In a T-bone accident, the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another at a right angle, forming a shape that looks like the letter “T.” Because the sides of a vehicle offer occupants less protection than the front and back ends of a vehicle, side-impact collisions tend to be particularly dangerous. They frequently result in severe or fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one were involved in a side impact / T-bone car accident in Denver, you may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to turn for help. The experienced car accident attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm are ready to take the time to help you understand your legal options for pursuing the compensation you need to cover your injuries and losses.
Contact our Colorado car crash lawyers for a free case review with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney to learn more about how we can protect your rights and help you on the path to recovery.
How Do Side-Impact Collisions Occur?
Side-impact collisions in Denver occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers distracted by cell phone conversations, text messages, interactions with passengers, eating, or other activities can easily overlook imminent crash scenarios. Distracted drivers can blow through intersections and straight into devastating side-impact collisions.
- Impaired driving – If a driver is impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or other intoxicating drugs, their judgment, reaction time, and muscle coordination may be compromised. Drivers who are drunk or high cannot operate a vehicle safely and are more likely to cause side-impact accidents as a result.
- Drowsy driving – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a driver who has been awake for 24 hours is just as impaired as a driver whose blood alcohol content is over the legal limit. This means fatigue is similarly likely to be a contributing factor in side-impact crashes.
- Inexperienced driving – Many side-impact collisions occur as a result of negligent left-hand turns. Inexperienced drivers, such as teen drivers, are more likely to have difficulty executing safe left turns.
- Defective car parts – Even the safest driver can be involved in an accident if a defective car part leads to loss of control. Defective steering systems, airbags, tires, and brakes could all cause or exacerbate side-impact accidents.
- Poor road conditions – Sometimes, drivers lose control and crash due to inclement weather and other poor road conditions, such as potholes. While drivers are expected to compensate for such eventualities, those responsible for road maintenance may be partially responsible as well.
Where Do Side-Impact Collisions Occur?
T-bone accidents are more likely to occur in certain areas, specifically where traffic from different directions intersects. Side-impact collisions in Denver are especially likely to occur near:
- Stop signs – Many T-bone accidents happen at intersections with stop signs in one or more directions. These crashes often occur because of negligent drivers who intentionally run stop signs, misunderstand the right-of-way, fail to notice the stop sign, or exhibit other negligent behaviors.
- Red lights – Distracted and impaired drivers commonly run red lights and cause disastrous side-impact collisions. Accidents can also occur at a red light when drivers or pedestrians make judgment errors about who has the right-of-way.
- Unmarked intersections – Unmarked intersections are common in residential and rural areas. These intersections often have stop lines painted on the road but no traffic control signs or devices. T-bone crashes frequently occur at unmarked intersections when drivers fail to pay attention.
- Roundabouts – Traffic circles can be safer than traditional intersections, but only if everyone knows how to use them properly. If a driver approaches a roundabout without understanding who has the right-of-way, they can easily T-bone other vehicles as they enter the circle.
- Merge zones – Drivers who merge onto busy roads or highways often need to think and act quickly. Even the slightest error in judgment, such as a failure to check blind spots or signal a turn, can lead to catastrophic side-impact crashes.
Who Is at Fault for a T-Bone Crash?
To claim compensation after a Denver T-bone crash, it’s crucial to determine who was at fault for the T-bone collision. When you provide evidence that another party was responsible, you could hold them legally and financially accountable for their actions.
Any of the following parties could be at fault after a T-bone crash:
- Another driver – In most cases, one of the drivers involved in the T-bone crash is at fault, either because they were negligent or intentionally ignored the right-of-way. However, sometimes other drivers not involved in the collision may be at fault. For example, if one driver makes improper maneuvers and causes a second driver to swerve into a third vehicle, the first driver may be partially or fully liable.
- A pedestrian or cyclist – Similarly, pedestrians or cyclists can be at fault in a T-bone crash if they break traffic laws and force vehicles to collide as a result.
- Vehicle manufacturers – If a T-bone accident occurs due to the failure of a car component or system, the manufacturer or seller of the unsafe product could be held responsible for the crash.
- Government agencies – Sometimes, side-impact collisions happen due to insufficient road maintenance or the negligence of government employees. When this occurs, injured victims may be entitled to file a claim against a government agency. These claims are subject to special requirements, and notice must be filed within 180 days of the accident.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by T-Bone Accidents in Denver?
T-bone accident injuries are frequently severe due to the relative lack of protection on the sides of most vehicles. The following injuries are common in side-impact car wrecks:
How Can a T-Bone Accident Lawyer Help?
If you were injured in a Denver broadside accident, you should reach out to a local car accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. The compassionate attorneys of The Wilhite Law Firm can help you seek compensation and protect your rights by:
- Providing legal advice and explaining your options in a free case review
- Conducting an independent investigation of the T-bone accident to uncover evidence and determine who is liable
- Managing your claim and legal documents while you focus on your health
- Communicating with insurance companies and other lawyers on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively to maximize your compensation and representing you in court, if necessary
Speak With a Lawyer As Soon As Possible After a Side Impact Collision in Denver
When you’re ready to discuss the details of your side impact / T-bone car accident in Denver, contact us to get started with your free consultation. We’re here to listen and get you the help you need.
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