T-Bone Auto Accident Lawyers Anderson Hemmat

Understanding T-Bone Car Accidents

Individuals who run a red light or blow a stop sign can impact the other driver either on the driver’s side or the passenger’s side, injuring the occupants. The side panels of most vehicles are the weakest part of the vehicle, as the glass and doors tend to be less reinforced than other parts of cars.

As a result, these parts of the vehicle break or crumple, allowing more of the force of the impact to strike the occupants. This can often lead to terrible injuries, and the driver may need to be cut out of the vehicle. This traumatic experience usually causes the innocent driver to need extensive medical attention, which means time out of work and expensive medical bills. When injured in a T-bone auto accident, consult with an experienced car accident attorney for legal advice on the best manner to pursue compensation for your injuries.

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These accidents are often the result of driver negligence, such as running red lights or failing to yield. The side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear, making occupants on the impacted side more susceptible to severe injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact collisions accounted for 23% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2019. This statistic underscores the serious nature of T-bone accidents and the critical need for drivers to exercise caution at intersections.

Causes of T-Bone Auto Accidents

T-bone accidents, also known as T-bone crashes, are often caused by inattentive driving or drivers that fail to use caution while on streets and intersections. Common causes of T-bone crashes include:

• Drunk driving: Any level of impairment by alcohol can influence a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and ability to navigate the road safely. In Colorado, over 25,000 drivers are charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) each year. Impaired drivers are prone to making critical mistakes, such as running red lights or stop signs, which can lead to a T-bone crash.

• Driving under the influence of drugs or certain prescriptions: Driving while impaired by drugs, marijuana, or even prescribed medications can lead to accidents. Like with drunk driving, a driver’s judgment and reaction times can be worsened by the effects of narcotics or substances that are legal to use.

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving involves a driver who is distracted by anything that takes their eyes off the road in front of them. Distracted driving is a rising problem that causes thousands of deaths and many more accidents each year. Common examples of distracted driving include:

  • Cell phones

  • Food

  • Drinks

  • Applying makeup

  • Adjusting hair

  • Looking for items in the car

  • Talking to passengers

• Disobeying traffic signals: A driver that fails to yield or stop, or runs through a red light, dramatically increases the chance of a T-bone car accident occurring. Whether intentional or not, the driver can be cited for a ticket and sued in a personal injury case.

Understanding these causes can help in both preventing T-bone accidents and determining fault when they occur.

Types of T-Bone Car Accident Injuries

Depending on the speed of the vehicle striking you in a T-bone accident, your injuries could range from moderate to severe. Common car accident injuries in T-bone accidents include broken bones, head and brain injuries, neck and back injuries, and soft tissue damage. A direct impact at high speed can result in such injuries as:

• Broken bones, especially on the side of your body where the other car impacted your vehicle. Your side panel will crush inward on your body, and the impact can break arms, legs, hands, feet, and collar bones. It all depends on the angle and the speed.

• Head and brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are common in T-bone situations as well, because the impact will jolt you and possibly cause you to strike your head on the window, steering wheel, or other part of the vehicle as it becomes crushed in toward your body.

• Neck and back injuries are common in all of the various impacts of a car accident, but a T-bone car accident will jar the driver sideways, causing the body to twist unnaturally. The neck is very fragile and can’t handle this abuse without severe injury as a result.

• Soft tissue damage and internal injuries are also a very real danger, depending on the force of the impact. If the crash happened at high speeds, the weak side panel of your vehicle won’t protect your body well from the oncoming vehicle. The car will crush in on your body, and if the hit is hard enough, can cause heavy bruising, torn ligaments and muscles, and even internal bleeding.

Death is also a very real possibility in extreme T-bone car accidents, and if you have lost a loved one as a result of this, you know all too well. Even lower speed accidents in areas like parking lots carry risks for the innocent victim, potentially resulting in serious injuries. You may think that a lower speed accident wouldn’t yield such injuries, but depending on the vehicles involved, damage and pain can be unbearable. With such injuries, the likelihood of hospitalization, possible surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation may occur. This will put you or your loved ones out of work and necessary daily activities, which can be very detrimental to your life. Car accident victims often face lengthy rehabilitation and significant financial burdens due to their injuries. This is unfair, and you deserve to be compensated for such difficulties.

