T-Bone Injuries

T-bone collisions can be much more dangerous than other types of accidents that occur on Tennessee roadways. Individuals do not have as much protection afforded to them when an impact on the side of the vehicle occurs. Tennessee T-bone accidents can lead to major medical expenses and significant physical and psychological setbacks for victims. Pursuing a Nashville personal injury lawsuit can help victims recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of T-Bone Crashes

T-bone collisions, also referred to as side-impact collisions, happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. Intersections are a common area where these types of crashes occur and can be attributed to several factors:

• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs. Many of these side-impact accidents are caused by drivers who run red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way.
• Distracted Driving. Distractions such as texting, reaching for items in the car, talking on the phone, or using in-car technology can cause drivers to miss traffic signals or the presence of other vehicles.
• Driving Under the Influence. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, certainly increasing the risk of a T-bone collision.
• Speeding. Excessive speed (either driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions) reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly enough to avoid a collision and increases the severity of the impact.
• Failure to Yield. Not yielding to other vehicles at intersections, especially when making left turns, can result in side-impact crashes.
• Reckless Driving. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and rapid lane changes, can lead to dangerous situations at intersections​​​​.

What Type of Injuries Can Occur?

Because of the limited driver and passenger protections from the side, T-bone accidents often result in severe injuries, including:

• Head and Brain Injuries. A side-impact can cause the head to strike the window or door, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures.
• Neck and Spinal Injuries. Whiplash, herniated or ruptured discs, and spinal cord injuries can occur due to the sudden jolt from the side impact.
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries. The force of the T-bone collision can cause broken ribs, internal bleeding, and damage to organs.
• Limb Injuries. Arms and legs can be broken, fractured, or crushed in a side-impact collision.
• Psychological Injuries. The trauma of being involved in a severe side-impact collision can lead to conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression​​​​.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

A car accident lawyer can provide essential assistance to individuals who have suffered T-bone injuries. Here is how they can help:

• Investigating the Accident. Lawyers will gather as much evidence as possible, which can include traffic camera footage, statements from eyewitnesses, and law enforcement accident reports to build a strong case.
• Determining Liability. Establishing who is at fault in a T-bone accident is crucial for claiming compensation. Lawyers will analyze all aspects of the accident to prove negligence.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer can engage in negotiations.
• Filing a Lawsuit. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may need to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
• Handling Paperwork. Legal proceedings involve extensive documentation. A lawyer ensures all paperwork is correctly filed and deadlines are met​​​​.

How is Liability Determined After a T-Bone Collision in Tennessee?

Determining liability in a T-bone collision involves understanding Tennesee traffic laws and examining the behavior of each driver. Key factors include the presence of traffic signals and stop signs and whether they were obeyed by both drivers, as this is crucial in determining fault. Assessing which vehicle had the right of way at the time of the accident can also help establish liability. 

Statements from witnesses can provide insight into how the accident occurred and who may be at fault. Additionally, the location and extent of damage on the vehicles can help reconstruct the accident and determine the point of impact. Finally, evidence of distracted driving, speeding, or impairment can indicate negligence and establish liability.

What Type of Compensation is Available After a T-Bone Collision?

Victims of T-bone collisions may be entitled to various forms of compensation, categorized into general and special damages.

• Special damages refer to quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of the accident. These include medical expenses, which cover past, current, and future medical bills, such as hospital and ER visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Victims may also receive compensation for lost wages, accounting for wages lost due to the inability to work during recovery. Additionally, special damages include reimbursement for property damage, which involves the repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle.
• General damages encompass non-economic losses that do not have a specific monetary value but significantly impact the victim’s life. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Another aspect of general damages is the loss of consortium, which compensates for the impact of the injuries on the victim’s relationship with their spouse, including loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations.

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

How Long Do You Have to File Your Claim?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim following a car accident is generally one year from the date of the accident. This means victims have one year to file a lawsuit for damages. However, it is crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all legal deadlines are met and to allow sufficient time to build a strong case​​​​.

Steps You Can Take Today to Help Your T-Bone Injury Claim

Taking immediate and thoughtful actions after a T-bone collision can significantly impact the success of your claim. Some steps you can take include:

1. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is essential to get a thorough medical examination. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Document the Accident Scene. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
3. Collect Information. Gather contact and insurance information from the other driver, as well as contact details for any witnesses.
4. File a Police Report. Ensure that a police report is filed and obtain a copy for your records.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid making detailed statements until you have consulted with a lawyer.
6. Keep Detailed Records. Maintain a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer. Seek legal advice from a car accident attorney in Nashville, Tennessee as soon as possible to understand your rights and the best course of action for your case.