T-bone accidents are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), T-bone accidents account for 23% of all fatal accidents in the US.
When a T-bone accident happens, victims need to understand their legal options. If the accident was the result of someone else’s reckless driving or driver negligence, then the victims have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim against the at-fault party and recover compensation for medical bills and lost income.
Are you looking for Milwaukee legal help for T-Bone crashes? Then you have come to the right place. T-bone accident victims in Milwaukee, WI can contact us at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP for legal guidance and representation. Our Milwaukee accident attorneys focus on T-bone auto accidents and other motor vehicle accidents in Milwaukee.
T-bone accidents, also referred to as broadside accidents or side impact collisions, happen when one vehicle strikes the other vehicle from the side. At the point of impact, the shape of the two vehicles forms the shape of the letter “T.”
The nature of the accident makes it dangerous for the occupants of the vehicle. While some modern vehicles have side airbags, there typically is less protection at the side than the front where the engine and other components can absorb some of the force of the impact. Either driver can be at fault for the accident.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents typically result from failure to yield to the driver with the right of way. For example, if one driver runs a red light, they can crash into the side of another vehicle that has the right of way. A similar situation can happen if a driver ignores a stop sign. Most T-bone accidents happen at intersections but they can happen in other scenarios.
Distracted driving remains the top cause of T-Bone accidents. A driver can be distracted by many things, including using their cell phone while behind the wheel, eating or drinking, or fiddling with the vehicle controls or stereo system. In some personal injury cases, driver fatigue, caused by lack of sleep or intense exhaustion can also cause T-bone accidents. Other cases include reckless driving and speeding.
Injuries Caused By T-Bone Accidents
Compared to head-on collisions and rear-end accidents, T-bone accidents can result in more catastrophic injuries to the occupants of the vehicle. The most devastating injuries include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, which can have a life-altering impact on the victims and their families.
Other common injuries associated with T-bone accidents include chest and abdomen injuries, pelvic injuries, bone fractures, burns, and facial injuries. Along with severe injuries to the body and face, victims can also suffer psychological injuries like emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder. Personal injury lawyers can guide you on what compensation you can get in your case.
Steps To Take After A T-Bone Accident
If you are involved in a T-bone accident, you need to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 to get emergency medical attention. It’s possible that passengers in T-bone collisions get pinned or stuck in the vehicle and might not be able to get out. In cases of serious injuries, it is best to stay put unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire or oncoming traffic. Once the emergency services personnel arrive at the scene, they can ensure everyone gets the medical attention they need.
You should not hesitate to get medical attention after motor vehicle accidents. Even if you are concerned about your vehicle or establishing who was at fault, your priority should be your health and safety.
Once you are in a stable condition, you can start gathering evidence on how the accident occurred and who was at fault. It helps to gather evidence from the accident scene. So if possible, exchange contact and insurance information with other parties involved in the accident. Take accident scene photos, including vehicle damage and physical injuries. If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask them if they are willing to share their contact information or provide witness statements. You can obtain a copy of the police report as evidence for your case.
Keep records of all your expenses as you may need to provide evidence for the compensatory damages in your insurance claim or lawsuit. This includes receipts of your medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other relevant expenses.
Notify your insurance company about the incident but do not admit to being at fault for the accident. Also, do not accept any settlement offers from them without consulting a Milwaukee car accident attorney. You should seek legal advice from Milwaukee car accident attorneys early in the process so they can help you protect your rights and navigate the complexities of a T-bone auto accident claim or litigation process.
How Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP Can Help You
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP, our law firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to individuals who have been involved in T-bone accidents. Through years of experience handling T-bone accidents and a deep understanding of Wisconsin law, we know how to navigate the complexities of such cases. From gathering evidence to negotiating with the opposing party, we can skillfully handle all the legal aspects of the case. All our clients get personalized attention through each step of the legal process, ensuring our full commitment and dedication to getting full and fair compensation for them.
When you are ready, consult with one of our T-bone collision lawyers in Milwaukee so we can prove how the crash occurred and recover compensation from the liable parties through a fair settlement or a court order.
Our Milwaukee car accident lawyer will start with an initial consultation to understand your car accident case and guide you on your best legal options. You can have peace of mind knowing that your case will be handled by the top lawyers for T-bone accidents in Milwaukee. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our T-bone accident lawyer.