T-Bone Truck Accident Lawsuit In 2024 | T-Bone Truck Crashes
Were you or a loved one injured in a T-bone truck accident? Any person who figures in a truck crash will certainly suffer injuries and damages, not to mention the trauma that is sure to last the victim’s entire life. But don’t fret. With assistance from a professional T-bone truck accident lawyer, you can get maximum compensation for all the things you have gone through and are yet to go through. T-Bone truck accident attorneys are committed to helping you the moment you decide to file a T-Bone truck accident lawsuit.
What is a T-bone accident?
A T-bone accident is one where one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle at a perpendicular angle. It is also sometimes referred to as a side-impact crash. This type of accident is common in intersections, but it can happen anywhere.
A T-bone crash is fatal because vehicles are primarily designed with head-on collisions in mind. Hence, the airbag on the dashboard. That means the only buffer between the T-boning vehicle and the driver is the door. Fortunately, more vehicle manufacturers now recognize the need for side-impact airbags.
If a T-bone accident involves a large truck, the result can be more devastating and far worse than when only cars are involved. This is because, with their size and weight, large trucks are unable to stop in an instant, especially when they are already speeding.
Why do T-bone accidents happen?
Apart from speeding, the following are the most common reasons for T-bone accidents in the United States:
- Incorrect turns
- Inadequate driver training or experience
- Running or beating the red light
- Fatigued driver
- Mechanical failure due to lack or inadequate maintenance
- Failure to yield
- Failure to follow traffic signs
- Failure to slow down in unfavorable weather conditions
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Defective vehicular parts
- Distracted driving
If you or your loved one had been involved in a side-impact crash without fault or negligence, know that you are entitled to get at least the average payout for a T-bone truck accident.
T-bone accident statistics
Here are some notable statistics on car crashes and personal injuries:
- There were 42,915 car crashes in 2021
- The number of car crashes increased by 10% from 2020 to 2021.
- T-bone accidents made up 27% of all traffic fatalities in 2019
- Over 36,000 died from car accidents in 2019
Who is liable in a T-Bone accident?
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the accident, the following are the usual defendants in a T-bone truck accident lawsuit.
Truck driver:
To hold the truck driver liable, you must prove:
- The truck driver owed you a duty of care
- The truck driver breached such duty of care
- The breach caused the T-bone truck accident
- The accident resulted in your injury or damage
Vehicle manufacturer:
To hold the vehicle manufacturer liable, the following elements must be proved:
- The truck had a defective part or design that malfunctioned
- The defective part or design caused the accident
- The accident resulted in your injury or damage
- The vehicle manufacturer failed to timely identify such defective part or design
Trucking company:
You can file the T-bone truck accident lawsuit against the commercial trucking company and hold them vicariously liable for damages if it:
- Failed to sufficiently supervise, train and educate the driver
- Failed to ensure that the truck undergoes regular maintenance to ensure it is safe to operate
- Failed to provide the driver with safe and manageable schedule assignments
The government
Finally, the state or a government agency may be held liable for the injuries and damages if it is proven that the road was unsafe or the traffic lights were defective at the time of the accident. Suing the government is subject to limitations that only experienced T-bone truck accident attorneys are familiar with.
Additionally, the government may also be held liable if they own or operate the truck at fault.
What is the average payout for t-bone accident claims?
Every car accident is different, which is why it is hard to specify how much is the average payout for T-bone accidents. Nonetheless, in personal injury claims, the more severe the injury, the higher the payout.
However, note that under the doctrine of comparative negligence, you will receive a lower payout if it is proven that you were partially at fault.
It must also be noted that in states like Pennsylvania, victims can choose between limited tort coverage and full tort coverage. Speak with your T-bone truck accident lawyer for guidance.
What is the basis of a T-bone truck crash settlement?
Negotiating a T-bone truck crash settlement should be better left with your trusted attorney. They will be the one to calculate how much you are legally entitled given all the evidence available.
Essentially, you may be able to claim compensation for the following:
- Past, current, and future medical costs related to the injury
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Damage to property
- Loss opportunities
- Decrease in quality of life
As mentioned, truck accidents can result in debilitating conditions and long-term injuries, including:
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Dismemberment
What evidence to include when filing T-bone accident lawsuits?
At the minimum, you should be able to present the following object and documentary evidence:
- Police report
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic cam footage
- Business establishment footage
- Medical reports
- Witness statements
Statute of limitations in filing a lawsuit for t-bone truck accident
Most states provide a standard time limit of two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, such as a T-bone truck accident lawsuit.
Note the exceptions to this deadline, namely:
- Minors – whose 2-year timer starts only when they turn 18
- Absence of the defendant in the state for at least four months
- When the defendant conceals himself under a false name.
Filing against the government – if filing the lawsuit against the government, note that you only have six (6) months in Pennsylvania. Talk to your trusted personal injury attorney asap to ensure eligibility requirements and timelines are complied with.
It is crucial to file within the statute of limitations; otherwise, courts will dismiss your case for failure to file on time.
What to do when you or your loved one figures in a t-bone truck accident?
- Get medical attention.
- Call the police
- Take pictures of the scene of the incident when you are able.
- Speak with witnesses.
- Discuss your options with a T-bone truck accident attorney.
Let Ethen Ostroff Law get you the justice you deserve
Victims of truck accidents are often taken advantage of by unscrupulous trucking companies and insurance companies. The other party might tell you that the accident was your fault. The insurance company of the trucking company may put the blame on you. Even if you are in a confused state, do not sign or accept anything! Speak first with a T-bone truck accident attorney to ensure you don’t waive any of your rights.
Ethen Ostroff believes you deserve maximum compensation for what you have gone through, which is why we are committed to fighting with you until the very end. We will connect you with experienced personal injury lawyers who have handled countless T-bone truck accident lawsuit to date. Call us today!
