Brooklyn T-Bone Accident Lawyers

Experienced T-Bone Accident Attorneys in Brooklyn

The term “T-bone” accident describes a collision where the front fender of one vehicle crashes into the side of another car. The two cars joined for a “T,” which has given rise to the name.

Another name for these accidents is "side-impact collision," but regardless of what a person calls it, these are very serious collisions. The sides of any vehicle are less protected than the front, with very few having side airbags. Consequently, some people are seriously injured in T-bone collisions, and they need legal help obtaining compensation.

Please speak with a Brooklyn T-bone accident attorney at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman after a crash. We understand the steps needed for obtaining a fair settlement for your injuries.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

These collisions happen most often in parking lots and at intersections. Regardless of where they happen, however, there are some common causes:

• Running a red light. A motorist might speed through a red, only to crash into a car that has a green light.
• Distracted driving. Drivers looking at a cell phone or engaging in an argument might not see a red light or a vehicle crossing its path.
• Impairment by drugs or alcohol. When a driver is impaired, they might misjudge distances, fail to stop, or engage in risky behavior.
• Fatigued driving. Drivers who have not had enough sleep often make the same errors as impaired drivers.

After a crash, move the vehicles out of the way (if possible) and call the police to come out to the scene of the crash. You should also take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved.

T-Bone Accident Injuries

These collisions can cause serious injuries to drivers and occupants, including:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Nerve damage

Remember to get immediate medical assistance. Early intervention can often improve outcomes, whereas delay can cause injuries to linger longer and cost more money.

Assigning Fault

New York law requires that motorists carry both no-fault and bodily injury liability insurance. Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, an injured motorist can always use their PIP benefits, which are no-fault. Currently, the state requires a person to carry at least $50,000.

Unlike PIP, bodily injury liability insurance is fault-based. To make a claim on a driver's policy, he or she must have been at least partly to blame for the collision.

Many people assume that the vehicle that struck the other is always at fault in a T-bone collision. Actually, the law is a little more complicated than that. In some cases, the vehicle that was hit could have been to blame, e.g., when the driver runs a red light and is in the intersection when a driver slams into their side.

Our Brooklyn T-bone accident lawyers can collect the evidence necessary to establish fault. Depending on the circumstances, we might interview witnesses, examine physical evidence, and search for surveillance video, among other steps. When we have adequate evidence, we can file a claim for you on the driver’s insurance.

Schedule a Free consultation with a Brooklyn T-Bone Accident Lawyer

Call us today at 212-285-3300 or submit our contact form. Please avoid delay, because New York law places time limits on the ability of victims to file a lawsuit.