As your dedicated San Antonio T-bone accident lawyers, we are here to assist you in navigating the intricacies of Texas car accident laws, ensuring that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What Is a T-Bone Car Accident?
A T-bone car accident, commonly referred to as a side-impact or broadside collision, happens when one vehicle strikes the side of another, creating a “T” shape. These incidents often take place at intersections, usually when a driver runs a red light or neglects to yield.
T-bone accidents pose significant dangers since the sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear, resulting in serious injuries for those inside.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in San Antonio
T-bone accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but most are the result of driver negligence. Some common causes include:
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to stop at traffic signals is one of the leading causes of T-bone collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield the right of way at intersections can cause broadside collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or any other form of distraction can cause a driver to miss important traffic signals.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impaired drivers are more likely to ignore traffic signs and signals, increasing the risk of a T-bone accident.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of running a red light or stop sign, leading to side-impact collisions.
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident caused by another driver’s negligence, seeking legal representation from a top-rated car accident lawyer in San Antonio is essential.
Injuries Commonly Associated with T-Bone Accidents
Because T-bone accidents often involve a vehicle striking the side of another car, the injuries sustained can be severe, especially for those seated on the side of the impact. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: The force of the impact can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Side impacts can cause severe spinal injuries, including paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Victims of T-bone accidents often suffer broken ribs, arms, or legs due to the force of the collision.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These types of injuries are common in all car accidents, but the sudden lateral force in T-bone accidents can exacerbate neck injuries.
- Internal Injuries: The violent nature of these collisions can cause damage to internal organs, which may require emergency surgery.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a T-bone accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Once your health is stabilized, contacting an auto accident lawyer in San Antonio should be your next step.
Texas Laws Governing T-Bone Accidents
In Texas, fault in car accidents is determined by a comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can only recover 80% of the damages.
Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, which covers:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
While this insurance may cover some of the costs, it’s often insufficient to compensate victims of serious T-bone accidents fully. As your T-bone car accident attorney in San Antonio, we will work to identify all potential sources of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s insurance and, if applicable, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How We Can Help You
At Patterson Law Group, we pride ourselves on being the top-rated car accident lawyers in San Antonio. Our experience in handling T-bone car accident cases allows us to thoroughly investigate the collision’s circumstances, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Here’s how we can assist you:
Investigating the Accident
We will collect all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to determine who was at fault. Our team may also work with accident reconstruction experts to build a compelling case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. As your San Antonio, Texas, injury lawyers, we will handle all communications with the insurance companies to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and property damage.
Calculating Damages
We will assess all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. This ensures that the compensation we seek reflects the full extent of your losses.
Representing You in Court
While most car accident cases settle out of court, some may require litigation. If your case goes to trial, we will represent you aggressively to ensure your rights are protected and receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, even if you feel fine. It’s important to get a thorough medical evaluation.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- File a Police Report: Report the accident to the police, as their report will be crucial in establishing fault.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney Near Me: Contact an experienced auto accident lawyer in San Antonio as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
We are committed to helping T-bone accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our personalized approach ensures every client receives the attention and legal experience they need during this difficult time. With years of experience handling car accident cases, we understand insurance companies’ tactics and how to counter them effectively.
Texas Statute of Limitations for T-Bone Accidents
It’s important to act quickly if you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident. Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date. This means you have a limited time to pursue compensation for your injuries. Failing to file a claim within this period may result in losing your right to recover damages.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, don’t wait. Contact Patterson Law Group today for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case, answer your questions, and outline the next steps.
As experienced San Antonio T-bone accident lawyers, we are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
