A T-bone accident, where one vehicle collides perpendicularly into the side of another, is among the most dangerous types of car accidents on California roads.
These collisions often result in severe injuries and significant vehicle damage, complicating the recovery process for victims.
While many victims seek to understand the average settlement for a T-bone accident, the truth is that case results can vary widely. Instead of focusing on averages, it’s more helpful to understand the specific factors that impact your personal T-bone accident settlement. Our California car accident lawyers will explain what you need to know.
Reach out to our office online or call (209) 600-4389 today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
Factors Influencing T-Bone Accident Settlements in California
When you learn more about how attorneys and insurance companies evaluate car accident cases, it will make more sense why it’s impossible to share the average payout for a T-bone accident.
Factors such as injury type and severity, liability, damages, and insurance coverage play crucial roles in your case value.
Severity of Injuries
The nature and severity of injuries sustained in a T-bone accident are one of the primary determinants of compensation. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor bruises and abrasions to severe conditions like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or even fatalities.
The more severe the injury, the higher the potential compensation, mainly due to the increased medical costs, prolonged recovery periods, and extended periods of pain and suffering.
Determining Liability and Fault
Determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident is crucial in California as it directly affects the settlement outcome. California follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that your fault percentage may reduce your compensation amount.
For example, consider two similar injury accidents where each victim has $100,000 in damages. In the first scenario, the claimant has 10% liability. That means they would receive $90,000. In the second scenario, the claimant has 50% liability, which means they would only receive $50,000.
Total Damages Incurred
Total damages in a T-bone accident include all losses suffered by the victim—ranging from tangible costs like medical bills and vehicle repairs to intangible losses like pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate, encompassing direct out-of-pocket expenses. Noneconomic damages, while more subjective, can substantially increase a settlement amount.
Insurance Coverage
The available insurance coverage of the at-fault party and the victim plays a significant role in determining a T-bone car accident settlement amount. The potential for a higher settlement increases if the at-fault driver has substantial insurance coverage.
Conversely, limitations in policy coverage can restrict compensation, particularly in cases of severe injuries that lead to significant medical costs. Additionally, victims with underinsured or motorist coverage can seek compensation through their own insurance should the at-fault driver lack adequate insurance to cover all damages.
Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact crashes, occur under various circumstances. Here are some of the most frequent causes of these types of crashes.
Failure to Yield
One of the most prevalent causes of T-bone accidents is the failure to yield the right of way at intersections. Drivers who ignore stop signs, fail to adhere to yield signs, or improperly gauge the flow of cross traffic can inadvertently drive into the path of an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a side-impact collision.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
T-bone accidents often occur when a driver runs a red light or a stop sign, striking another vehicle traveling perpendicularly through the intersection. These collisions can be particularly severe due to the high speeds and limited protection against side impacts.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, including texting, using a phone, adjusting the radio, or other distractions inside the vehicle, can lead to a failure to notice stop lights, other cars, or road signs, increasing the risk of a T-bone accident.
Poor Visibility
Conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or even sun glare can impair a driver’s ability to see other vehicles at intersections. Poorly lit streets at night contribute to reduced visibility, making it harder for drivers to see and react to stop signs or signals.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair cognitive and motor functions, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents, including T-bone collisions. Impaired drivers may misjudge distances, ignore traffic signals, or fail to notice other vehicles.
Common Injuries in T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions are notorious for causing a wide range of injuries, which can be particularly severe due to the dynamics of the impact. Here’s a closer look at the common injuries sustained in these harrowing accidents.
Head and Brain Injuries
The sudden jolt or blow to the head during a T-bone accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. A driver’s head hitting windows or objects within the car during impact is typical in side-impact crashes.
Spinal Injuries
The spinal cord may be severely impacted in a T-bone collision due to the violent jerking of the body or direct trauma to the spine. Spinal cord injuries can result in temporary or permanent disability, ranging from minor nerve damage to complete paralysis.
Internal Injuries
The force of impact in a T-bone collision can cause severe damage to internal organs. Common internal injuries include ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, and kidney damage, often requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Fractures
The intense impact of a T-bone crash can lead to broken ribs, pelvis, legs, and arms as the body collides with parts of the vehicle or other objects.
Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, victims of T-bone accidents often experience significant psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The emotional impact of these collisions can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries.
Why Hire a California Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a T-bone collision involves complex legal and insurance processes. Consulting with a knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer with experience in T-bone accidents is crucial in ensuring your rights are protected.
Gathering and preserving evidence is fundamental when pursuing a claim for damages. A personal injury lawyer will help collect crucial evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports, etc.
Your lawyer can consult with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to strengthen your case and provide a clear picture of the accident dynamics and the impact of your injuries on your life.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurance companies to work toward a fair T-bone accident settlement. Should your attorney be unable to negotiate a settlement, they’ll prepare to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Contact Silva Injury Law
With years of experience representing injured accident victims, Silva Injury Law has an unwavering commitment to securing justice. We deeply understand the nuances of negotiating the best T-bone accident settlement for our clients.
Contact our office online or reach us at (209) 600-4389 today to schedule a free consultation.