Side-impact car crashes, also called T-Bone or broadside accidents, occur when one automobile strikes the side of another, forming a T shape. T-Bone collisions often occur at higher speeds and can result in devastating injuries and damage to everyone involved.
When a broadside crash occurs because of another motorist’s negligence, you may have the legal right to collect a settlement from them to cover your injuries and losses. Meet with a hard-working car crash attorney from the Law Office of David E. Gordon to discuss your side-impact car accident in Cordova.
Compensation for Side Impact Automobile Accidents
The traffic laws in Tennessee follow an at-fault driver statute. That means the responsible motorist’s insurance policy must cover damages caused by the crash. When drivers do not carry enough coverage, they may have to pay the outstanding balance out-of-pocket.
After proving the defendant was negligent and is at fault for the accident, the court may award compensation within two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover monetary losses, such as past and future medical bills and treatment, loss of salary or benefits, and a permanently lost working ability.
Non-economic damages cover subjective losses that do not have a specifically assigned monetary amount, such as emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment of life. Attorney David E. Gordon, who is experienced with T-Bone car crashes in Cordova, can answer specific questions about the potential settlement amount after reviewing the cause of the accident and injury details.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Tennessee
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, all motorists must have $25,000 injury coverage per person, with a minimum of $50,000 per accident. They must also have at least $25,000 for property damage per car accident.
Contributing Causes of T-Bone Car Crashes
T-Bone car wrecks most commonly happen at intersections after a driver fails to yield the right-of-way to another motorist. Other common causes of broadside collisions in Cordova include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting the radio
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Reckless or aggressive driving, including speeding, unsafe or unlawful passing, and dangerous lane changes
Broad-side vehicle collisions often leave people with catastrophic injuries, including multiple broken bones, head and brain damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, burns, and more.
The Statute of Limitations After a Side Impact Collision
The statute of limitations in personal injury or tort civil claims sets the time limit for filing a lawsuit for compensation. When parties file a claim after the statute’s deadline, the defendant has legal cause to request the court to dismiss the case immediately without hearing it. Under the Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104, the injured party has one year from the day of the wreck to file a claim for damages. This law is strictly enforced. Speaking with a dedicated attorney is the best way to ensure all legal obligations are met.
Meet With a Cordova Attorney for Help with a Side Impact Car Accident Case
When a reckless motorist causes you to sustain injuries and property damage in a side-impact collision, you might have options to collect compensation from the liable party. Schedule to meet with a compassionate and qualified lawyer from the Law Office of David E. Gordon to learn more about side impact car accidents in Cordova.
