Fayetteville T-bone Collision Attorneys
One of the worst types of collisions is side-impact hits, otherwise referred to as T-bone crashes. They can happen anywhere in, or near Fayetteville, and can happen in parking lots, at four-way stops, and intersections. Wherever there is a negligent driver not paying attention to what they are doing, you can assume that at some point, someone is going to be T-boned, or end up in another type of crash. The term T-bone became common because vehicles are often left in a “T” shape in the aftermath of a collision.
To seek compensation in the aftermath of a Fayetteville T-bone crash, a survivor has to prove the other driver is liable for the collision. This involves the plaintiff proving the other driver owed them the duty of driving with care and attention, but because they did not drive cautiously, they caused a wreck, and because they caused the Fayetteville T-bone crash, the plaintiff was injured.
By contacting the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield today, we will analyze the details of your car accident and determine the next course of action. Our team brings years of experience and are here to help you every step of the way.
How Side Impact Crashes Can Cause Serious Injuries
It’s a myth that low-speed accidents, including T-bone collisions, are not that serious. Injuries sustained in a T-bone crash can be catastrophic and fatal. Side-impact crashes are worse than other kinds of collisions for the simple reason that there is less material on the side of the vehicle than there is front and back. This means the force of impact is far greater than in another type of wreck.
In a side-swipe accident, the side of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle as they are driving side by side. Sideswiping causes a vehicle to spin out, lose control, and collide with other vehicles. T-bone crashes are also referred to as broadsided, or broadside accidents. What typically happens here is that in a T-bone situation, the front of another vehicle hits the side of the second vehicle.
A negligent driver who collides with another vehicle by slamming into it broadside has more protection from injuries than the other driver. Negligence refers to failing to exercise reasonable care. This is because the other vehicle may be protected by the front-end crumple zones and airbags. Not all cars on the road today have side-door airbags, and the sides of a vehicle are not as sturdy as the front and back end.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Fayetteville, AR
The one common element all T-bone collisions have is that there is negligence involved. Many T-bone wrecks are caused by the following:
- Driving while distracted.
- DUI/DWI.
- Driving while fatigued.
- Speeding.
- Reckless driving.
- Drag racing.
- Inexperienced drivers.
- Failing to yield the right of way.
- Poor weather conditions.
- Traffic signals not working.
- Missing traffic signals or signs.
- A driver experiencing a mechanical failure.
Generally speaking, most Fayetteville T-bone collisions happen at traffic intersections, and most often this happens as a result of one driver running a stop sign or a red light, and hitting another vehicle in an intersection. Or, one driver makes an illegal or unsafe turn into an intersection and is hit from the side.
Types of Injuries Sustained in a T-Bone Collision
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), approximately 25 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths are caused by side-impact crashes.
Some of the more common, and serious injuries include:
- Whiplash – Torn neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Herniated and or fractured discs, paralysis, partial or complete
- Internal Bleeding – due to a body being jerked around by the force of impact. Undetected bleeding can lead to death.
- Head Injuries – including traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, concussions
- Traumatic Aortic Rupture – life-threatening when chest trauma tears through the aortic wall. This injury is often fatal but can be survived if the tear is partial.
- Burns
- Leg and Pelvic Injuries
- Soft Tissue Neck and Back Injuries
- Fractured and Broken Bones
- Torn Muscles, Ligaments, Tendons
Side-impact crashes leave survivors with serious injuries, including skull fractures, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and in some instances, wrongful death.
How To Prove Your T-Bone Accident Arkansas Claim
What you need is evidence that proves the crash was the other driver’s fault. Some steps you can take to collect evidence and shore up your claim include:
- Taking pictures or videos of the crash scene. Include the surrounding area, where the cars ended up, and your injuries, if you can.
- Submitting a police accident report. It may help your attorney sort out who was responsible and the extent of the negligence. e.g., Was the other driver DWI or did they run a traffic signal?
- Obtaining witness testimonies. If you are stuck in the vehicle and need to be extricated, try to keep taking pictures. Look around for local CCTV or surveillance cameras, as well as traffic light cameras. They always have a story to tell.
- Insist on a forensic investigation of the crash scene. Investigators can reconstruct what happened to paint a clear picture of who was responsible for the accident. This involves skid marks, the debris field, and other evidence, including the final impact area and angle.
In Arkansas, the comparative negligence doctrine is followed for personal injury claims, such as a T-bone car accident. This means that although you may claim compensation for your injuries, should you be found partially responsible for an accident, the compensation available would be reduced by your percentage of fault. In other words, if a claim was filed against another driver for $100,000, but the court says that you are 20 percent responsible for the crash, the compensation would be reduced by 20 percent.
Types of Compensation for T-Bone Collision Accidents in Fayetteville
The amount and type of compensation possibly available in a Fayetteville T-bone lawsuit can include:
- Medical expenses – Past, current, and future.
- Replacement or repair expenses for damaged property.
- Lost income from work while off recovering.
- Lost future earning potential if your injuries are long-term.
- Pain and suffering, or mental anguish.
- Compensation for permanent disability, psychological impairment, and/or disfigurement.
After a T-bone collision, it is best to speak with a Fayetteville car accident attorney. The first consultation is free, and you find out if you have a case, what to expect and how it may turn out.
Do I Need an Attorney for a T-Bone Collision Claim?
If you have been involved in a Fayetteville T-bone collision, immediately get in touch with the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield and consult with an experienced local car accident lawyer. A local attorney is best suited to help you understand the specific laws and how they affect your case.
At partial fault for the collision? Your Jason M. Hatfield Fayetteville T-bone collision attorney can determine your legal defense based on the circumstances of your case. If you are not at fault, we can help you work towards a fair and equitable damage award.
Do not delay retaining an attorney. The longer you wait, the more difficult proving your case becomes. Having legal counsel can increase your compensation. Awards and settlements may be up to 3.5 times higher for accident survivors with legal counsel.
Contact the Fayetteville Office of Jason M. Hatfield Today
If you were involved in a Fayetteville T-Bone accident, reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling 479-361-3575. Our dedicated team of T-Bone accident lawyers is here to help.
Call us today for a free initial consultation and to find out what you can expect should you file a personal injury lawsuit. We know you have questions, and we can answer them for you. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is just one quick call away: 479-361-3575.