Los Angeles T-Bone Accident Lawyers
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T-Bone Accident Lawyers In Los Angeles Guiding You After A Side-Impact Crash
A T-bone accident is one when the front of one car or truck crashes directly into the side of another vehicle. Broadside or ‘side collision’ accidents commonly occur at intersections when one of the drivers fails to stop at a stop sign or traffic light or otherwise fails to yield the right-of-way to the other driver. Although there are all kinds of car and truck accidents, a few of the most dangerous are T-Bone car accidents.
T-bone car accidents can occur in many situations, such as when one motorist crossing an intersection with a green light is broadsided by another driver who ran a red light. Similarly, a driver who runs a traffic signal might be struck by another automobile crossing that very same intersection with a green light. In any event, evaluating liability in a side-impact collision ultimately hinges on identifying which motorist had access.
Our dedicated Los Angeles T-bone accident lawyers serve clients throughout Los Angeles County. We have experience handling T-Bone accident cases and are committed to helping our clients navigate the legal process.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Common Causes Of T-bone Accidents In Los Angeles
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents happen when one driver turning at the intersection fails to yield to another driver keeping straight, or vice versa.
“T-bone” style car accidents are often brought on by the at-fault driver’s failure to yield or provide access to other vehicles. Those T-bone accidents that take place in an intersection or at a four-way stop are often triggered by the at-fault driver’s failure to obey traffic signals, stop signs, or other traffic signals. Either driver can be at fault in a T-bone accident. More than one motorist can be at fault for a T-bone crash, too.
T-bone accidents may also be triggered by bad or deteriorating infrastructure. Poor or deteriorating infrastructure can also contribute to such accidents. Malfunctioning or non-operational traffic lights caused by power outages, damaged lines, or mechanical failures can significantly increase the risk of T-bone crashes. When this happens, city or county officials often place temporary stop signs or assign officers to direct traffic.
Most states and municipalities have laws that dictate that if an intersection’s traffic lights are out of service, motorists approaching the intersection need to continue as though stop signs on all approaches controlled the crossing. Unfortunately, many motorists fail to follow this rule, entering intersections at unsafe speeds and causing preventable T-bone collisions.
Getting Legal Help From A Lawyer After A T-Bone Accident In Los Angeles
To prove which driver had the right of way and who could have avoided a crash by acting reasonably, a comprehensive examination is often required. There may be evidence at the scene that reveals the course of each vehicle, such as skid marks, yaw marks, gouge marks, tire marks in gravel or mud, and impact marks on guardrails or other impacted surface areas. Video cameras on a traffic light or security footage from nearby businesses might be available to reveal what happened. Our experienced and knowledgeable T-Bone car accident firm has experience helping victims of T-bone wrecks. Don’t hesitate to request a complimentary initial consultation with us at your convenience.
The Risks Involved In T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact accidents are much more harmful than other accidents because they are more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries and death. In a rear-end collision, for instance, the occupants of the vehicle are “safeguarded” by several feet of steel, including the bumper, the trunk, and the engine. In a T-bone accident, however, the only thing separating the occupants from the striking vehicle is a door and a window.
Although all vehicles sold in the United States must meet federal side-impact safety standards, and more recent models have side-impact airbags to secure passengers, T-bone accidents can still be lethal, particularly at high speeds.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 8,000 people are killed each year in T-bone accidents in the United States, and tens of thousands are seriously hurt.
Statistics For Injuries From T-Bone Accidents
Crash research and analysis of accident data have shown that T-bone accidents represent 13 percent of all automobile accidents in the United States. Furthermore, 18 percent of all deadly vehicle accidents (in which several individuals are killed) are T-bone accidents.
Additionally, side-impact collisions are the most dangerous for kids, and over the past twenty years, deaths brought on by side-impact crashes have increased by 20 percent, from 31 percent to 51 percent due to increased travel speeds and increased variety of SUVs.
T-Bone Collisions Involving Big-Rigs, Tractor-Trailers, 18-Wheelers, And Semi-Trucks
When a large truck is involved in a T-bone collision, the outcomes are generally far worse than those involving only passenger vehicles. Despite more automobiles having side-impact airbags, there is still a reduced buffer between the colliding truck and individuals inside the car.
