T-bone Accident Attorney in Houston
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are a common type of car accident in Houston that can result in serious injuries and property damage. These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. It is recommended that you get help from a T-bone accident attorney in Houston after an injury accident in Harris County, TX.
Many movies choose to depict T-bone accidents over other types of collisions because their potential for catastrophe is practically unparalleled. Their violence is almost dramatic, and so is their potential to cause devastating injuries and vehicle damage. Unfortunately, t-bone accidents aren’t relegated to television.
T-bone accidents happen all too frequently in the real world and result in serious and even life-threatening injuries. When it’s all said and done, this type of accident can leave victims with life-changing physical injuries, insurmountable debt, and little hope for financial recovery. In the most serious cases, they even result in fatalities.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our t-bone accident attorney in Houston understands that navigating the aftermath of a t-bone accident is easier said than done, especially without the necessary resources. Fortunately, top-tier help isn’t out of reach. By partnering with one of the talented attorneys from our firm, you may be able to secure a wide range of damages and bring the at-fault party to justice.
Greg Baumgartner, a Houston personal injury attorney with decades of t-bone accident expertise, will explore everything you need to know about t-bone accidents in Houston, including their causes, common injuries, and recoverable compensation in car accident lawsuits.
Need help now? Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek compensation through a car accident lawsuit. Contact Baumgartner Law Firm to speak with a compassionate t-bone accident attorney about your options for compensation.
What Are T-Bone Accidents?
- T-bone accidents are a type of collision in which one vehicle runs head-on into the side of another. They get their name from the perpendicular “T” shape they form. Commonly occurring at intersections, these are some of the most dangerous types of collisions for the people involved, as a car’s side doors offer little protection to the people behind them. Often, t-bone crashes are fatal, especially with big trucks hitting a passenger car.
Who is at Fault in a T-bone Accident?
In a T-bone collision, determining who is at fault depends on several factors. Generally, the driver who fails to yield the right of way to the opposing driver is held responsible for the accident. For example, if a driver runs a red light and enters an intersection where other vehicles have the right of way, they can be involved in a T-bone collision with another vehicle and be found negligent.
However, it is important to note that fault can sometimes be shared between both drivers involved in the accident. If a driver with the right of way collides with another vehicle that should have stopped at a red light, the driver who failed to stop may be at fault for the collision.
In some cases, more than one driver can be deemed at fault in a T-bone accident. For instance, if two drivers have stop signs instead of traffic lights at an intersection, and one driver fails to stop and T-bones a distracted driver, both drivers may share some degree of blame. The driver with the right of way could be considered partially at fault if they were also negligent or could have prevented the accident by exercising proper caution.
It’s worth mentioning that the specific allocation of fault may vary by jurisdiction, depending on the circumstances of the accident. In certain regions, such as Texas, a negligent party can still seek compensation for their damages as long as they hold less than 50% responsibility for the accident.
When the Driver Making the Turn is at Fault
In most cases, the driver making the turn is at fault in a T-bone accident. This is because they are responsible for ensuring it is safe to turn before proceeding. They may be held liable for the accident if they fail to yield to oncoming traffic, run a red light, or fail to stop at a stop sign.
When the Driver Going Straight is at Fault
Sometimes, the driver going straight may be at fault for a T-bone accident. This can happen if they are speeding, driving recklessly, or running a red light or stop sign. If the driver going straight is found to be at fault, they may be liable for the accident.
When Both Drivers Share Fault
In some cases, both drivers may share fault for a T-bone accident. For example, if the driver making the turn failed to yield, but the driver going straight was also speeding, both drivers may be partially responsible for the accident. In these cases, the percentage of fault assigned to each driver will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Running a Red Light Accident: Who’s at Fault?
In a running a red light accident, the driver who proceeds through the intersection while the traffic signal is red will typically be considered at fault. Failing to obey a red light is a clear violation of traffic laws, indicating a disregard for the safety of other road users. However, it’s important to note that fault will depend on the circumstances of your accident.
If another driver involved in the collision had the right of way, such as when they were lawfully proceeding through a green light, the driver running the red light will almost certainly be held responsible for the crash. In some cases, both drivers involved in the collision may share legal responsibility.
