A T-bone car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you with severe injuries, a damaged or totaled vehicle, and a mountain of bills. If someone else caused or contributed to your injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation to offset this unwelcome financial burden.
Jebaily Law Firm has fought for injured South Carolina residents for over 50 years. We have the knowledge and resources to pursue a positive outcome that reduces your hardships and restores your sense of well-being. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a T-bone car accident attorney.
What Are T-Bone Car Accidents and How Do They Happen?
T-bone accidents, also known as broadside collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents typically happen at intersections, making them one of the most common types of crashes.
Common causes of T-bone crashes include:
- Speeding – Driving too fast reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the risk of serious injuries if a collision occurs. If a speeding driver barrels through an intersection, they may leave little time or space to react to changing traffic conditions and cause a T-bone accident.
- Failure to yield – A significant cause of T-bone accidents is a driver’s failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign, yield sign, onramp, or intersection.
- Running a red light – Drivers who ignore red lights increase the likelihood of collisions with motorists who have the right of way.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol or drug use slows a driver’s reaction time and makes them more prone to making dangerous mistakes behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving – Texting, adjusting in-car systems, or talking on the phone can divert a driver’s attention from the road, potentially leading to a T-bone accident.
- Poor weather – Rain, snow, and ice affect a car’s traction and make it more difficult to stop at intersections, increasing the risk of a broadside accident.
Understanding Fault in Broadside Collisions in Myrtle Beach
Under South Carolina’s personal injury laws, you can seek compensation for your injuries and other losses from the person or party responsible for causing a T-bone crash. However, you need a solid foundation of evidence to optimize your chances of recovery.
A skilled T-bone car accident lawyer can determine fault by gathering and analyzing the available evidence. Potential sources of evidence include:
- Police reports – Insurance companies and the court generally look upon police reports favorably. Responding officers interview witnesses at the scene, determine whether impairment was a factor, and offer their observations on fault.
- Photos and videos – Any photos taken at the accident scene showing skid marks, debris, and the final positioning of the vehicles can be helpful. A broadside car accident lawyer may request surveillance or traffic video footage that could support your claim.
- Medical records – Car accident injuries can cause life-changing harm. Your medical records will demonstrate proof of your injuries to the insurance company and strengthen your car accident claim.
- Digital onboard data – Your attorney can secure data from the other vehicle’s computer, offering insight into the driver’s actions just before the T-bone crash.
- Eyewitness statements – Although some police reports include witness statements, a T-bone accident lawyer can seek clarification or additional information from those who saw the collision. Always get names and contact info from any eyewitnesses at the accident scene if you can.
Common Injuries Caused By T-Bone Car Accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC
T-bone accidents often cause serious, sometimes fatal injuries. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, broadside car accidents comprise over 20 percent of deadly crashes in a given year. This is because there is typically less protection to absorb the impact than at the front or rear of most passenger vehicles.
Consequently, a T-bone collision can lead to a range of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A TBI can have lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical consequences, ranging from headaches and memory problems to impaired motor skills and emotional disturbances. A concussion is a milder form of TBI.
- Broken bones – Some fractures require surgical intervention for proper alignment. Victims can expect significant pain, swelling, and difficulty with function while broken bones heal.
- Spinal cord injury – Severe trauma to the neck or spine can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site.
- Internal bleeding – The force of impact in a T-bone accident may cause blunt-force trauma to the victim’s body, leading to internal bleeding. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be deadly. Always seek medical attention immediately after a crash.
- Severe cuts – Deep cuts or tears in the skin and underlying tissues can result in significant blood loss and scarring.
- Soft-tissue injuries – Sudden twists and unexpected movements during a T-bone crash can damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
What Settlement Can I Expect from a T-Bone Car Accident?
There is no way to guarantee how much money you will receive from the insurance company. But with the help of a qualified broadside car accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach, your settlement might include compensation for:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capability
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
How Our Lawyers Can Assist in Navigating the Legal Process After a T-Bone Collision
Navigating the legal aftermath of a T-bone accident can feel overwhelming, but hiring a lawyer can make the process simpler than you may think. At Jebaily Law Firm, an experienced Myrtle Beach car accident attorney will handle every aspect of your T-bone car crash case. We will:
- File all necessary court documents promptly and within the three-year South Carolina statute of limitations
- Gather evidence to determine fault
- Negotiate with the insurance company for maximum compensation
- Prepare your case for trial, if necessary
- Protect your rights as a victim
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyer
With five decades of experience, Jebaily Law Firm can provide you with personalized support and vigorous legal representation. We understand the importance of seeking compensation and bringing a swift and satisfactory conclusion to this challenging time in your life. Contact our firm today to speak with one of our Myrtle Beach T-bone accident attorneys.
