Driving safely is what everyone on Suffolk County roads wishes when they go out for their daily activities, like going to work, visiting the grocery store, assisting medical appointments, or driving children to school.
Any driver is at risk of a potential accident that may lead to very tough moments, and we´d all like not to deal with such a situation. A good driver who always follows traffic laws could have over 15, 20, or even 30 years of experience driving without having an accident. However, we know there is just a matter of bad luck in finding a negligent driver.
In this special occasion, we´re talking about t-bone accidents and broadside or right-angle collisions.
At The Ward Law Group, we encourage drivers to be aware of the different types of motor vehicle accidents and their characteristics to be alert to the possibilities. If they find themselves involved in one, they know how to handle it properly.
Our team of t-bone accident lawyers is available at any time.
LEGAL DEFINITIONS OF T-BONE ACCIDENTS
In Suffolk County and throughout New York State, a T-bone accident refers to a specific type of collision that typically occurs at intersections. They occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape.
Under New York law, T-bone accidents are governed by the principles of negligence and fault determination. To establish liability in a T-bone accident case, certain legal elements must be proven:
- Duty of Care: All drivers on the road owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, taking reasonable precautions to avoid harming others.
- Breach of Duty: A T-bone accident may occur when one driver breaches their duty of care by engaging in negligent or reckless behavior, such as running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way, speeding, or driving while distracted or intoxicated.
- Causation: It must be demonstrated that the breach of duty directly caused the T-bone accident and resulting injuries. This requires establishing a clear link between the negligent actions of the at-fault driver and the occurrence of the collision.
- Damages: Victims of T-bone accidents must suffer actual damages, such as physical injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to pursue a personal injury claim.
Liability in T-bone accidents is often determined by examining the circumstances surrounding the collision and gathering evidence to support the parties' claims. This evidence may include eyewitness testimony, police reports, accident reconstruction analysis, surveillance footage, and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals.
Comparative Negligence System
In cases where both drivers share fault for the T-bone accident, New York follows a comparative negligence system. Under this system, each party's degree of fault is assessed, and damages are apportioned accordingly. For example, if one driver is found to be 70% at fault for the T-bone accident and the other driver is found to be 30% at fault, the damages awarded to the injured party would be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Victims of T-bone car accidents in Suffolk County should seek the guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer who can navigate the complexities of New York law, gather evidence to support their claim, and advocate for their rights to fair compensation.
By understanding the legal definition of T-bone accidents and the principles of liability and fault determination, victims can take the necessary steps to pursue justice and recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
LEARNING ABOUT THE CAUSES OF T-BONE ACCIDENTS
Side-impact collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents and can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of T-bone accidents is crucial for promoting road safety and preventing future collisions. In Suffolk County, as in many other areas, several factors contribute to the occurrence of T-bone accidents:
- Running Red Lights: One of the leading causes of T-bone accidents is drivers running red lights at intersections. When a driver fails to stop at a red light and proceeds through the intersection, they may collide with vehicles traveling perpendicular to them, resulting in a T-bone collision. Running red lights is illegal and extremely dangerous and can have devastating consequences.
We must stop the car when we see the light change to yellow. We often see drivers who attempt to speed when the yellow light is on so they can pass before the light changes, and when the traffic lights turn red, vehicles in their right of way are already in the middle of the street.
- Failure to Yield: Another common cause of T-bone accidents is failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections. When drivers fail to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians with the right-of-way, they increase the risk of T-bone collisions. Failure to yield can lead to serious accidents and injuries due to impatience, distraction, or misunderstanding of traffic laws.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is a significant contributing factor in many T-bone accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to changing circumstances, such as traffic signals or other vehicles. Speeding reduces a driver's ability to stop or maneuver safely, increasing the likelihood of T-bone collisions, especially at intersections.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, is a major cause of T-bone accidents. When drivers divert their attention from the road, they are less likely to notice traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions. Even a momentary distraction can seriously affect intersections where split-second decisions are crucial.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many T-bone accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination, making them more likely to run red lights, fail to yield, or lose control of their vehicles. Drunk driving significantly increases the risk of T-bone collisions and poses a grave danger to everyone on the road.
By understanding these common causes of T-bone accidents, drivers can take proactive measures to prevent collisions and promote safer driving practices. Every driver has a responsibility to contribute to road safety and reduce the risk of T-bone accidents in Suffolk County and beyond by obeying traffic laws, staying attentive behind the wheel, avoiding distractions, or refraining from driving under the influence.
