Port Charlotte T-Bone Collisions Attorney
T-bone collisions, also known as side impact collisions, occur when one vehicle perpendicularly impacts another vehicle. Often the injuries, such as deep lacerations, head trauma, or fractures, are severe enough for people to receive immediate medical attention. Even those who walk away from such a collision seemingly unscathed could experience symptoms in the days that follow such as headaches, numbness, muscle spasms, or swelling which could be signs of whiplash or internal bleeding. If you were a victim of a t-bone crash, it is imperative that you seek medical attention within 14 days of the collision because Florida Statute 627.736 requires that an injured party seek initial medical attention within those first two weeks to make an insurance claim valid. As you manage your health, a Port Charlotte t-bone collisions attorney at Hale Law can assist you with the legal process, so that you receive compensation for your losses.
HOW DANGEROUS ARE T-BONE COLLISIONS?
The severity of side impact collisions depends on many factors including:
- The size and particularly the height of each vehicle;
- The weight of each vehicle and it’s cargo;
- The safety features of each vehicle;
- The angle of the crash;
- The speed at which both vehicles were traveling at;
- Whether any other vehicles or inanimate objects are involved in the crash; and
- More.
The disparity in the size and weight of the two vehicles will make a significant difference in the outcome of a crash. For instance, an SUV traveling at speed that hits another SUV will not do as much damage as a large truck towing a boat that hits another SUV from the side. Unfortunately for people who drive cars and mid-size vehicles, SUVs and pickup trucks have become behemoths over the past decade. The average weight of an SUV is 4,799 pounds, compared to the average car at just 2,871 pounds, according to CreditDonkey.
PROVING FAULT IN T-BONE COLLISIONS
T-bone crashes occur when one party fails to follow the rules of the road and properly yield to the other party’s vehicle as it passes. Common ways a driver can be found at fault in a t-bone collision include:
- Running a red light or stop sign;
- Not giving right away to an oncoming vehicle when pulling out from a secondary street;
- Speeding through a parking lot without care for cars backing up;
- Backing up without looking for traffic behind you; and
- Making a left hand turn when there is oncoming traffic and not a safe enough gap to successfully maneuver the turn.
In t-bone collisions there is always one driver who experiences a front-impact while the other driver experiences a side impact. However, it is important to note that in some of these scenarios, it is actually not the fault of the driver who experiences frontal damage. For instance, a driver who thinks they can make a left hand turn with oncoming traffic approaching will be hit from the side even though they are considered at fault for not properly yielding.
REACH OUT TO A PORT CHARLOTTE T-BONE COLLISION ATTORNEY TODAY
If you are a victim of a side impact crash, you are likely dealing with medical appointments and getting your car repaired. Let a Port Charlotte t-bone collision attorney help you through the legal process so that you can get properly compensated for the medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. To begin, contact Hale Law at 1-800-800-1414 to schedule a free consultation today.