Out of the many types of motor vehicle collisions that occur daily on San Francisco’s roads, the T-bone accident is one of the most severe. If you get hurt or a loved one dies in a serious T-bone crash in the Bay Area, it’s important to fully understand your legal rights so that you can protect them. Contacting an experienced San Francisco car accident lawyer can help you avoid getting taken advantage of by a car insurance company.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident describes a side-impact collision where one car strikes the broadside of another car. This type of accident can occur when one driver is distracted or not paying attention, runs a red light or stop sign, makes an unsafe left-hand turn, or drives while impaired or fatigued. It is especially common at San Francisco intersections when one driver does not yield the right-of-way.
Common Injuries Caused By T-Bone Collisions in San Francisco, CA
The side of a motor vehicle is not designed to withstand the force of an impact. Unlike the front and rear of a car, which have layers of metal and “crumple zones,” the side of a vehicle is thin and vulnerable. A lack of distance between occupants and the point of impact causes more serious physical injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Diffuse-axonal injury (brain injury from rotational forces)
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Herniated disks and nerve compression
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
After a T-bone collision, everyone involved needs to seek immediate medical attention. Serious injuries are often immediately apparent, but some have hidden and delayed symptoms. Delaying medical care can lead to a dangerous lack of treatment as well as a more challenging injury claim.
Determining Liability for a T-Bone Crash
Since California is a fault state, the party or individual at fault for causing a T-bone accident in San Francisco must pay for a victim’s damages. This could be a negligent, careless or reckless motor vehicle driver for traffic law violations, but it may also be the manufacturer of a defective car part or the government agency responsible for maintaining safe roadways.
Injured in a T-Bone Accident?
Our T-Bone Accident Lawyers in San Francisco Are Here To Help
How Much Is a T-Bone Accident Case Worth in San Francisco?
Every case is unique, with car accident case values varying significantly depending on elements such as injury severity and available insurance coverage. Averages range from $25,000 or less to over $1 million. This is why it is recommended that you speak to a San Francisco car accident attorney about the value of your claim before accepting a quick insurance settlement.
You may be eligible for compensation for your medical costs (present and future), lost wages, lost capacity to earn due to a permanent injury, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. A lawyer will analyze your case to accurately estimate its value. Then, your lawyer can negotiate with car insurance claims adjusters to argue for a fair settlement value for you.
Why You Should Contact a Lawyer After a T-Bone Accident in San Francisco
T-bone collision cases in San Francisco can have many legal challenges. They often involve severe and life-changing injuries, making these high-value cases that insurance companies are likely to diminish, delay and deny. Liability disputes may also arise, including an insurance company attempting to blame you for the crash.
To fully protect your legal rights and recovery, you should contact a San Francisco personal injury attorney with experience handling serious T-bone accident cases. An attorney will fight relentlessly to maximize your financial recovery while you focus on your physical one.
For legal advice about a specific car accident case, contact Jacoby & Meyers to schedule a free consultation.