New Jersey T-Bone Accidents
T-bone car accidents, also known as broadside or side-impact collisions, are known for being catastrophic in nature. They often inflict life-threatening or fatal injuries on those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident in New Jersey, it can benefit you to hire an attorney for the claims process. Seeking help from a New Jersey car accident lawyer can make a big difference to the outcome of a serious car accident case.
What Causes T-Bone Accidents?
A T-bone accident describes a crash where the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, often at a high speed. Together, the two vehicles form a “T” shape, after colliding at close to a 90-degree angle.
Side-impact collisions can occur because of driver errors, such as:
- Running a red light
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection
- Driving while distracted
- Texting and driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Driving while fatigued
T-bone accidents occur most often at intersections, where lanes of traffic moving in different directions travel perpendicularly to each other. If a driver breaks a traffic law, he or she could enter the intersection at the wrong time and collide with a vehicle that had the right-of-way.
Potential Injuries Suffered in Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions are often serious. Many of these collisions take place at high speeds, such as a driver speeding up to “make” a red light and crashing into a car that’s already in the intersection. In addition, motor vehicles are not designed to absorb impacts from the sides. The sides of a vehicle do not have bumpers and crush zones like the front and rear.
If a motor vehicle strikes the side of a car, the point of impact is also in close proximity to the vehicle’s occupants. The victim will absorb most of the force of the crash. Victims can be jolted or jerked around in the car, possibly suffering neck, spine, and head or brain injuries. Other catastrophic injuries involved in T-bone collisions include severe lacerations, burn injuries, amputations, and loss of sight or hearing.
Liability for a T-Bone Accident in New Jersey
T-bone accidents are preventable collisions that often stem from driver error. However, under New Jersey’s no-fault law, an at-fault driver can only be held responsible or liable for a collision in certain circumstances. An injured individual must have unlimited right to sue insurance and have suffered serious or permanent injuries to have the right to file a claim against someone else. Otherwise, he or she must seek compensation from his or her own insurance provider.
When to Hire a Lawyer for a T-Bone Car Accident Case
If you or a loved one gets injured in this type of crash in New Jersey, consult with an attorney who specializes in car accident cases for legal advice about how to proceed with a claim. An accident attorney can help you determine fault for the crash, file a claim or lawsuit with the correct party, and negotiate a fair settlement from one or more insurance companies.
Without an attorney representing you, you may get taken advantage of by an insurer and settle for less than you deserve for a serious side-impact crash. While most car accident cases in New Jersey reach settlements, an attorney will also have the power to take your case to trial, if necessary, to seek maximum financial compensation.
For more information about a recent T-bone car accident, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer near you.