T-bone accidents are a severe type of motor vehicle collision where one vehicle strikes another from the side at a right angle. Most T-bone accidents occur at intersections, where a driver who doesn’t yield the right of way when turning left or a driver who runs a stop sign or red light can strike or be struck by other motorists. However, these accidents can also occur in lower-speed environments, such as parking lots, where parked vehicles may block drivers’ views, and drivers may be paying more attention to finding a spot than their surroundings.
If you were injured in a Phoenix, AZ, T-bone accident, contact Triumph Law Group at 602-595-5559 for a free consultation with one of our skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyers. Our Phoenix T-bone truck accident lawyers will review your case, help you determine the liable parties, and go over your options for seeking compensation, such as an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Types of T-Bone Accident Cases That Our Firm Handles
T-bone accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding how the collision that caused your injuries happened is essential for recovering the compensation you need and deserve. Some of the most common types of T-bone accident causes that our firm handles include:
- Cases of distracted driving, where proving the other driver was using their phone is crucial
- Cases of reckless driving, such as when a motorist fails to stop for a stop sign or red light despite knowing the potential consequences
- Cases of mechanical failure, where poor vehicle maintenance or a defective vehicle component contributed to the crash
- Cases where one driver fails to yield the right-of-way to another, where disputes over liability are frequent
T-Bone Accident Statistics
According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side impact collisions like T-bone accidents account for 22 percent of traffic fatalities. In cars, this number is 26 percent, while in pickup trucks, it’s 17 percent, and in SUVs, it’s 19 percent. In 2022, these types of collisions resulted in 5,697 deaths, making them the second-most deadly after head-on collisions.
While not all T-bone accidents are fatal, many leave victims with severe and potentially life-changing injuries. Victims often require lengthy treatments and may never fully recover, particularly if they suffer brain or spinal cord damage.
Examples of T-Bone Accident Cases
Although T-bone accident cases may seem fairly straightforward, with one vehicle hitting another from the side, they can end up being more complex than other types of car accident cases, such as those involving head-on or rear-end collisions.
For example, in a head-on collision, showing that one vehicle crossed the center line and caused the collision may be relatively straightforward. And in a rear-end accident, you may only need to show that one vehicle was speeding or tailgating or that the other suddenly braked for no reason.
However, there can be many moving parts in a T-bone accident, and liability isn’t always immediately clear. Take an accident that occurs at an intersection when one vehicle is turning left, for example. Depending on the arrangement of the vehicle after the collision, it may seem like one or the other is clearly at fault. However, either one could be to blame based on the circumstances of the case.
The vehicle turning left could be at fault if it didn’t yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. Or the oncoming vehicle could be at fault if it was speeding. You can’t only look at which vehicle hit the other from the side to determine who is at fault.
There are also plenty of cases where a third party may be to blame. Poor road maintenance, faulty traffic signals, and defective vehicle components can all play a role in T-bone accidents. Other motorists can also be to blame, such as if one vehicle has to take evasive actions because of another reckless driver and ends up in a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions about T-Bone Truck Accidents
Below, check out some of the most frequently asked questions about T-bone accidents in Phoenix.
Who Is at Fault for a T-Bone Accident?
Establishing fault is a key part of Arizona auto insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. As an at-fault auto insurance state, the injured parties file their insurance claims against the policy of the driver at fault for the crash. However, other parties could also share liability, including other motorists, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, and even the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads.
Fault is also used to determine liability for your damages. If the other driver is 100 percent at fault, they will likely be solely liable for your damages. However, Arizona uses a comparative negligence rule that could impact your compensation. Under comparative negligence, your damages are reduced by your degree of fault. So, if you share fault for the collision that caused your injuries, your compensation could be reduced accordingly.
What Injuries Commonly Result from T-Bone Accidents?
T-bone accidents result in a broad range of serious injuries, some of which can be long-lasting or permanent. Some of the most common injuries suffered in these accidents are:
- Broken bones, which may require extensive treatment depending on the type of fracture
- Traumatic brain injuries, which may result in permanent cognitive and physical impairment
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to chronic pain conditions or lifelong paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, which result from damage to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments
- Crushing injuries, which could result in the permanent loss or loss of use of a limb
- Lacerations and burns, which may require extensive stitches or skin grafts
What Evidence Do I Need to Recover Damages After a T-Bone Accident?
Gathering evidence is vital to the success of your claim after a T-bone accident. Some of the evidence our lawyers can help you obtain that demonstrates the other party’s liability for your injuries include:
- Traffic or security camera footage that captured the collision or the events leading up to it
- Accident scene photographs showing the orientation of the vehicles, skid marks on the road, and relevant traffic signs and signals
- Eyewitness statements that back up your claims or provide additional evidence about the crash
- Expert testimony, such as that from a crash reconstruction specialist who can explain how the crash likely occurred
How Will the Lawyers of Triumph Law Group Assist With My Case?
At Triumph Law Group, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to all clients injured in motor vehicle accidents. Some of the ways we can assist with your case are:
- Investigating the collision to determine liability and collect the necessary evidence
- Calculating your losses by adding up your past and expected future medical expenses, lost wages, and intangible losses
- Filing your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to reach a settlement that covers all of your expenses
- Taking your case to trial and seeking the maximum compensation if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
Contact Our Phoenix T-Bone Accident Lawyers
If you suffered an injury in a T-bone accident in Phoenix, Arizona, contact Triumph Law Group at 602-595-5559 for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. During your initial consultation, we’ll review the accident and your injuries, explain your options for seeking recovery, and answer your questions about filing an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
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