A Birmingham car accident lawyer discusses how T-bone crashes are proven and litigated
A T-bone car wreck occurs when one driver is traveling through an intersection and another driver fails to stop at a stop sign or red light. The impact often turns a car over or spins it around. It can also cause a car to go off the road and hit a building, pedestrian, bicyclist or roadside structure. The injuries can be catastrophic.
It's very common for people to sustain traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, spinal injuries and even fatal injuries in a T-bone crash. These crashes tend to be severe since there is very little protection between a car occupant and a side door.
Determining fault after a T-bone accident
T-bone crash cases are often very confusing and complex. Determining who was at fault takes an in-depth investigation by an experienced attorney.
At Shuttlesworth Law Firm LLC, one question we often hear is "who is at fault for a T-bone crash?" Is it the driver who broadsided another driver or is it the driver who was hit? It really depends on the circumstances that led to the crash.
Here are the clues an attorney will look for:
- Which driver had the right of way at the time of the crash? — Right of way is often an issue at intersections with stop signs, since many of these intersections are confusing. Some drivers will proceed through an intersection without realizing that they don't have the right of way.
- Did one of the drivers run a stop sign or red light? — Drivers often run stop signs and red lights when they're in a hurry or are not paying attention.
- Was speed or aggressive driving a factor? — When drivers speed or drive aggressively, they have a difficult time stopping when they encounter a stop sign or red light, especially when the road is wet or slick.
- Was one of the drivers distracted or impaired at the time of the crash? — Distracted or impaired drivers often lack the judgment needed to safely operate a car and respond to obstacles in the road.
Why you need a car accident lawyer to prove your case
If you or a loved one was injured in a T-bone crash, it's important that you consult with an experienced Birmingham car accident lawyer who knows how to litigate cases like yours. Without solid evidence, it's your word against the other driver's. Your attorney will need to conduct an investigation and get to the bottom of what happened. Some ways your attorney can do this is by:
- Working with a crash reconstruction expert who can gather physical evidence from the crash scene (pictures of the damage, tire marks in the road, etc.)
- Obtaining a copy of the official police report. It's important that you review the police report and ensure that all information is accurate. If anything is inaccurate, our legal team will fight to correct it.
- Get a subpoena for the at-fault driver's cellphone records to prove that distraction was a factor.
- Track down surveillance camera footage if it's available. Your attorney would need to act fast since footage can be quickly overwritten.
- Interview witnesses, ask them what they saw and cross-reference their statements with other pieces of evidence.
- Get a copy of your medical records to link your injuries to the crash.
The evidence your attorney gathers will help you build a strong and indisputable claim. Shuttlesworth Law Firm LLC can use this evidence to negotiate for a full and fair settlement on your behalf. You may be struggling to make ends meet while you're out of work and facing mounting hospital bills. Our legal team will fight to help you recover it all.
To get started, contact us online and schedule your free case evaluation.
