A T-bone car accident, also known as a side-impact collision, is a serious issue in Florida and all of the United States. In 2019 alone, T-bone accidents accounted for 23 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
If you and/or a loved one has been injured (or even killed) in a T-bone accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to seek compensation against the at-fault parties. Consulting with a reputable Daytona Beach car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and take next steps for full compensation.
Common causes of T-bone car accidents
T-bone accidents often occur when one vehicle crashes perpendicularly into another that is either stationary or moving at a right angle to the direction of the car making the impact.
In most cases, these accidents happen at an intersection, especially when one driver fails to yield to the other’s right of way. However, a T-bone accident can also occur in situations that are out of the hands of the involved drivers.
Here are some common causes of T-bone accidents:
- Running a red light-traffic lights
- Running a stop sign
- Making dangerous U-turns or left turns
- Distracted driving
- Poor road signage
- Defective vehicles and/or vehicle parts
Common T-bone accident injuries
While the front and the rear ends of a vehicle are designed to offer protection in an impact, the door and the window are the only protections a car occupant has when a side-impact collision happens. That means T-bone accident victims will rarely escape with just a few scrapes.
Depending on the impact and side from which a vehicle is hit, the injuries can be severe and very costly financially and psychologically. Some of the common injuries sustained in a T-bone accident may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest trauma
- Broken bones
- Hip injuries
- Shoulder injuries
Who’s at fault in a T-bone car accident in Florida?
There is no definite answer to who is at fault in a Florida T-bone accident and the reason behind this is pretty simple. T-bone accidents can happen as a result of various reasons ranging from driver’s negligence, a problem or defect with a vehicle, or poor road conditions, meaning different parties can cause these broadside collisions.
Driver negligence
When a T-bone accident happens at an intersection, it means that one of the drivers crossed the intersection at the wrong time.
To put it straight, if when crossing an intersection on a green light, a driver is hit on the side, the driver who hits the other on the side is to blame. Conversely, if a driver runs a red light and is hit, the driver who is hit is to blame.
In other circumstances, both drivers may share the blame.
Vehicle manufacturer
One or more of the vehicles involved in a T-bone accident could have a faulty component contributing to the crash. In such a case, the vehicle manufacturer may be held partially or fully responsible for the accident.
Florida, like most states, has product liability laws that allow injury victims to hold manufacturers responsible for damages caused by their product, including vehicles. When you suspect that your vehicle as a product is to blame for an accident, you can hire a Daytona Beach car accident lawyer to investigate and determine if the manufacturer shares responsibility.
Another driver
In some cases, the at-fault driver may evade the collision, but their actions may lead to one. To illustrate this, a driver could make an improper left turn causing the driver behind them to swerve to avoid an accident only to strike another at the side.
The driver responsible for setting in motion the chain of events is at fault in the accident even when they did not do the actual hitting. The accountable driver has a legal obligation to stay at the scene, although they may not always do so. Documenting the scene immediately after an accident and talking to witnesses can help your Daytona Beach car accident lawyer build a strong case for your compensation.
What do after a T-bone car accident in Florida
Unless you sustain injuries that warrant going to the hospital, it is always advisable to stay at the accident scene until the relevant authorities arrive. While you wait, it would be best to collect any evidence available at the location. You could record a video, take photos with your phone, and collect witness testimonies and contacts to help with the accident investigation. As soon as you’re able, bring this evidence and any medical records to a consultation with an experienced Daytona Beach car accident attorney who can review the documents, estimate the value of your case, and provide next steps to pursue maximum compensation.
Contact a Daytona Beach car accident lawyer if you’ve suffered a T-bone accident
If you find yourself involved in a T-bone car accident in Florida, know that you have legal rights and options for recovering your damages. Zimmet & Zimmet is a family of highly skilled Daytona Beach car accident lawyers boasting over 40 years of experience defending injured accident victims across Florida. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
