Side impacts, also called T-Bone accidents, or broadside collisions, are serious events that can result in catastrophic injuries and losses for those involved. Unfortunately, these crashes often happen because of driver negligence, including failures to yield and driving while distracted or under the influence.
On top of the physical injuries and property damage, side-impact crashes can leave you with emotional trauma, outrageous medical bills, and in some instances, result in you being unable to work and provide for your family. Fortunately, the civil court could entitle you to collect compensation for these damages from the liable party. When you suffer harm in a side-impact car accident in Bartlett, reach out to the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of David E. Gordon for help protecting and enforcing your legal rights.
Common Causes of Side Impact Auto Collisions
Bartlett T-Bone car crashes commonly happen in intersections when a driver unintentionally or purposely fails to adhere to traffic laws. Some of the common scenarios involving these collisions include:
- Failure to stop or a rolling stop at a stop sign or red light
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving, including texting, eating, and interacting with passengers
- Driving under the influence of intoxicating substances
- Speeding and other forms of reckless driving
- Failure to adjust driving for bad weather conditions
Broadside accidents present many risks, especially for people sitting on the side of impact.
The Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Many side-impact car crashes occur because of one careless driver’s actions. However, sometimes the injured person shares part of the liability. According to the Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-11-103, if the injured party is less than 50 percent at-fault, they can still recover compensation.
If the person is found to be partially at fault for the event or their injuries, the court can diminish their total award amount by their percentage of liability. That means if the settlement is $100,000 and the petitioner is 10 percent responsible for the damages, they will collect $90,000. However, if the court finds the injured person is over 50 percent liable for the accident and losses, it will bar them from recovery.
The Most Common T-Bone Collision Injuries
The person on the side of the car the other vehicle strikes often suffers from blunt force or penetrating trauma injuries. Both of these can have lasting consequences leading to long-term or permanent disabilities. Some of the most common T-Bone collision injuries include the following:
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ injuries or internal bleeding
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis and permanent disabilities
- Wrongful death
In addition to the physical effects, T-Bone car accidents can leave someone with severe and lasting emotional and psychological trauma. After experiencing a T-Bone car crash in Bartlett, a dedicated attorney can help injured parties accurately value their physical, financial, and emotional losses to demand a settlement package that will adequately reflect their needs.
Call an Attorney to Learn More About Bartlett Side Impact Car Accidents
Broadside collisions are among the most severe types of auto wrecks and can leave you with severe physical, psychological, and financial damages. Like most other crashes, they almost always occur because of negligence.
When you suffer injuries in a side impact car accident in Bartlett, the Law Office of David E. Gordon can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of collecting a fair settlement from the at-fault party. Call soon to schedule an appointment.
