T-bone accidents, or side-impact collisions, can happen in an instant. Picture this: you’re driving through an intersection when suddenly another car slams into the side of your vehicle. These accidents often result in severe injuries and property damage, and they raise immediate questions like, “Who is responsible for this?” or “How do I prove the other driver was at fault?”
The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III and Associates are here to help. Let’s look at how you can prove your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence.
In a T-bone accident, determining who is at fault often comes down to traffic rules and right of way. The driver who ran a red light, ignored a stop sign, or failed to yield is typically the one held responsible. But proving fault isn’t always straightforward.
For example, let’s say you’re crossing an intersection on a green light, and another driver runs a red light, crashing into the side of your car. In this case, the other driver clearly violated traffic laws, making them liable for the accident. However, there are situations where both drivers may share fault, such as if one driver was speeding or distracted at the time of the crash. Under Tennessee law, you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault. However, your assigned percentage of fault will reduce your damages.
This is where we come in. As experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers, we’ll work to gather crucial evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to build a strong case proving the other driver’s negligence.
T-bone accidents often occur at intersections and can be caused by several factors:
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: One of the most common causes of T-bone accidents is a driver ignoring traffic signals.
Failure to Yield: A driver turning left across traffic without yielding the right of way can cause a side-impact collision.
Distracted Driving: Whether texting or fiddling with the radio, distracted drivers can miss critical signals and end up causing a T-bone accident.
Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers are less likely to follow traffic laws or respond quickly to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of these serious collisions.
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses:
Medical Expenses: T-bone accidents often result in serious injuries, especially on the side of the car that was hit. You can recover compensation for all related medical costs—hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehab, and future care.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for both past and future lost income.
Pain and Suffering: Beyond financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
Property Damage: You can also recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any personal property damaged in the accident.
T-bone accidents frequently lead to serious neck injuries, particularly whiplash. The sudden impact can cause the neck to snap violently to the side, resulting in pain and stiffness that may last for weeks, months, or even longer.
If you’ve suffered a neck injury, seek medical attention right away—even if your symptoms seem mild at first. These injuries can worsen over time, and untreated neck injuries may lead to chronic pain or permanent damage. We’ll ensure that any compensation you receive accounts for your current medical bills and any ongoing care you may need in the future.
Proving fault in a T-bone accident often involves gathering a variety of evidence, including:
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident in Knoxville, don’t leave your future up to chance. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of proving fault and getting the compensation you deserve. Contact The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III and Associates today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help get you the damages you’re entitled to, so you can focus on healing.
