Turning to a Tacoma T-bone accident lawyer may be the most important step you take if you’ve suffered medical and financial losses due to someone else’s actions. A t-bone accident, which occurs when one vehicle strikes the side of another, can cause devastating losses for all involved. This may include various types of injuries and even fatalities. Many of these accidents are preventable, but when they do occur, you may have the legal right to take action to recover compensation for the losses you’ve suffered.
A T-bone accident can occur when any type of vehicle strikes another, including passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Anytime this occurs, it’s critical to work closely with your Tacoma T-bone accident lawyer to protect your rights under the law.
How Do T-Bone Accidents Occur?
There are many potential scenarios that could lead to a T-bone accident. This may occur when one driver is crossing an intersection when it is not their turn to do so, striking a vehicle traveling the other direction. They can occur in parking lots, on roadways, or even on freeways should someone not be paying attention.
Some common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Driver distractions such as due to talking, using a phone, changing the radio, eating food, or otherwise simply not paying attention
- Speeding and reckless driving trying to make the light that may be changing
- Confusion and mistakes about who has the right of way
- Failed traffic signals that lead to confusion
- Equipment failure such as the brakes on a vehicle not stopping, leading to the driver entering the intersection
- Not turning properly or fully into the proper lane
Any time there are instances in which the driver of one vehicle strikes another, they could be held responsible for the losses they’ve caused. It is critical to know that simple mistakes like those listed here can have devastating results.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
If you are involved in a T-bone accident, your first step is to remain where you are, if it is safe to do so and contact the police. They will come to your location and help to manage the situation, including getting medical care for you. Even if you feel okay, be sure to go to the hospital or emergency room to be checked out.
If you are safe to do so, be sure to move out of the way of other traffic. Then, gather information about the other driver (after ensuring they are okay, too). Ask questions about what occurred that led to the incident. Think about what you saw that driver doing, such as talking on the phone or perhaps not paying attention to the lights because they were engaged in conversation with someone else. When possible, take photos of the incident and gather the names and contact information of others involved.
Beyond any doubt, be honest with the police, but do not admit fault. Try to avoid making comments about what may have occurred but do provide details about what you saw.
Then, contact your Tacoma T-bone accident lawyer at the Lake Office of Blake Kremer. Do not put off doing so. Blake will listen to what’s occurred and provide you with instructions on what to do next, including helping you to document your losses. The Washington Statute of Limitations for filing a claim after a car accident is three years, which means you need to act quickly to ensure there’s plenty of time to get the help you need.
Avoid speaking to the insurance company. It is their job to get you to settle for less than you’re owed in compensation. Your attorney will work hard to prove you have the right to compensation for any of the losses you’ve incurred.
Who Is At Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
In a T-bone accident, typically, the driver who did not have the right of way could be responsible. However, it depends on the circumstances in the case. If one driver ran a red light and was struck by the other driver who had the right of way, the one who ran the red light could be at fault. In some situations, both drivers could share in some fault in the case.
What Are Common Injuries After a T-Bone Car Accident?
Depending on where the drivers were struck during the accident, there could be numerous types of injuries common here. This could include injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Loss of life
If you have been in any type of accident like this, visit the ER immediately. You could have injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, and not know about it initially. You will want to ensure you get help right away if you or any party involved is bleeding.
Contacting the Law Office of Blake Kremer
Working with a Tacoma T-bone accident lawyer is a critical step after a devastating case like this. Because it can be hard to prove who is at fault, you need the help and guidance of your attorney to guide you through the legal process. This includes helping to defend you in a court of law, determining what you are owed, and pursuing legal action in a trial should the responsible parties not pay what you’re owed.
Attorney Blake Kremer is dedicated to working closely with you through this legal process. That will include working with you to understand your losses, giving you insight into your legal rights, and handling insurance adjusters trying to reduce what’s paid to you.
To get the help you need, contact Blake Kremer today. Let us set up a consultation to discuss your case with you thoroughly. You will be treated with respect and compassion no matter how difficult your case may seem. Attorney Blake Kremer helps people throughout Tacoma and the surrounding areas of Pierce County, King County, and the full Seattle Metro area.
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