A “T-bone accident,” also known as a “broadside” or “side-impact” crash, occurs when one vehicle crashes head-on into the side of another vehicle. These collisions are known as “T-bone accidents” because the vehicles come to rest in the shape of a “T.”

T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents that can occur. The people inside the vehicle are only protected by a thin door and a window. Occupants can suffer severe injuries, including crush injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, spine injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and more.

If you were injured in a T-bone accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Eric Derleth, aka The Trial Guy, is an Alaska personal injury attorney. He can analyze your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Eric has been in practice for 30 years and has devoted his career to helping injured people in Alaska. Contact our law office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.

What Is a T-bone Accident?

A occurs when one vehicle hits another on the side at approximately a 90-degree angle. The vehicles come to rest in the shape of a “T.” T-bone accidents commonly occur at intersections. They can happen when a driver runs a red light, fails to yield to someone turning left at a green light, or runs a stop sign. They can also occur if a driver misjudges the traffic signal and turns left thinking they have a green light, or as the light changes from green to red.

Who Can Be Liable for a T-bone Car Accident?

As with any motor vehicle accident, establishing liability requires determining who was at fault for causing the crash. Fault is typically established by identifying who was negligent. Various parties can be liable in a T-bone accident.

• The other driver. In many T-bone accidents, the at-fault driver is the one who negligently tried to proceed through the intersection.
• Both drivers. In some cases, both drivers may share blame for causing the crash. For example, when two vehicles are stopped at a stop sign, they must determine who has the right of way. If both drivers ran the stop sign, they could share liability for causing the crash
• A third-driver. The driver of a third vehicle could be partially responsible for causing the collision, such as if one driver ran into another vehicle when they swerved to try to avoid a collision.
• Mechanical failure. An uninvolved party could be at fault for causing the crash. Suppose one driver applied the brakes, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle manufacturer could be responsible for selling a defective part, or a service technician could be responsible for negligently repairing the brakes.

Recovering Damages in a T-bone Accident

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a T-bone accident, you and your family may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Derleth can evaluate your situation, calculate your damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When an accident causes injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death

Proving Fault in a T-bone Accident

To recover damages in a T-bone accident, you will need to prove the other driver was at fault for causing the crash. Attorney Derleth can gather and review evidence from the accident scene to establish liability for causing the crash. In some situations, working with an accident reconstruction expert to analyze and evaluate the moments before the crash can be beneficial. An expert witness is allowed to express an opinion, based on their experience and training, as to who was at fault for causing the crash.

Contact Our Alaska Personal Injury Attorney For Help

Obtaining the compensation you deserve after a T-bone accident is not always straightforward. Eric Derleth, aka The Trial Guy, can gather the evidence necessary to prove who was at fault and the full extent of your losses caused by the accident.

Eric has been in practice for 30 years and has devoted his career to helping injured people in Alaska. He will carefully evaluate your circumstances and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.