INJURIES FROM T-BONE CAR ACCIDENT
Understanding the types of injuries commonly associated with T-bone accidents is crucial for victims seeking medical treatment and pursuing legal compensation. Here are some of the injuries frequently observed in T-bone car accidents:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in T-bone accidents, particularly for occupants of the vehicle struck on the side. It occurs when the neck is forcefully and abruptly jerked back and forth, straining or injuring its muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and tingling sensations in the arms or hands.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): T-bone accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs occur when the brain sustains a sudden impact or acceleration-deceleration injury, leading to brain tissue bruising, bleeding, or swelling. Symptoms of TBIs may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, seizures, and changes in mood or behavior. Severe TBIs can have long-lasting or permanent effects on cognitive function, motor skills, and emotional well-being.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: T-bone accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is compressed, stretched, or severed due to the force of the impact. Symptoms of spinal cord injuries may include loss of sensation or movement below the site of injury, difficulty breathing, loss of bowel or bladder control, and intense pain or pressure in the neck or back.
- Fractures: T-bone accidents frequently cause fractures or broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures occur when the bones are subjected to excessive force or pressure during the collision. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, treatment may involve casting, bracing, surgery, or physical therapy to promote healing and restore function.
- Internal Organ Damage: T-bone accidents can result in internal organ damage, including injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Internal organ damage may occur due to the force of the impact or from blunt trauma caused by broken bones or penetrating objects. Symptoms of internal organ damage may include abdominal pain, swelling, bruising, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine or bowel habits. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for victims of T-bone accidents.
PROVING LIABILITY IN BROADSIDE COLLISION CASES
Determining liability in T-bone accident cases is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. Liability refers to the legal responsibility of the at-fault party for causing the accident and resulting damages. In Suffolk County, New York, several factors and types of evidence play a critical role in proving liability in T-bone accident cases:
- Eyewitness Testimony: Eyewitness testimony from individuals who witnessed the accident can provide valuable insight into how the collision occurred and who was at fault. Eyewitnesses may be able to describe the drivers' actions, the sequence of events leading up to the accident, and any other relevant details that can help establish liability.
- Police Reports: Police reports filed at the accident scene often contain important information regarding the circumstances of the collision, statements from drivers and witnesses, observations made by responding officers, and any citations issued to drivers involved in the accident. Police reports serve as official documentation of the incident and can be used as evidence to support claims of liability.
- Accident Reconstruction: Accident reconstruction is a scientific process used to analyze the events leading up to and following a collision based on physical evidence, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other factors. Accident reconstruction experts utilize mathematical formulas, computer simulations, and engineering principles to recreate the accident scenario and determine vehicle speeds, points of impact, and driver actions. Accident reconstruction can provide objective evidence to support liability claims and refute opposing arguments.
- Surveillance Footage: Surveillance footage from nearby cameras, such as traffic cameras, security cameras, or dashboard cameras, can provide visual evidence of how the accident occurred. Surveillance footage may capture the moments leading up to the collision, the actions of the drivers involved, and the impact of the collision itself. This visual evidence can be instrumental in proving liability and demonstrating the negligence or recklessness of the at-fault party.
- Expert Testimony: Expert testimony from professionals such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or engineers can provide authoritative opinions on complex issues related to the accident, such as causation, vehicle dynamics, human factors, and injury causation. Expert testimony can help clarify technical aspects of the case, educate the jury or judge, and strengthen the plaintiff's arguments regarding liability.
T-BONE ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR YOUR CASE
The Ward Law Group is the ideal personal injury law firm for T-bone accident victims seeking experienced and dedicated legal representation.
With over 10 years of experience in personal injury law, the founders of The Ward Law Group and their teams have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to advocate for T-bone accident victims effectively. Our attorneys understand the complexities of T-bone accident cases and are committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive representation to our clients.
At The Ward Law Group, we prioritize the needs and interests of our clients, working tirelessly to pursue the best possible outcome for their cases. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that T-bone accident victims face, and we are here to guide them through every step of the legal process with integrity, compassion, and expertise.
When you choose The Ward Law Group as your T-bone accident lawyer, you can trust that you are in capable hands. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are prepared to go the extra mile to achieve justice on your behalf.
If you've been injured in a T-bone accident in Suffolk County, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact The Ward Law Group today at 855-DOLOR-55 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
We will review your case, answer your questions, and provide personalized legal guidance to pursue maximum compensation for your damages. Let us advocate for justice and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.