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(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
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.
It’s true regardless of accident type: If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t be footing the bill. The experienced Houston car accident injury attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm can help hold the at-fault party accountable. Contact us online to explore your compensation options.
There’s a reason that so many movies choose to depict t-bone accidents over other types of collisions: 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 grasp. 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.
T-bone accidents are a type of collision in which one vehicle runs head-first 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.
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 T-bone 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 the 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 and 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 50% or less responsibility for the accident.
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 or run a red light or stop sign.
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.
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.
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 and indicates a disregard for the safety of other drivers on the road. 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. Both drivers involved in the collision may share legal responsibility in some cases.
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 everyone on the road.
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 at the scene. They will create a report and may be able to determine who is at fault for the accident.
Gather Evidence
As mentioned earlier, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. 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.
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 of any car accident depend greatly on the specific details surrounding the event, some injuries occur more frequently than others.
Here are just a few of the many potential injuries that accident victims may suffer:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Eyewitness Testimony
If there were witnesses to the accident, their testimony can be valuable in determining 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 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.
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 in order to recover or unable to recoup the other losses caused by the accident.
If you’re thinking about filing a t-bone accident lawsuit in Houston, it’s important to gain at least 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:
Personal injury law (which includes car accident cases) is complex, especially if you’re trying to navigate it without legal assistance. If you have questions about one of the above-described terms or about your eligibility to pursue a lawsuit, it’s a good idea to contact a trusted Houston personal injury attorney for assistance.
If you’re going to go 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 own root canal when you’re not a dentist: It’s almost never 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:
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 offer their services on a contingency fee basis, as most personal injury lawyers commit to doing.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
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