A side impact collision is commonly referred to as a T-bone or broadside accident. It occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle, usually at a 90-degree angle. Unfortunately, these types of crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Distracted driving and failure to yield are two of the most common causes of side-impact collisions. But who is at fault when a T-bone accident occurs?
Negligence is often a factor in side impact collisions. However, in order to obtain compensation for injuries and property damage, the plaintiff in a car accident case must be able to show that the other driver breached his duty to act with care while driving, and that the breach caused actual damages. A Boston motor vehicle accident attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence.
Tips to Follow After a Side Impact Collision
For the most part, side impact accidents should be handled like any other motor vehicle accident, with some minor exceptions.
- Exchange information with the other driver; get their insurance information, name, address and phone number.
- Ask any witnesses for their contact information.
- Document any injuries and damage to your vehicle by using your cell phone’s camera to take pictures from as many angles as possible.
- Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company. The only people you should speak to about the accident are your attorney and your
- When a side impact collision occurs, it may be unclear who is at fault; skid marks are often highly useful in determining fault. Photograph any skid marks, as well as the scene of the accident; snap pictures of street lights and signs, trees that may have been blocking visibility, the atmosphere (is it foggy or raining hard?), icy or wet spots on the road, and any debris.
Use Extra Caution in Intersections
Many T-bone accidents occur at intersections, and they often involve secondary crashes as the force of a broadside collision can push a vehicle into oncoming traffic. Because there is very little buffer in a side impact collision (no engine or trunk to cushion the blow), this type of motor vehicle accident is often fatal. In fact, about 8,000 people are killed in side impact crashes annually. A MA auto accident lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence.
Memories Fade
Determining fault in a T-bone collision may seem an easy task, but that’s not always the case. Even if the driver broadsided a vehicle at high speeds, the other driver may have driven through a red light or stop sign, causing the accident. That is why witness information and photographs are so important. Not to mention, memories fade. Without documentation obtained and recorded immediately following the accident, your memory of that day’s events will become foggier with each passing day. This is one of the reasons that car accident statutes of limitation are so short.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm
If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. When distracted, drunk, fatigued or reckless drivers cause injury or property damage, they should be held accountable for their actions. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys will help you get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. We will position you for the best possible outcome and remain by your side throughout the entire process. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.