Side-Impact/T-Bone Truck Accidents Can Be Complex
Experienced lawyers dedicated to helping you get results
Any type of vehicle collision can leave a difficult and trying situation in its wake, let alone if it involves a big rig truck. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, we know that this is a complex and painful time. We also understand that you have come to this page seeking guidance or help.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, the majority of our practice is dedicated to trucking litigation. Our truck accident lawyers have helped hundreds of clients who were seriously injured in tractor-trailer collisions recover financial compensation. We fight to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Our experienced T-bone truck accident attorneys can help
Whether from a rear-end collision or tire blowout, a truck accident can take on many forms. However, some of the most disastrous wrecks occur when a car is side-impacted or T-boned by a much larger vehicle, such as a semi-truck. Why do side-impact accidents seem to yield some of the most tragic results?
T-bone accidents often occur at intersections, particularly when one vehicle is making a left turn. When a car is T-boned by another vehicle, there is no buffer between them, meaning the impacted vehicle (and its occupants) takes the full blow of the hit. During this type of collision, a “T” is formed, due to the shape of the wreck (i.e., one car crashes into the side of another).
These types of collisions become even more damaging when an 18-wheeler, bus or commercial vehicle is involved, due to the fact that the truck smashes directly into the portion of the car where a driver and/or passenger is located. The size and velocity of the truck at the time of collision can have devastating consequences.
Common injuries seen in T-bone truck wrecks
T-bone accident injuries can be severe, and frequently include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis
- Neck, back and spinal Injuries
- Broken bones (for example, in the leg, hip, arm, or shoulder)
- Internal injuries
Lacerations are also common, as are crushed ribs and ear injuries, mainly because of side airbags.
If you do experience an injury after a side-impact or T-bone accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. You may feel fine at first, and may even walk away from the accident without assistance. Yet certain injuries and other impairments can take a day or two to surface. A visit to the emergency room or checkup with your local doctor is highly recommended.
Have you endured one of the injuries listed above in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle? If so, we want to hear from you. Almost all our time is devoted to handling truck accident and commercial vehicle cases. Our T-bone truck accident lawyers are highly qualified and can fight for your rights.
Causes of side-impact truck crashes
A side-impact or T-bone accident can be caused by almost any distracted or aggressive driving action, such as texting while driving, speeding, or recklessness in bad weather. However, almost all accidents can be prevented. Truck drivers have a continual and full responsibility to practice safety measures at all times on the road.
Unfortunately, safety isn’t a goal for all drivers. Negligence is noted for being the main cause behind side-impact accidents. Common examples of negligence include:
- Failing to yield
- Running a red light
- Switching lanes erratically
- Failing to properly negotiate a turn
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- DUI
What should I do after a truck T-bone accident?
As with any type of accident, the top priority following the wreck should be safety. Ensure you and all occupants of the vehicle are safe. If someone is hurt, the immediate response should be to call 9-1-1.
Depending on injuries and your condition after the collision, keep these tips in mind:
- Call the police and make an official report. You’ll need this information if you choose to pursue a claim.
- Take photographs of the accident, including images of your car, the other vehicle, the road, and surrounding areas. Pictures can help prove who was at fault for the crash.
- Obtain information from the other driver, such as their license plate, driver’s license, phone number and insurance provider. You will need this information when reporting the accident to your own provider.
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible, and file a report.
- Seek medical attention – whether or not an injury is obvious. Remember, impairments can take a few days to transpire. Save all paperwork from the hospital or doctor’s office.
- Contact a truck accident attorney.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our T-bone truck accident attorneys
At Fried Goldberg, we dedicate more than 95 percent of our practice to handling truck accident and commercial vehicle cases. Let us be your advocates. We can help you file a lawsuit and fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
We understand that there isn’t a check big enough to compensate for the pain and suffering you’ve had to endure following a truck T-bone accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt, we can help. While a monetary settlement cannot undo the results of the crash, it can assist with medical bills, missed wages, or in worst case scenarios, funeral arrangements.
The average settlement for a truck accident lawsuit can vary significantly based on several factors including the severity of injuries and liability. Our firm determines fault in a truck accident by conducting a thorough investigation. This process involves reading accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing traffic camera video, electronic control module (ECM) data, and hours of service (HOS) logs.
Our firm is known nationwide for our work in trucking litigation. We understand the complexities of these types of accidents and know what it takes to build a strong case that trucking companies and their insurance carriers have to take seriously.
Contact us today to learn more. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We will review your claim and help determine your best course of action based on your needs. If you choose us to represent you, we’ll handle all aspects of your case and keep you updated so you can focus on healing. You’ve been through more than enough – we’ll take it from here.