Recovering from a T-bone car accident can take lots of time, energy, and money. That’s why Vegas Valley Injury Law is the go-to T-bone accident lawyer in Las Vegas. Our team is prepared to handle legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one car hits the side of another vehicle, forming a “T.” This type of accident is also known as a broadside or side-impact collision. It typically occurs at intersections when two vehicles are crossing each other’s paths.
The Dangers of Side-Impact Collisions
T-bone accidents are dangerous because they can result in serious injuries and damage, especially if you are the one who was struck on the side. The side of every vehicle often lacks protective crumple zones, increasing the risk of traumatic injuries and death.
While T-bone accidents are less likely to happen, they still account for 18% of car accident-related deaths.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Las Vegas
These are some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents in Las Vegas.
- Failing to stop at four-way intersections
- Running red lights or rolling through a stop sign
- Failing to yield the right of way to other drivers as and when necessary
- Negligent driving or being under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Texting or talking while driving
- Backing out of a space in a parking lot too quickly
- Broken, unsafe, poorly designed, or inadequately maintained roads
- Vehicle equipment or maintenance failures and defects
- Inclement weather and impaired visibility
Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Determining fault in a side-impact collision can be complex. In most cases, liability will be disputed. However, examining right-of-way laws, intersection signals, witness testimony, and dashcam or surveillance footage can help establish who is at fault.
Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence in Nevada
Under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule, NRS 41.141, you are entitled to damages when you were 50% or less responsible for your accident injuries. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, regardless of the severity, you are entitled to nothing.
Apportioning Blame
The jury determines who is entitled to recover damages using two verdicts:
- A regular verdict for your total damages (without taking into account your fault)
- A special verdict for the percentage of negligence each party is responsible for.
If you are 50% or less responsible, then the judge will deduct that amount from your awarded damages.
What if More Than Two People Are at Fault?
The percentages for who is responsible are more complex, but the modified comparative negligence rule still applies. This means the at-fault party can receive zero recovery, depending on the amount owed to other parties.
Proving Fault
Here is a list of common evidence the jury can use to determine fault.
- Surveillance video of the accident
- Eyewitness testimony
- Medical records
- Testimony by doctors, forensic experts, accident reconstruction experts, etc.
- Any recorded communications that indicate time/place/intent
- GPS records
- Maintenance records
How we help you
We will begin your case by investigating the accident scene.
Consult with doctors to identify the care victims will need.
Determine any loss in earnings, and account for pain and suffering endured due to your automobile accident.
Aggressively pursue the total compensation for all your losses including financial, medical, and emotional.
Serious Injuries Caused by Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact crashes can cause serious injuries for all parties involved and can become increasingly more challenging to recover from over time. These include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) - Even if there are no visible signs, forceful impacts can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries - Severe spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal organ damage and bleeding - Internal bleeding from organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs can cause life-threatening complications.
- Broken bones—Broken bones, such as those in the ribs, pelvis, and limbs, can lead to or indicate further internal damage.
- Pelvic fractures - A fractured pelvis can lead to pain and internal bleeding, potentially requiring surgery.
- Chest and rib injuries - Although it is common for ribs to break during a force of impact, it can also lead to lung and internal organ damage.
- Whiplash - The sudden jerking motion of the neck can lead to severe stress and strain in your muscles, impairing you from even being able to turn and look around properly.
- PTSD or emotional trauma - PTSD or emotional trauma is harmful because it puts the driver at risk of reacting irrationally while on the road, putting their life and the lives of others at risk of even more danger.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Las Vegas
Knowing the proper immediate steps to take after a T-bone accident can save your health, your legal rights, and your claim for damages.
- Call 911 for Emergency Medical Assistance
For your safety and the well-being of others, always call 911 right after a T-bone crash. Even if you seem to be fine, it’s important to have a medical professional asses the situation as quickly as possible. Emergency medical services can also evaluate injuries, provide necessary care, and create a verifiable record required for insurance and legal claims.
- Move to Safety and Secure the Accident Scene
After contacting 911, do your best to either move your vehicle out of the way or alert other drivers to go around you. Turning on your hazard lights is a simple way to avoid further collisions with oncoming traffic. If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside your car while waiting for assistance.
- Avoid Admitting Fault to Anyone
It’s undoubtedly an emotional time following an accident, but avoid blaming anyone for it. Admitting fault includes saying phrases like, “I didn’t see the other vehicle,” or “I thought I could make it through the intersection before the yellow light turned red,” and can be used against you in court.
