T-Bone Collision Accident Attorney in Indianapolis

Why You Need a T-Bone Accident Attorney in Indianapolis

An Indianapolis T-bone collision is one of the scariest car accidents you can experience because you don’t see it coming.

In these car accidents, the impact happens out of nowhere when you least expect it, giving you less time to prepare or react. Depending on the speed of the drivers at the time of impact, the damage and injuries sustained can be quite severe and even fatal.

Most often, T-bone accidents are the result of a driver who does not have the right of way proceeding through an intersection, either at a stop sign or a red light. Though the at-fault party may have been confused, they are usually aware that they do not have the right of way and proceed or speed through the signal anyway.

This is when you need a T-bone collision accident attorney in Indianapolis.

Crossen Law: A Law Firm You Can Trust

If you are the victim of a car accident from a T-bone collision due to a negligent driver, you have a right to seek compensation and hold the guilty party accountable. At Crossen Law Firm, our Indianapolis car accident attorneys have years of experience helping victims of T-bone collisions seek justice and get the compensation they deserve.

Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to advocating for those injured in traumatic car accidents.

We are ready to help our clients navigate their car accident claims and personal injury cases. As you recover from potentially serious injuries, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

Contact Crossen Law Firm today by calling 317-401-8626 for a free consultation today.

What Is a T-Bone Car Accident?

T-bone or side-impact collisions are relatively common and can result in serious injuries. They occur when one vehicle strikes another on the right or left side. Also called broadside collisions, T-bone car accidents are especially traumatic to drivers and passengers involved.

They can happen in several ways, such as when a car proceeds through an intersection at a red light and hits someone crossing their path who has the right of way, or when someone makes a turn or proceeds through a stop sign when they don’t have the right of way.

T-bone accidents can also be caused by someone turning a corner or a bend with hindered visibility. It can also happen by accident if someone is turning a corner or a bend with hindered visibility—they may unintentionally run into another car or move into the path of another vehicle they don’t see coming.

T-Bone Accidents Are Traumatic and Life Changing

No matter how it occurs, the victim often does not see the other driver coming and thus has no time to react or prepare themselves for the impact. This limited time to react is often the reason T-bone accidents are so serious.

Statistics show that side-impact collisions are the second most common and deadly, with over 5,000 deaths reported in 2019.

Not only is the damage sustained after a T-bone accident extensive, but the injuries can be severe and even fatal. Each T-bone accident lawyer from Crossen Law Firm understands the difficulty of navigating a personal injury claim or lawsuit while also trying to focus on your recovery.

We are dedicated to getting injured victims the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Though T-bone collisions can happen by accident, they typically occur due to driver negligence when failing to yield the right-of-way. Intersections with multiple lanes and directions of traffic tend to be the site of most T-bone collisions, but they can occur on side streets and around bends with low visibility as well.

Any motor vehicle accident can be scary, but a T-bone accident comes out of nowhere.

Why Do T-Bones Occur?

Most side-impact collision accidents happen due to:

• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Running a red light
• Speeding, especially through a traffic signal or a stop sign
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Aggressive driving
• Driving while intoxicated or impaired

Compensation Available for T-Bone Accidents

An auto accident attorney can fight for your right to full and fair compensation after a T-bone accident Damages awarded to the victims of T-bone collisions are more than just financial compensation for medical bills.

When a driver is injured in a car accident, there are several types of damages that they can receive compensation for, including:

• Medical expenses (including future medical bills related to continued treatment)
• Lost wages from your inability to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
• Property damage
• Permanent disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of life or wrongful death

When Insurance Coverage Isn’t Enough

Your insurance company will likely offer you a small settlement to cover some of these costs, but often not enough to cover basic medical expenses or lost wages. If you suffered severe injuries in a T-bone accident, you need the maximum compensation possible.

Because of the trauma associated with this kind of car crash for all drivers involved, accident victims often testify to experiencing PTSD and other mental health concerns. When we talk about medical bills, that includes bills for therapy and more.

Punitive Damages After a Car Accident

In some cases, car accident victims may seek compensation for punitive damages in addition to filing a personal injury lawsuit. Victims may be eligible for punitive damages if the injuries sustained result from intentional harm and/or negligent actions.

Essentially, this is when a car accident and your injuries result from someone failing to provide a safe environment knowing that harm could come to you.

This could mean they did something on purpose to cause the car accident, or they may have turned a blind eye to something they knew would result in a potential injury.

If you suspect that a T-bone collision was the result of malicious intent or negligence, you should inform your car accident lawyer as soon as possible by calling 317-401-8626. A T-Bone Collision Accident Attorney in Indianapolis is ready to help you today.

Wrongful Death Claims After a T-Bone Crash

In the tragic event that a T-bone wreck results in a fatality, the victim’s family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death lawsuits seek to provide compensation for the unthinkable loss suffered by the deceased’s loved ones. They also address the financial burdens that accompany such a tragic event.

Damages in a wrongful death suit can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future income
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their passing

Pursuing a wrongful death claim after a T-bone wreck requires careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Factors such as driver negligence, traffic law violations, or even vehicle manufacturing defects can all play a role in establishing liability.

How is Fault Determined for a T-Bone Accident in Indiana?

Typically, with side-impact or T-bone crashes, the at-fault driver is the one who was driving the oncoming vehicle negligently or failed to yield the right-of-way. And as Indiana is an at-fault state, if you can prove that the other party was at fault, you can file a claim against them and their insurance to recover compensation for damages. However, proving fault is not always easy.

Turning to an Indianapolis car accident lawyer is the best possible way to prove to the insurance company, a judge, or a jury who was responsible. An Indianapolis car accident attorney will understand your legal options and walk you through the legal process.

