Indiana following their T-bone accidents, and these are as follows:
Economic Damages
When someone suffers injuries in a T-bone car accident, they may incur out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
These are often referred to as economic damages, and the injured victims may be able to pursue these types of losses by filing a personal injury claim against the negligent party's insurance company.
Non-economic Damages
A T-bone accident could leave an individual with non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life, among many others.
These are subjective losses, also referred to as non-economic damages, and they are often challenging to calculate.
How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help an Injured Victim?
There are several ways Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help the injured victims in Indianapolis, Indiana, some of which include the following:
Determine Liability
Sometimes, a T-bone accident can be complex, with multiple parties involved, which may complicate the entire legal process. Often, the injured victim fails to identify the relevant parties and ends up leaving compensatory damages on the table.
In such situations, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help the injured victim by investigating the accident and determining the liable parties to ensure maximum compensation.
Gather Evidence
When a T-bone collision occurs, it's a rare incident for a party to admit fault. In the majority of the cases, all of the parties involved deny responsibility, which can complicate matters for the injured victim.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have the expertise and resources to gather the necessary evidence, including photographs and videos of the site where the car accident hit on passenger side or T-bone accident occurred and witness statements, to build a strong case and improve the victim's chances of recovering compensatory damages.
Handle the Insurance Company
After the injured victim files a personal injury claim, the insurance company assigns the case to a claims adjuster, who works in the insurer's best interest. They'll use dirty tactics to avoid paying the affected party or reduce their compensation.
The legal team at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys consists of insurance veterans with extensive experience working for insurers. They know the insider secrets and can use this knowledge and expertise to their advantage, fighting for a fair settlement for the injured victim.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Offer Free Consultation to the Injured Victims in Indianapolis, Indiana
Those who have suffered a serious injury from T-bone collisions in Indianapolis, Indiana, should call to schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their legal rights.
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