Who Is at Fault in a Jacksonville T-Bone Car Accident?
After a car accident in Jacksonville, determining fault for the crash takes center stage. Whatever compensation might be available relies heavily upon this determination. Certain types of car accidents are naturally more difficult to evaluate for fault, such as T-bone car accidents.
Additionally, T-bone accidents often lead to multiple serious injuries. The stakes are often higher in T-bone accidents than in others. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is advisable if you need to seek compensation for your damages.
What Exactly Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident is a type of wreck in which one car crashes head-on into the side of another. At the moment of impact, the cars form the shape of a “T.”
These are particularly dangerous types of accidents with a high rate of serious injury and death because of the structural weaknesses found in the sides of vehicles.
High rates of speed and larger vehicles generate enough force in T-bone accidents to effectively cut many vehicles in half, which can be devastating for drivers and passengers.
Determining Fault in T-Bone Accidents in Florida
Determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident will center on how the crash occurred. Generally speaking, these types of crashes happen during the following maneuvers:
- A driver pulling out of a driveway
- A driver entering an intersection
- A driver making a left turn
The causes of crashes under these normally standard traffic maneuvers can vary, but many of them involve negligence of some sort:
- Texting while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while intoxicated
- Running red lights
- Running stop signs
- Failing to yield
In many cases, both drivers bear some degree of fault. In Florida, you may still collect compensation if you are found to be partially at fault. If you are, you will receive less compensation based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 50% at fault for the accident, your financial award would be reduced by 50%.
Common T-Bone Injuries
Due to the nature of the collision, T-bone injuries impact rear passengers like no other type of accident. Passengers sitting on the impact side of the vehicle face the harshest outcomes. T-bone accidents often cause the following:
- Neck and spinal injuries, such as whiplash and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries and cranial and facial damage
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Death
As an injury victim, you can file for compensation for damages associated with the car accident. Accident victims’ expenses can add up to millions of dollars due to extensive hospital care and loss of income.
What To Do After a T-Bone Accident in Jacksonville
After a T-bone accident, get to safety and move your vehicle if possible. Then, call 911. In Florida, you are required by law to report any accident resulting in injury, death, or $500 or more in property damage. Additionally, filing a police report is necessary for any claim for damages you may have.
If you were injured but not taken to the hospital, you should visit a medical professional soon after you leave the accident site. Although first responders may not take you for further treatment, you’ll likely need a thorough medical report of your injuries to support your claim.
You may also have injuries that the first responders did not catch. These hidden injuries may get worse over time.
After seeing a medical professional, you should speak with a Jacksonville car accident attorney who has experience handling the affairs of accident victims. They will know how to navigate your case in a manner that yields fair and full compensation.
Even if the other driver’s insurance company is ready to offer you money for your damages, consult with an attorney who can review this offer and determine its merits. It’s likely that an insurance company’s first offer is not worthy of your losses.
Contact the Jacksonville Car Accident Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra car accident law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Duval County, St, Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167