Colorado Traffic Laws Relevant to T-Bone Accidents

Colorado law is clear regarding traffic regulations, including those designed to prevent T-bone auto accidents. Two critical laws relevant to these types of crashes are:

• C.R.S. 42-4-603: Right-of-way at intersections: This law dictates that drivers must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, ensuring safe passage and reducing the risk of collisions.

• C.R.S. 42-4-604: Right-of-way at intersections with traffic signals: This statute requires drivers to obey traffic signals at intersections, including stopping at red lights and proceeding only when it is safe to do so.

Understanding these laws is crucial in determining fault in a T-bone accident. If a driver violates these statutes, they can be held liable for the resulting damages and injuries. This can significantly impact the outcome of a car accident case.

T-bone Auto Accident FAQ’s

What to Do After a T-Bone Car Accident in Denver

If you’ve been involved in a T-bone car accident in Denver, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured, some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to get a thorough check-up.

2. Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and provide them with as much information as possible. A police report will create an official record of the accident, which can be invaluable when filing a claim.

3. Exchange Information: Make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details.

4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles or property, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. This visual evidence can help establish fault and support your claim.

5. Gather Evidence: Collect any other evidence that may be relevant to your case, such as witness statements, medical records, and repair estimates. This documentation will be crucial in building a strong case.

6. Contact a Denver Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim. They can provide legal advice, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim after a T-bone car accident in Denver.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To After Being T-Boned

If you’ve been injured in a serious car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses: The full cost of past and future medical care, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, x-rays, and medical tests.

• Lost wages: An amount to recoup wages lost from having to take time off work due to a car accident or injuries.

• Property damage: An amount suitable to pay for crash-related property damage, including motor vehicle damage and lost or destroyed items.

• Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for intangible losses associated with a car accident, including physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.

• Punitive damages: An additional type of compensation that may be available if a defendant was especially negligent or reckless.

It’s essential to consult with an experienced Denver car accident lawyer to determine the full extent of damages you may be entitled to. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

After a Colorado Car Crash with Injuries (Video)

Chad Hemmat - After a Colorado Car Crash with Injuries

Benefits of Hiring a Denver Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a Denver car accident lawyer can provide numerous benefits, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Here are some key advantages:

1. Expertise: A car accident lawyer has extensive knowledge of Colorado’s traffic laws and regulations. This expertise can help establish fault and support your claim, ensuring that all legal aspects are thoroughly addressed.

2. Experience: A seasoned car accident lawyer has handled numerous cases similar to yours. Their experience allows them to navigate the complex process of filing a claim efficiently and effectively.

3. Objectivity: Dealing with the aftermath of a T-bone car accident can be emotionally taxing. A car accident lawyer provides an objective perspective on your case, helping you make informed decisions without the influence of stress or emotional distress.

4. Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, leveraging their skills to help you receive the maximum compensation possible.

5. Trial Experience: If your case goes to trial, having a car accident lawyer with trial experience is invaluable. They can provide aggressive representation and fight for your rights in court, ensuring that your case is presented effectively.

6. No Upfront Costs: Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless you receive compensation. This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without financial strain.

By hiring a Denver car accident lawyer, you can ensure that your case is handled professionally and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Get Dedicated and Compassionate Car Accident Lawyers on Your Side

At Anderson Hemmat, our dedicated legal team will strive to pursue compensation on your behalf for your car accident case, including all possible losses you may have incurred, such as medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. It’s essential to consult with experienced Denver auto accident lawyers to determine the full extent of damages you may be entitled to. Insurance companies will try to get away with giving you less than the compensation you deserve, but we won’t let them take advantage of you. Our expert legal team has decades of experience working as Denver auto accident lawyers, and we want to put that experience to work for you. For a free personal injury case evaluation of your accident, schedule an appointment today. We are ready to get to work on your personal injury accident case.