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Los Angeles T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer

T-boned in Los Angeles? Call a Lawyer!

If you or a loved one have been harmed in a T-bone accident, an experienced legal advocate can prove essential to recovering fair compensation. Attorney Sean F. Salamati has dedicated the past 20 years of his career to protecting the rights of personal injury victims. There are hundreds of car accident attorneys in Los Angeles, but few have the resources and skill to secure maximum payouts for clients. The Salamati Law Firm works tirelessly for victims of side impact crashes, and can explain your options for legal recourse.

Research suggests that air bags and seat belt use can reduce mortality risk in T-bone car accidents. In the context of traffic collisions, side-impact crashes are second only to head-on collisions in the number of life-threatening injuries and deaths they cause each year.

T-boned car accident risk factors

The type and make of vehicle you drive can play a significant role in the event of a side impact collision, which often pushes the broadsided vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic. One study, published in 2003, found that passenger car drivers are ten times more likely to be killed in T-bone accidents than sports utility vehicle (SUV) drivers, regardless of the vehicle’s role. Researchers believe this mortality risk can be attributed to the difference in vehicle mass, weight and geometry. Although side impact airbags offer some degree of protection to occupants, the force of the impact often triggers subsequent collisions, causing the broadsided vehicle to strike stationary objects, pedestrians and other cars.

T-bone collisions are commonly caused by a failure to yield right of way, particularly at intersections. The dangers of broadside collisions increase substantially when motorists fail to obey traffic signals, such as running a red light.

Other factors that can increase the chances of a t-bone accident include:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Excessive speed
  • Failure to yield right of way because of obstructed view or illegal maneuvers
  • Misjudging oncoming traffic speed

Who is at fault in a T bone crash?

Every motorist has a responsibility to drive carefully and obey traffic laws. When a driver fails to yield right of way at an intersection, or makes a left turn without first looking for approaching vehicles, he or she may be held liable for causing a broadside collision, even they had a green light. By conducting thorough investigations and consulting with accident reconstructionists, a qualified attorney can establish t-bone accident fault. In many cases, skid marks and impact damage to guardrails and other surfaces provide compelling evidence that speaks to driver negligence.

At first glance, liability in side impact collisions may seem obvious, but there are cases of comparative liability that warrant consideration. For instance, consider a motorist who makes a dangerous left turn on a two-lane road and is then T-boned by another vehicle who was later found to be speeding. In this scenario, both drivers could be partially at fault.

Regardless of the circumstances leading to your accident, it’s important to protect your rights to compensation in the event of property damage and bodily injury. When another driver is to blame or partially to blame for a T-bone crash, you have the right to file a claim for monetary damages.

To avoid a side impact collision you should

  • Obey all traffic rules
  • Look for oncoming traffic at intersections even when you have right of way
  • Avoid distracted driving
  • Obey posted speed limits to ensure adequate braking time
  • Consider purchasing a vehicle with head-protecting side airbags

Broadside collision statistics

In 2009, T-bone and side impact crashes accounted for more than a quarter of all passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in the U.S. Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shed light on the lethal nature of these broadside collisions, which put occupants at risk for permanent and disfiguring injuries. Although side airbags can help dampen the force of impact, smaller vehicles are afforded little protection from larger, heavier trucks and SUVs. Auto manufacturers are developing new safety features to prevent injury and death associated with T-bone collisions, which kill an estimated 10,000 Americans every year.

T bone car accident injuries

Side impact collision injuries are frequently catastrophic, requiring hospitalization and intensive medical care. According to research conducted at University of Rochester, T-bone car accidents are associated with a high risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study showed that vehicle occupants (drivers and passengers) were three times as likely to suffer a TBI in broadside collisions compared to any other type of traffic accident. TBI symptoms including memory loss, confusion, depression, and changes in personality can last for weeks, months or years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that women are more prone to suffering traumatic brain injuries due to weaker neck muscles.

Researchers have found that up to 74 percent of side-impact accident deaths are a direct result of traumatic brain injury. Those who do survive often grapple with long-term health complications.

Side impact accidents can also cause:

T bone accident settlements

The value of a side impact accident settlement will be determined by a number of factors, such as severity and extent of injuries, projected loss of earnings and whether the crash caused lasting physical impairment. Individuals who are affected by the actions of a reckless or negligent driver are entitled to seek damages to cover both economic and non-economic losses such as:

  • Past, present and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

The veteran Los Angeles auto accident attorneys at Salamati Law maximize settlement payouts, and can effectively deal with all insurance paperwork, even if the at-fault driver was underinsured or had no insurance. In the wake of any type of traffic accident, always consult with your lawyer before signing any insurance forms, or you may forfeit your right to legal action.

T-boned accident lawyer Los Angeles

When a side impact collision occurs, time is of the essence. After alerting police and getting medical attention, the best way to get a head start on your case is to align yourself with a trusted personal injury lawyer who is results-oriented.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case review and learn how Salamati Law can help you obtain justice and the compensation you deserve. Request your consultation today by completing our online contact form, or calling our Los Angeles practice at 888-259-4060.

Side collision resources

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We are committed to negotiate your case aggressively, strategically and creatively. Personal injury lawsuits are retained on a contingency fee agreement, and plaintiffs will pay no legal fees unless the firm is able to recover damages on your behalf.

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