Large trucks can not stop and start like smaller vehicles can. They can not go from absolutely zero to 20 miles per hour very quickly. That implies these large trucks cannot “cut” in front of oncoming traffic like smaller vehicles can. But when these trucks do attempt a move like that, it can lead to a T-bone truck accident.
When a large truck is involved in a T-bone accident, determining who is responsible can be complicated. The truck driver, the trucking company, or even their insurers may dispute what happened or who was at fault. The process can be stressful, especially while you’re still recovering from injuries. Before accepting or signing anything, consider consulting an experienced trucking or T-bone car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
Left Turns Resulting In T-Bone Wrecks
Some T-bone accidents are caused by a truck or vehicle making a left turn in front of another car. A driver making a left turn at an intersection needs to yield to all oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a threat. A driver who triggers a crash by taking a left turn in front of approaching traffic when it is unsafe to do so may be held responsible for the harm to other people in the crash, including passengers in the driver’s car. As soon as the way is clear, the driver making the left turn has the right of way, and any oncoming vehicles need to yield. If a driver has sufficient time to stop and let an automobile ahead complete its left turn, but instead continues driving into the intersection and crashes into the left-turning car, they might be held accountable for any injuries arising from the accident.
Figuring Out Liability After A Side-Impact Accident
In many cases, liability might be apparent due to the nature of the collision. However, in numerous scenarios, the at-fault driver will claim that they had the right of way or the signal, and that the other motorist was at fault.
With this in mind, if you are involved in a T-Bone accident, it’s advisable to call the cops since the reports of cops and first responders will be crucial evidence in identifying who was at fault. It is also important to get the contact details of prospective witnesses if possible. Also, take photos of the accident scene and the car’s damage if you can do so safely. Above all, do not admit any liability to the other driver. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can use this evidence and information when building your case.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
The Right-Of-Way And T-bone Crashes
Remember that oncoming traffic always has the right-of-way. Do not make a left turn unless oncoming traffic allows for plenty of space to turn. If you are trying to rush through approaching traffic, you are not following the right of way and might potentially cause an accident. “Approaching traffic” includes vehicles turning right.
- Traffic signals indicate the right-of-way. Always follow them, but also be aware of your surroundings. If your traffic signal is green, you have the right of way, but keep in mind to watch out for pedestrians, too.
- Having a green light doesn’t imply a motorist can thoughtlessly go through an intersection. Every driver has a responsibility to do what they can to prevent an accident.
- Steadily decrease speed or stop when you come to a “Yield” sign, and keep going when moving traffic permits.
- Follow any directions and yield to police and emergency personnel/vehicles.
- If two cars go into an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The car that got to the intersection first would have the right-of-way if they got to the same time.
- All cars must stop and not go into the intersection when traffic is blocked, regardless of what the traffic light indicates.
Los Angeles T-Bone Car Accident Attorneys
Injuries sustained in a side-impact collision can be severe, and T-Bone accident victims may be left with lingering pain and suffering, significant medical expenses, lost income, and other financial damages. For this reason, having the advice and counsel of a skilled side-collision accident lawyer in Los Angeles can be beneficial.
We have years of experience in providing dedicated legal representation to our accident injury clients. We can conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish relevant facts and work diligently to demonstrate the other driver’s liability. Depending on the circumstances, we may work with accident reconstruction specialists to support the claim.
Let Us Guide You Through Your Legal Claims
Because automobile accident cases often involve working with an insurance company, we leverage our years of experience in negotiations to pursue reasonable and fair settlements. If necessary, we are prepared to litigate the matter at trial. We know that getting T-boned in an accident at a 4-way stop or riding as a passenger in a side-impact accident can be an overwhelming experience physically, psychologically, and financially.
Our legal team is here to help lift that burden and assist T-bone accident victims in seeking compensation and accessing healthcare resources. If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-Bone accident, call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial assessment with no obligations! During this meeting, our attorneys can review the details of your case and explain your legal options.
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