Who Is Liable in a T-Bone Accident in Florida?

If a driver runs a red light or fails to yield to another motorist who has the right of way at an intersection, the result may be a T-bone accident or a side-impact collision. T-bone accidents often leave those involved with serious injuries. In the aftermath of an accident, a victim will want to know who can be held liable for their losses.

Either the driver who rams the other vehicle or the driver who is hit may be at fault in a T-bone crash, depending on the facts. T-bone accident cases often require thorough investigations or reconstruction of the events that led to the crash.

If you were injured in a T-bone accident and another driver was responsible, the dedicated Tarpon Springs car accident lawyers at Zervos & Calta, PLLC, are ready to help. We have close to 50 years of combined experience representing accident victims in personal injury claims. We know what it takes to stand up to insurance companies and pursue the full compensation our clients need.

Attorneys Angela Zervos and Lauren Calta will take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and provide the personalized service you deserve. Our legal team will also work to protect your rights. We have worked hard to earn our reputation as aggressive, accomplished trial attorneys, which gives us an edge at the negotiating table.

We believe that when times are tough, your lawyer should be too. For a free consultation 24/7, give us a call or get in touch with us online today.

What Does It Mean to Get T-Boned in a Car Accident?

A T-bone accident refers to a specific type of accident where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle at a perpendicular angle. For example, when one car runs a red light and strikes another car passing through the intersection from a cross street, that is a T-bone accident. Another type of T-bone accident might occur when one car is backing out of a spot and strikes another car in the side.

T-bone accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly to the occupants of the car that is hit in the side. The sides of a vehicle have less mass to absorb the impact of a collision than the front and rear of a vehicle. Oftentimes, there is only a thin door separating a vehicle occupant from an oncoming car.

T-bone accidents can cause significant and painful injuries, such as:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Joint damage
• Torn muscles
• Disfigurement
• Burns

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone?

Fault in a T-bone accident will depend upon the specific facts of the accident. In many cases, fault will depend on who had the right of way. For example, if a driver runs a red light and T-bones another car, that driver who ran the red light will most likely be at fault. But if a driver proceeds through an intersection without the right of way and is struck, the driver who was struck may be at fault.

To understand who could be liable, you’ll need to know how the accident unfolded and what each driver was doing prior to the collision. Evidence will be critical in understanding who could be at fault. If you’ve been in an accident, make sure you gather as much information as possible and get in touch with a car accident lawyer to help you understand your next steps.

Can You Sue If You Get T-Boned?

If you get injured in a T-bone crash, you may be able to sue the at-fault party to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses. However, you’ll need to ensure you meet any legal requirements before you can bring a lawsuit. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, you must first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage to pay for medical bills and other losses.

If the cost of your injuries is greater than the coverage provided by your no-fault insurance, and if your injuries are deemed “serious,” according to the threshold set by Florida law, you may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. A serious injury may include, for example, a bone fracture, serious disfigurement, or full disability for 90 days or more.

A lawyer can answer your questions and let you know if a lawsuit could be available to you.

Are You At Fault If You Cut Someone Off?

Not necessarily. A T-bone accident can occur in a split second, and it may not be clear who caused it at first. It may be that you had the right of way, and the other driver was responsible for the accident. Don’t assume that you’re at fault or make any statements blaming yourself for the accident. Instead, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible about the situation.

Following an accident, an experienced lawyer at Zervos & Calta will gather evidence to help determine who was at fault. The types of evidence that our lawyers typically examine include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Information about vehicle defects
• Medical bills
• Lost wages statements
• Doctors’ reports

How Much Is a T-Bone Accident Settlement?

In any T-bone accident, the settlement amount will depend on the facts of your case, the extent of your injuries, and the insurance policies available to provide compensation. Through a personal injury claim, you may seek compensation for the following types of losses:

• Lost wages – A T-bone accident can leave you unable to work for an extended period of time and take away the income you rely on. You may seek compensation for lost compensation.
• Lost earning capacity – You may be unable to earn as much in the future because of your injuries. If that happens, compensation may be available to help you cover your lost earning capacity.
• Medical bills – A T-bone accident can lead to significant medical debt. You may seek compensation for the cost of your medical bills and the cost of future medical care for your injuries.
• Pain and suffering – An accident can lead to physical pain and emotional suffering for accident victims. An accident settlement could include compensation for these injuries.
• Punitive damages – Punitive damages may be sought in special situations to punish the defendant when their actions are particularly outrageous or intentional. An attorney can help you understand whether they may apply in your case.

Contact a T-Bone Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident in the Tampa Bay area (Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, just to name a few) don’t hesitate to get in touch with Zervos & Calta, PLLC, as soon as you can. We believe that listening to our client’s needs helps and working closely with them helps us seek the best possible outcomes for them. We can help you understand the steps to take after a T-bone accident.

We’re available 24/7 to talk with you about your case. For your free consultation, contact us today.