Indianapolis T-Bone Collision Lawyers

A Indianapolis T-bone collision is often the scariest kind of car accident for drivers as they typically don’t see the other car coming. As a result, the impact happens out of nowhere when you least expect it, giving you less time to prepare or react. And 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, these kinds of 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 anyways.

If you are the victim of an 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.

If you have been injured in a T-bone collision, contact a skilled personal injury lawyer right away at (317) 401-8626.

The Dangers of Indianapolis T-Bone Collisions

T-bone or side-impact collisions are relatively common and can result in serious injuries. 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 that 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. 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.

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 occur so often. 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 collision extensive, but the injuries as well can be severe and even fatal. At Crossen Law Firm, the personal injury lawyers understand the difficulty of navigating a 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 Collisions

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.

Most t-bone collisions 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

Common T-Bone Collision Injuries

Because drivers and passengers do not often see T-bone collisions 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.

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

Proving Fault After an Indianapolis T-Bone Collision

With side-impact or T-bone collisions, typically, the person who is at fault is the one who was driving 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.

If multiple vehicles are involved in the accident or if the guilty party is denying fault, you may need to work with an experienced attorney that can help you prove your case. It can be helpful in these situations to collect evidence to help support your claim. Such evidence can include:

• Photos of the scene as a whole
• Photos of the vehicle damage
• Photos of your injuries
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Video surveillance
• Proof of injuries sustained from medical documents or doctor testimonies

If you and the other party are both at fault, Indiana works on a comparative fault system. This means that insurance companies will award damages based on the percentage of fault their client is responsible for in causing the accident. So if you are found to be 10% at fault, you will only receive 90% rather than full compensation.

At Crossen Law Firm, the Indianapolis car accident lawyers have experience helping injured victims determine fault to ensure 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.

Damages Awarded to T-Bone Collision Victims

Damages awarded to the victims of T-bone collisions are more than just compensation for medical costs. When a driver is injured in a car accident, there are several types of damages that you can receive compensation for, including:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of 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

In some cases, victims may seek compensation for punitive damages. Victims may be eligible for punitive damages if the injuries sustained result from intentional harm and/or negligent actions. Essentially, this is when the accident and your injuries result from someone failing to ensure a safe environment knowing full-well that harm could come to you. This could mean they did something on purpose to cause the 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 lawyer as soon as possible.

Seeking Help After an Indianapolis T-Bone Collision

When an accident occurs, it is easy to become overwhelmed by your injuries and responsibilities. However, necessary steps should be taken to ensure you are awarded a proper settlement amount. Working with an attorney can help as they will guide you through the process and even do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

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.
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. Insurers 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.

Explore Your Legal Options With an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney

Discussing your accident claim or case with an experienced T-bone collision accident lawyer can 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.

Make the right call. Call Crossen Law Firm for a free consultation at (317) 401-8626 or contact our firm online.