At Maison Law, our Salinas car accident attorneys offer representation to those who have been hurt in collisions caused by the negligence of others. We take a close look at the circumstances of your accident to help you determine fault and hold all parties liable for the harm that they have caused you in a T-bone collision or any other type of accident. Please contact us today for the representation that you need.
How Do Salinas T-Bone Accidents Occur?
In Salinas, T-bone collisions are a common reality amongst drivers. In 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) concluded that 156 T-bone accidents took place in Salinas, causing injuries to 209 individuals. We know that T-bone accidents happen every day in many different areas – but how do they occur?
A T-bone accident, also known as a sideswipe accident, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, causing them to look like a “T”. Though these collisions can happen in many areas on our roads, they commonly occur at intersections when drivers ignore stop signs or red lights and two vehicles enter the intersection at the same time. Many parties involved in these accidents are at risk for traumatic and life-altering injuries.
Some of the most common reasons for T-bone accidents at intersections and on major roads include the following:
- Texting while driving or other distracted driving circumstances
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving recklessly
- Speeding
- Running a red light or other ignorance of signs
Identifying Liable Parties in a T-Bone Collision
There are many different types of scenarios that can lead to a T-bone collision, which makes determining fault even more difficult. In some cases, there is no question as to who is at fault: A driver made an illegal turn or went through a red light without stopping and it caused the accident. However, it is not always clear in other cases. This is why you must show that the following elements occurred:
- The driver owed a duty of care to all other drivers on our roads to obey all traffic laws.
- The driver breached the duty of care and acted in a negligent fashion.
- The breach in duty caused your accident.
- The accident resulted in damages.
Of course, there are more parties than just drivers who could be at fault for a T-bone accident. The vehicle manufacturer could be to blame if fault components in the vehicle led to a crash. A government entity could be liable if the road was designed in a negligent way that commonly leads to vehicles colliding. Because fault determinations can be complex, it is crucial that you speak with a lawyer soon after your accident.
Damages Available After a Salinas T-Bone Accident
Victims of T-bone collisions can be left with a wide array of expenses that they are unable to handle on their own. Luckily, there are many types of damages that you can receive when you bring a successful personal injury claim against an at-fault party. These include some of the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred
- Medical bills that you expect to experience in the future
- Lost wages or future loss of earnings due to missed time at work
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
If a loved one’s life has been taken prematurely due to one of these accidents, a family may also be eligible to receive wrongful death benefits. Victims and families are urged to seek help immediately after an accident, as there is a statute of limitations to meet when bringing a claim.
Contact a Salinas Car Accident Lawyer
Being injured in a car accident can affect many aspects of your life on both physical and emotional levels. On top of this, you may be concerned about how you can afford to pay the many bills that keep piling up against you. Having the experienced and knowledgeable help of a Salinas car accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected in your time of need.
At Maison Law, we have years of experience assisting victims of car accidents, from rear-end collisions to T-bone accidents. We will help you negotiate with the insurance company and provide you with the resources necessary to be successful in your claim. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information regarding your claim so that you can get started on moving forward financially.