State what you witnessed objectively to the police and insurance, and they will discuss the details to determine who is at fault.
- Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Next, ensure that you exchange contact and insurance information with the other party or parties involved. Get as much essential insurance and legal information as you possibly can.
- Other drivers’ identity
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- The make, model, and color of the other vehicles
- Others’ vehicle insurance details
- Document the Scene with Photos, Videos, and Witness Contact Information
Use photos and videos to capture as much information as possible. If there are witnesses, also collect their contact information.
- Seek Immediate Medical Treatment (Even for Minor Symptoms)
Once you have done everything above, focus solely on getting immediate medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, you never know what complications might arise after some time has passed.
Delaying treatment puts you at risk of even greater health consequences.
- File a Police Report
After receiving medical treatment, contact the police and file a report. The police will document additional information that will be important for filing insurance claims and pursuing legal action, if necessary.
For quicker processing, file a police report with the Nevada Highway Patrol if you are on the freeway. For all other accidents, file a police report with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
- Notify Your Auto Insurer of the Accident Promptly
After the police report, immediately notify your insurance of the accident to provide them adequate time to investigate on their end. Your claim can be denied if you fail to report it promptly, potentially losing compensation.
Note: Contact a Las Vegas T-bone accident attorney before giving an official statement to avoid absorbing the fault of the accident.
- Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have finished notifying your insurance without an official statement, it is time for you to seek guidance from a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
Vegas Valley Injury Law offers consulting services with experience in navigating Las Vegas law while protecting your rights and receiving compensation.
- Keep Detailed Records of Medical Bills, Correspondence, and Repairs
Maintain a detailed and organized record of all medical bills, repair costs, insurance correspondence, and repairs to use as evidence, calculate your damages, and get you maximum compensation.
How Our T-Bone Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Vegas Valley Injury Law, our team of knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyers provides personalized service to succeed in your case.
We offer 24/7 availability with a free contingency agreement, so you will only pay when we win, and the fee will never exceed your recovery.
Can You File a Claim if You're a Passenger in a T-Bone Crash?
Passengers can seek damages regardless of which party was at fault. Additionally, with the help of a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, passengers can file a claim with the insurance company of the driver at fault.
T-Bone Accidents Involving Uber, Lyft, or Delivery Drivers
If you are involved in a T-bone accident with an Uber, Lyft, or delivery driver, then you will need to collect information on the driver and their company. Insurance coverage and liability may vary significantly.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Side-Impact Crash?
Providing evidence is necessary to recover any damages after a side-impact collision. Below are some examples of recoverable damages, if you can provide accompanying documentation.
- Medical Expenses - Recovering medical expenses can relieve the financial challenges of essential medical costs associated with your physical treatment and recovery. This may include ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages - Sometimes an accident is so severe that you are unable to work and therefore at a loss for income. This covers income lost from times you would have worked, as well as diminished income from present and future work due to your car accident injuries.
- Property Damage - Repairs and replacements of your damaged vehicle and personal belongings are recoverable through property damage compensation.
- Pain and Suffering - Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you’ve experienced as a result of the car accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress - In addition to pain and suffering, damages for emotional distress can be awarded for psychological trauma and anxiety resulting from the car accident.
- Loss of Consortium - If you have injuries that significantly impact your relationship with your spouse, consortium damages can help to compensate for companionship, affection, and support.
- Punitive Damages - If the accident was intentional or of extreme negligence by another, then punitive damages may be awarded to you as a way to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future. If you are in this situation, speak with a drunk driver accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
Call (702) 444-5555 No Fee Unless We Win!
How Long Do You Have to File a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?
If you wait too long to file a T-bone accident lawsuit, it could result in you losing your legal rights to sue. Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims states that you have two years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident injuries.
Why Choose Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers?
Here are some qualities about us that set us apart from other car accident lawyers in Las Vegas, demonstrating our commitment to our clients and a trustworthy reputation.
- Aggressive Client Protection
- 24/7 Availability
- No Fee Unless We Win
- Nevada Knowledge & Experience
- Personal Service
- Recovery Resources
Injured in a T-Bone Crash? Reach Out to Vegas Valley Injury Law Today
If you are injured in a T-bone accident, early legal action is important to protect evidence and preserve your rights. Our experienced attorneys know the significance of prompt legal help and will guide you through all of the necessary steps.
Call Vegas Valley to schedule a free consultation now with our Las Vegas T-bone accident lawyers.
We offer free personal injury legal consultations. We will get back to you within 24 hours.