Attorneys
Last Updated: 9/28/2023
Many car accidents in Iowa result in serious injuries. Some are fatal. One of the most dangerous types of accidents is a side impact collision, such as a T-bone accident. When such an accident occurs, injuries that may result can be extremely severe and may be permanent. Being in a car accident is scary, and a T-bone accident can be emotionally wrecking.
If you’ve been in a car accident, an attorney can be your most valuable resource in these important areas.
- Understanding liability
- Damages
- Rights as a victim
The Dangers of T-Bone Accidents
All car accidents can be dangerous, and a T-bone car accident may offer less protection than other accidents. Many vehicles now come with side airbags, but a high-speed impact can still cause considerable damage to the vehicle and the occupants within it, especially occupants on the side of the vehicle where impact occurs.
Death and serious injuries resulting from T-bone accidents are not uncommon. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2012, angle collisions (accidents where a motor vehicle was struck at an angle, such as the side, rather than head-on or rear-ended), resulted in 5,957 fatalities.
Causes of T-Bone Accidents
When a T-bone car accident occurs, it is usually because one of the drivers involved acted recklessly or irresponsibly. For example, one driver may run a red light, causing another driver to make contact with the car in the middle of an intersection; this is often the cause of a T-bone accident. Similarly, other cases might be the result of running a stop sign or otherwise acting negligently at an intersection of any size.
Other causes of, and contributing factors for, these accidents include these actions.
- Running stop signs
- Speeding
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving aggressively, especially at high speeds
- Failing to yield properly to other drivers
- Driving recklessly
- Disobeying traffic laws
If you’ve been involved in such an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, seek the assistance of an attorney to help you prove liability through adequate car accident evidence.
Recovering Damages in a Personal Injury Case
If you’re the victim of a T-bone accident and are planning to pursue a personal injury case against the driver who caused your accident, you’ll have to prove the liability of the driver. Liability is the term used to assign fault or responsibility to a person or party in the event of an accident.
To recover damages, you and your legal team will be responsible for proving these three things.
- That the driver acted negligently.
- That the negligent behavior caused your accident.
- That your accident caused your injuries.
If you can prove liability, then you may be entitled to damages.
Types of damages that may be awarded in a T-bone collision personal injury case include the following.
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earnings
- Damages to property
Talk to an Attorney Today if You Were in a T-bone Accident
In Iowa, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury action, according to Iowa Code 614.1(2). So if you were injured in a collision, act quickly to recover compensation.
If you need to recover damages to help you cope during this difficult time, an attorney can help. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair in Iowa, our attorneys can help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled. For help filing your claim today, or to speak with one of our attorneys, call 888-435-9986 or use our contact page to set up a consultation.