Nonetheless, it is generally expected and legally mandated that drivers adhere to traffic signals, including red lights, to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
What to Do if You’ve Been in a T-bone Accident
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, it’s important to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention
The priority after any car accident is to seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else who may have been injured. Even if you don’t feel injured, getting checked out by a medical professional is important, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Call the Police
If the accident is serious, call the police immediately. They will create a report and may be able to determine who is at fault.
Gather Evidence
As mentioned earlier, gathering as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident is important. This can help determine fault and may be useful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Contact a T-bone Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident, it’s important to contact a T-bone accident lawyer in Houston as soon as possible. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Common Injuries in Houston T-Bone Accidents
Because they commonly occur at intersections, many T-bone accidents occur at high speeds. That fact, in conjunction with the point of impact, increases the potential for catastrophic injury. Although the specific injuries resulting from any car accident depend greatly on the details surrounding the event, certain injuries occur more frequently than others.
Here are just a few of the many potential injuries that accident victims may suffer:
Whiplash.
Whiplash is a neck and head injury caused by a rapid “back and forth” jerking movement that can result from a sudden impact or collision. It is a likely injury for the driver who t-bones the other vehicle.
Broken bones.
A forceful collision can immediately fracture bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and even the spine. These injuries are most likely to occur in victims of the vehicle being t-boned, especially on the side of their body closest to the side of the car.
Internal damage.
Many t-bone accidents result in partially crushed cars, and sometimes, the wreckage also crushes and traps passengers. Internal bleeding and organ damage are both major concerns for victims of T-bone accidents.
Spinal cord injuries.
These are some of the most dangerous types of injuries, namely because of their propensity to cause paralysis. Even when they don’t, victims of spinal cord injuries may spend weeks, months, and even years trying to recover physically.
Fatalities.
In the most tragic cases, T-bone accidents claim lives. If you’ve lost a loved one in a T-bone accident caused by someone else, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
As you can see, the injuries that result from these wrecks are no laughing matter. Recovery periods can be long; even when they’re not, the medical bills can be astronomical. If you’re struggling to recoup your losses after this (or any other) type of car accident, speaking with a trusted legal professional about your options is a good idea.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents can be caused by countless factors, from distracted driving to driver impairment to poor road conditions. However, the nature of these wrecks and the fact that they frequently occur at intersections implies an element of negligence from either the driver doing the t-boning or the driver operating the vehicle that gets t-boned.
Here are some of the potential causes of T-bone accidents in Houston:
Running red lights.
Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals and run red lights and stop signs put themselves and others at increased risk for this type of accident.
Failing to yield.
Failing to yield the right of way at intersections and four-way stops can result in one vehicle T-boning another.
Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents, including T-bone collisions. Despite popular belief, distracted driving doesn’t always involve cell phones; it can result from any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from safely operating their vehicle.
Speeding.
Speeding increases the risk of this type of collision and can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Driving under the influence.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can increase the likelihood of running a traffic light or stop sign, both of which contribute to T-bone accidents. Drunk driving accidents make up a high percentage of fatal car wrecks.
Adverse weather conditions.
Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain and flooding, may make it difficult for drivers to see traffic lights and signs, so it’s important to reduce speed when traveling in severe weather.
Ultimately, almost anything can precipitate a serious T-bone accident. However, being aware of the major contributing factors can help reduce the likelihood of being involved in this devastating wreck.
How to Determine Fault in a T-bone Accident in Houston
It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to determine fault in a T-bone accident. This may include:
Police Reports
If the police were called to the accident scene, they would create a report detailing their findings. This report may include information about who they believe is at fault for the accident. While police officers’ opinions in the accident report are not binding, they can provide an independent perspective on the cause of the crash.
Eyewitness Testimony
If there were witnesses to the accident, their testimony can be valuable in determining who is at fault. Eyewitnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened and may be able to shed light on who was at fault for the accident.
Traffic Camera Footage
In some cases, traffic cameras may have captured the accident on video. This footage can be used to determine fault in a T-bone accident.
Photos of the Accident Scene
Photos of the accident scene can also help determine who is at fault. They can show the position of the vehicles, any damage sustained, and any other relevant details.
Expert Opinions
Sometimes, it may be necessary to consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault in a T-bone accident. These experts can use their knowledge and experience to analyze the evidence and provide an opinion on who was at fault for the accident.
