A t-bone auto accident happens when one vehicle collides with another at a right angle, causing a “T” shape. Often referred to as a side-impact crash or broadside collision, T-bone car accidents most often include two vehicles and can be particularly serious.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent study, T-bone auto crashes account for almost 20% of fatal wrecks, ahead of all other kinds of collisions when it comes to vehicular deaths.
Successful Representation for Suffolk County T-Bone Accident Victim
Case Summary:
In late December of 2023, the firm was retained to represent Daniella D. with respect to her Suffolk County t-bone accident which occurred on Christmas Day. At first glance, the case seemed straightforward, especially given that the Police Accident Report, which clearly showed that Daniella was not at fault for this intersection t-bone crash.
Indeed, the Police Report, which had Daniella listed a Vehicle 1 (V1) and the other driver listed as Vehicle 2 (V2) read as follows:
“V1 stated she was heading east on Barclay Road when V2 disregarded the posted Stop Sign and struck her vehicle. V2 stated he slowed down at the Stop Sign and proceeded through and struck V1.” And so here, the responding police officer, with “no horse in the race,” took statements from both vehicle operators, with V2 admitting that he did not stop at the intersection, but rather just slowed down, and then struck Daniella.
When we were initially retained, Daniella needed a new car as her car was deemed a “total loss” due to the accident. She did not have full coverage, so we immediately corresponded with the adverse vehicle’s insurance carrier to get her compensation for the loss of her vehicle. The adverse driver only had $10,000.00 of PD, or property damage coverage, so we were able to obtain that and get it to Daniella so that she could buy a replacement automobile.
Case Outcome:
To compensate her for her injuries, the adverse auto’s carrier, Progressive, offered only $8,000.00 to compensate her for her pain and suffering. So, we filed the case in Suffolk County Supreme Court and put Progressive on Notice of what we deemed to be their “bad faith.” Soon after we filed the case in Court, Progressive offered their insured’s full $25,000.00 policy limit to settle the case.
HOW Do Side-Impact Crashes Occur?
Most side-impact crashes happen at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way. For example, an auto in NYC may fly through a red light or stop sign without checking for traffic and/or pedestrians and crash into another driver or pedestrian.
T-bone car accidents are not limited to intersections. They can happen anywhere. One scenario might include a motorist pulling out of a driveway without being able to see an oncoming car.
A broadside crash may be the result of negligent or reckless actions. An automobile could make a quick lane change in front of another car, resulting in a sudden crash. However, many other factors well past poor driving may also contribute to a side-impact accident.
Common Injuries Caused by NYC T-Bone Accidents
T-bone crashes in NYC are particularly dangerous for many reasons. In a side-impact crash, the front of an approaching vehicle comes into contact with the side of another car where there is not a lot of protection to the vehicle occupant. Moreover, a lot of vehicles come with less than perfect safety features. Assuming the vehicle does have them, side airbags do not always provide sufficient protection against serious injuries.
The severity of one’s injuries may also depend on the speed and size of the approaching vehicle. For example, a large SUV or over the road 18-wheeler can pose significant threat of imminent harm to pedestrians, cyclists and others.
Common injuries caused by T-bone crashes in NYC may include:
• Whiplash, and other types of neck and/or head trauma;
• Fractures, commonly referred to as broken bones;
• Spinal injuries, which may require surgical intervention.
Some of these injuries can lead to life-long physical and mental issues. If you have suffered a serious injury from a t-bone car accident in NYC, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of income, and medical costs.
Call our personal injury attorneys today at 212-240-9465.
