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Of the many types of car accidents that can happen in Charleston, T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous.
T-bone accidents happen when one vehicle hits head-on into the side of another vehicle to form a T shape. They typically occur at intersections when one car is turning.
We see too many injury victims be offered too little compensation for the severity of T-bone accidents. If you were injured in a T-bone accident, you deserve compensation. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney is a Charleston car accident lawyer experienced with T-bone accidents and knows what makes fair compensation for your damages. Call 843-701-8029 to find out how we can help.
Common Charleston T-Bone Accident Scenarios
Here are some common scenarios that lead to T-bone accidents.
- Car A is turning at an intersection. Car B blows through a red light crashing into Car A as it is turning. In this scenario, Car B would be to blame for the accident as the driver broke the law by running the red light.
- A car is turning at an intersection in the face of oncoming traffic. The driver does not have a signal to turn but takes the liberty of turning anyway thinking they have the clearance to do so. They end up getting T-boned. In this situation, the driver would be at fault for turning without proper clearance.
- Four-way stops can be confusing. Drivers must yield to the car that got there first. If it is unclear as to who got their first, the driver on the right will have the right-of-way. Many drivers cause T-bone at four way stops because they don’t understand who has the right-of-way or they don’t stop at all.
- A similar situation can happen at a two-way stop. Some drivers get confused and think that they are at a four way stop so they drive into traffic believing the cars coming from either direction will stop for them. Instead, they end up getting T-boned. In this case, the driver who got T-boned will be at fault. It is up to them not to drive into an intersection unless they have the clearance to do so.
- Many drivers speed out of their driveways without checking for traffic. This is especially the case on quiet, residential streets. If cars are coming, they may collide into them causing a T-bone accident. In this instance, the driver leaving the driveway would be at fault, unless the other driver was speeding or engaging in some other type of activity that caused them to lose focus on the road.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
Certain factors and behaviors can make T-bone accidents a negligent act:
- Impaired driving: When drivers are drunk or high, they may incorrectly judge the distance between their car and another car causing a T-bone accident.
- Fatigued driving: Sources say that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving when it comes to distorting judgment.
- Distracted driving: If a driver is driving distracted, they may not notice a car that’s in front of them until it’s too late.
- Speeding: A driver may speed through an intersection when going straight causing them to collide with a car that’s turning.
- Running a red light or stop sign: A car that runs a red light or stop sign may collide with a car that’s turning or going straight.
- Not understanding the rules of the road: Drivers that don’t understand the rules of the road may not know when they, or other drivers, have the right-of-way to turn.
- Car malfunctions: In some cases, a car’s brakes could malfunction and cause it to drift into the side of another vehicle. In these circumstances, the car manufacturer or mechanic could be to blame for the damages.
How Dangerous is a T-Bone Accident?
Consider these points about the severity of T-bone accidents and the injuries that result from them.
- Drivers of passenger vehicles are more likely to die in a T-bone accident as compared to drivers of SUVs. SUVs hold passengers higher up so they are further from the impact.
- Passengers and drivers in the car that was hit on the side are more likely to die in a T-bone crash than passengers and drivers in the car that made the impact. This is because the side of the car is protected by only a very thin sheet of metal. Airbags and seatbelts do not do as much to protect passengers on that side of the car.
What Kind of Injuries Are Typically Sustained in a T-Bone Accident?
Drivers and passengers of either vehicle can get seriously injured in a T-bone accident and be stuck with debilitating conditions and expensive medical bills. Here are some common injuries we see from T-bone crashes:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive in a Charleston T-Bone Accident?
The compensation you receive for your accident will depend on your personal situation and the extent of your losses and injuries. You may be eligible to collect compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Your Charleston car accident lawyer will gather evidence related to your T-bone accident, plus medical reports and work records to establish the value of your losses. They will fight in court to see to it you get the outcome you deserve.
Get Compensated for Your T-Bone Accident Injuries in Charleston
A T-bone accident can result in extensive injuries. If a neglectful driver caused damages that affect your quality of life, don’t delay. Contact Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys for the justice you deserve through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney is a Charleston-area lawyer with years of experience in the personal injury field. We will help you gather evidence to build a strong case. We will fight relentlessly to ensure your damages are covered.
Don’t delay, Call Trey today!