Filing a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit in Houston
Regardless of what the media would like you to believe, the reality is that most people who file car accident lawsuits aren’t looking for a fast payday. Like other types of accident victims, they are simply unable to pay for the treatment they desperately need to recover or unable to recoup the other losses caused by the accident.
If you’re considering filing a T-bone accident lawsuit in Houston, it’s important to gain a rudimentary understanding of the process and other key legal considerations. Before getting started, make sure you have at least a basic idea of the following concepts:
Liability.
Your ability to secure a settlement in any injury-related lawsuit depends on whether or not you can prove liability. In a legal context, liability refers to a fault; to prove another party’s liability, your attorney will gather a variety of evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and more.
Statute of limitations.
Accident victims do not have an indefinite amount of time to file their claims. In Texas, most people have two years from the date of an accident to initiate a lawsuit; otherwise, they may be ineligible to pursue compensation.
Texas negligence laws.
In the U.S., the fault is determined on a state-by-state basis. Texas operates under a modified form of comparative negligence, meaning that your recoverable damages may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident.
Insurance claims.
Lawsuits aren’t the only way to secure compensation; many car accident victims choose to pursue a settlement through insurance. If you decide to go this route, having a lawyer negotiate on your behalf is still a good idea to increase the likelihood of maximum compensation.
Damages.
In personal injury cases, plaintiffs seek to recover damages—financial awards designed to compensate them for their losses. Your attorney can help you calculate a settlement demand, including the full range of economic and non-economic damages.
Personal injury law (which includes car accident cases) is complex, especially if you’re trying to navigate it without legal assistance. If you wonder if you have a personal injury case or about your eligibility to pursue a lawsuit, it’s a good idea to contact a trusted Houston personal injury attorney for assistance.
How an Experienced T-Bone Accident Attorney in Houston Can Help
If you’re going through the trouble of bringing a car accident lawsuit, you might as well do it the right way. Attempting to represent when you don’t have any legal experience is akin to performing your root canal when you’re not a dentist: It’s rarely worth it.
An experienced T-bone accident attorney can help you navigate the legal minutiae of your case, ensuring every detail is accounted for. Here are some of the many key benefits of working with an experienced car accident lawyer:
Thorough investigation.
In most car accident cases, a seasoned attorney will first investigate the accident and the series of events. Your attorney may discover critically important information by gathering additional evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing key documents.
Legal expertise.
Navigating the legal system is hard. File something incorrectly, with incomplete information, or outside of the eligibility period, and you’re looking at costly delays. Working with someone who has intimate knowledge of the ins and outs of the legal system can save you a fortune in headaches and missed opportunities.
Negotiation.
Whether negotiating with an insurer or with the at-fault party’s attorney, you’ll need someone on your side capable of litigation. In many cases, fear of litigation is the deciding factor in reaching an acceptable settlement.
Documentation.
Attorneys are experts in documenting, cataloging, and quantifying damages, including those from medical bills, wage statements, and other sources. To defend your settlement demand, you’ll need clear, compelling documentation supporting your claim, which is exactly what your attorney will provide.
Litigation.
Although the vast majority of lawsuits are settled outside of court, your attorney must be capable of pursuing litigation. There’s nothing that wins more cases than the threat of an aggressive, costly in-court litigation.
Emotional support.
Going through a T-bone accident is devastating. You may be facing incalculable losses and untold uncertainties. In addition to legal expertise, the best attorneys provide the frequent communication, understanding, and compassion you need during this difficult time.
Every t-bone accident victim deserves top-tier legal representation that includes these skills. However, not every car accident lawyer is capable or willing to provide them. That’s why it’s important to be selective when searching for legal representation.
The best attorney for your case will have experience handling—and winning—t-bone accident cases like yours, a specialization in car accident and personal injury law, and a stellar reputation among past and current clients. They should also offer free consultations and be willing to provide their services on a contingency fee basis, as most personal injury lawyers typically do.
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About Our Law Firm in Houston
Houston personal injury lawyer Greg Baumgartner heads the Baumgartner Law Firm.
Our firm was established in 1985 and has helped thousands of injury victims get maximum compensation for their cases. If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. (281) 587-1111.
Since 1985, Baumgartner Law Firm has limited our law practice to serious personal injury cases. Our legal team has won maximum compensation for thousands of accident victims and recovered millions of dollars for real people like you.
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