A T-bone collision can cause serious injuries when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at an intersection. If you were hurt in El Segundo, CA, J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate the crash, determine who may be responsible, and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Our El Segundo T-bone accident lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options and navigate the claims process. Call (323) 284-2834 today to schedule a free consultation.
How J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a T-Bone Accident in El Segundo
After a side-impact collision, determining exactly what happened can be difficult. Drivers may disagree about who had the right of way, and insurance companies may try to shift part of the blame to you.
An El Segundo personal injury lawyer at J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can handle the legal and insurance issues while you focus on your recovery.
Our attorneys in El Segundo, California can:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision
- Obtain police reports, photographs, video footage, and witness statements
- Review traffic signals and right-of-way issues
- Evaluate medical records and documentation of your losses
- Identify potentially responsible parties
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Respond to allegations that you contributed to the crash
- File a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial when necessary
An El Segundo car accident attorney can also help you understand how California law applies to the particular facts of your collision and what compensation may be available.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, creating a shape similar to the letter “T.” These crashes frequently happen at intersections, parking lot exits, and locations where drivers turn across traffic.
Side-impact collisions can be especially dangerous because vehicle occupants generally have less space and structural protection between themselves and the point of impact than they do at the front or rear of a vehicle.
Common causes of T-bone crashes include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an unsafe left turn
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving while impaired
- Misjudging the speed or distance of approaching traffic
Determining the cause is an important part of identifying which driver or other party may be financially responsible.
Who Is Liable for a T-Bone Accident in California?
Liability depends on how the collision occurred. A driver who entered an intersection against a traffic signal, failed to yield, or made an unsafe turn may be responsible for a resulting crash.
California law specifically requires drivers making left turns or U-turns to yield to approaching vehicles that are close enough to constitute a hazard. Other right-of-way and traffic-control laws may also apply depending on where and how the accident occurred.
Evidence that may help establish fault includes traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, vehicle damage, skid marks, witness statements, police reports, and information about the traffic signals.
An El Segundo car accident lawyer can review this evidence and determine how it supports your version of events.
What Injuries Can T-Bone Accidents Cause?
A side-impact crash can place significant force on drivers and passengers, particularly when the impact occurs near an occupied seat.
Potential injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Shoulder and hip injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
Some symptoms may develop or become more noticeable after the initial shock of a collision has passed. Seeking appropriate medical attention can help protect your health and document accident-related injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a T-Bone Accident?
If another party caused your crash, you may be able to seek compensation for the financial and personal effects of your injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your medical treatment, time missed from work, available insurance coverage, and whether fault is disputed.
An El Segundo personal injury attorney can evaluate these factors based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Potentially. California follows a pure comparative negligence system. An injured person can still recover damages even if they share responsibility for an accident, but their recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 20% responsible for the collision, your recovery could generally be reduced to $80,000.
Because the percentage of fault assigned to each driver can directly affect compensation, insurers may dispute how a T-bone collision occurred or argue that both motorists contributed to it.
How Long Do I Have to File a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit in California?
California generally gives an injured person two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, different deadlines can apply in certain circumstances, including claims involving government entities.
Waiting too long can result in the loss of your ability to pursue a claim in court. Speaking with an attorney early can also provide an opportunity to preserve evidence before videos are erased, witnesses become harder to locate, or other evidence disappears.
Contact an El Segundo T-Bone Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
A T-bone collision can leave you facing medical treatment, lost income, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about dealing with an insurance company. You do not have to navigate the claims process by yourself.
The attorneys at J. Hartley Law Personal Injury Lawyers have 20 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients. Our legal team can examine the evidence, explain your options, and pursue compensation from those responsible for your injuries.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an El Segundo T-bone accident attorney.