Collecting Evidence for a Lawsuit

If multiple vehicles are involved in the accident or if the guilty party is denying fault, a T-bone accident attorney can plead your case by collecting evidence and proving your accident claim.

It can be helpful in these situations to collect evidence to help support your claim.

Auto accidents produce a lot of evidence, which include:

• Photos of the entire scene
• Photos of the vehicle damage
• Photos of your injuries
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Statements from the drivers involved in the car crash
• Video surveillance
• Proof of injuries from medical documents or doctor testimonies

Comparative Fault in Indiana

If you and the other party are both at fault, Indiana works on a comparative fault system. Both parties will file insurance claims, and each insurance company will award damages based on the percentage of fault their client is responsible for in causing the accident.

If you are found to be 10% at fault, you will only receive 90% rather than full compensation, because you and the other driver both share responsibility.

At Crossen Law Firm, our Indianapolis car accident lawyers have experience helping personal injury victims determine fault to see that they are awarded damages to cover all necessary costs. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to getting our clients the compensation they deserve to recover in peace.

No matter your insurance coverage, the insurance company won’t be able to get away with a too-low offer if you have a great T-bone accident lawyer on your side.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a T-Bone Accident

When an accident occurs, it is easy to become overwhelmed by your injuries and responsibilities. Even at the accident scene, there are things you should and shouldn’t do. Your best possible outcome for a fair settlement is dependent upon what happens in the aftermath of the accident.

However, please don’t feel discouraged if you did not do all of these things; as long as you reach out to an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, they can help you even if you skipped other important steps.

Your T-Bone Collision Accident Attorney in Indianapolis will guide you through the process and even do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The following are steps you will need to take if you want to build a strong case:

1. Seek immediate medical care following the accident. Don’t worry about paperwork or who you should inform. Your health and safety are a priority. Additionally, medical experts may be called on to testify if you decide to pursue a claim. Having medical evidence of your injury will help you win a fair settlement. All vehicle occupants should be evaluated by a medical professional, even if they don’t think they have a serious injury.
2. File a police report. As soon as the accident occurs, the authorities should be contacted so they can assist. Be sure it isn’t just emergency medical responders that arrive, but the police as well. Not only will the report help support your case, but Indiana law also requires it if there are any injuries, fatalities, or property damage.
3. If possible, collect evidence yourself at the scene. This can include taking photos of your injuries and the car damage, as well as collecting the names of any witnesses present at the time of the accident. If you wait too long to contact these individuals, they may not remember what happened as clearly.
4. Once you have collected any initial evidence, contact a lawyer to have your case reviewed. They will use any initial evidence collected in addition to helping you obtain further evidence to prove liability. Your attorney will walk you through the process to help you understand your rights and give you the legal support you need to win your case.
5. Most importantly, do not give any statements, sign, or agree to anything without first consulting your lawyer. Insurance adjusters may contact you asking for statements, and they often use this information to turn the tables against you. Insurance companies are notorious for fighting claims to mitigate their costs. If they reach out, simply tell them you need to speak to your lawyer first before you agree to anything.

T-Bone Car Accident Injuries

Because drivers and passengers do not often see a T-bone wreck coming and thus do not have time to react or prepare, the resulting injuries can be very severe.

Additionally, cars are designed with front and rear impact zones that protect the passengers inside from being crushed, but the sides of most vehicles do not have the same protection, leaving passengers more exposed and susceptible to injury.

The force of impact coming from the side means that passengers are more likely to come into contact with windows, doors, and other structural elements. The impact is often so severe that it can injure anyone in the car, no matter where they are seated, but those nearest to the point of impact tend to sustain the worst injuries.

Common Injuries from T-Bone Accidents

Some common injuries that result from T-bone collisions include:

• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Lacerations
• Crushed limbs
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Chest injuries (including broken ribs)
• Shoulder injuries
• Hip fractures
• Knee injuries
• Facial injuries and dental trauma
• Psychological trauma (including PTSD)
• Abdominal injuries
• Burns (if the vehicle catches fire)
• Airbag-related injuries

Although injuries like broken bones and paralysis are immediately evident, some physical injuries may not be immediately noticeable. For example, a Traumatic Brain Injury can be difficult to self-diagnose, and adrenaline may mask some common injuries, including soft tissue injuries and whiplash. You should seek medical attention to check for these injuries.

Don’t leave the accident scene without being examined for both minor and severe injuries.

Importantly, this medical check will establish a baseline for any injuries. This is an important legal record that may become evidence in your lawsuit. Keep records of all medical appointments, bills, and more.

Crossen Law | T-Bone Collision Attorney in Indianapolis

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident claim or case with an experienced T-bone collision accident attorney in Indianapolis. We are ready to help you during this trying time.

At Crossen Law Firm, our team will fight tirelessly on your behalf to help you get what you are owed, and you will not owe us anything unless we win your case.

Your free consultation will let us get to know you, the circumstances of your T-bone crash, and how your life has been changed.

A T-bone car accident almost always leads to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and permanent changes to your life.

In addition to navigating the legal process for side-impact collision victims, we also support victims of hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, motorcycle accidents, rear-end collisions, pedestrians struck by oncoming traffic, and much more.

Drivers of passenger cars, truck drivers, and motorcycle drivers all turn to Crossen Law Firm because of the excellent and compassionate Indianapolis car accident attorneys in our practice.

If you were in an auto accident of any kind, you can trust the car accident lawyers at Crossen Law Firm to protect your rights.

Make the right call. Call Crossen Law Firm for a free consultation with a T-bone accident lawyer at 317-401-8626 or contact our firm online.