Either driver in a T-bone accident could be at fault. Also, both drivers are sometimes at fault in this situation. Look at all aspects of the accident to determine who is responsible.
How the T-bone Accident Occurred Will Affect Who Is Responsible
Depending on the events leading up to the accident, you could be blameless or partially at fault. Your accident could have occurred due to:
A Driver Running a Red Light and Hitting You When You Had the Right-of-Way
The other driver might have been distracted, drowsy, intoxicated, or speeding when they hit your car traveling in a perpendicular direction. If they ignored or violated traffic signals, they would be negligent.
Making a Turn When the Other Driver Could Not Do So Safely
Some T-bone accidents occur when the other driver tries to make a turn and strikes a car that was in their path. This other driver might have failed to check for cars or misjudged how long they had before your car reached them. Also, they might have committed a moving violation, such as crossing several lanes of traffic before trying to turn.
A Malfunctioning or Missing Signal
Sometimes, the municipality in charge of maintaining signs and traffic signals does not fix (or is not aware of) a hazard in time to prevent an accident. The other driver could have hit your car due to this inaction.
You Could Still Collection Compensation Even if You Were Partially at Fault in Your T-bone Accident
In Nevada, you can receive compensation after an accident as long as you are 50% responsible (or less). In other words, if any of the following occurred in or before your accident, you could potentially still collect compensation:
- You did not have your headlights on at night.
- You did not have the right-of-way.
- You were distracted, drowsy, or intoxicated.
- You did not look out for any cross traffic.
How to Prove Fault for Your T-bone Accident
You will have to prove that the other driver caused the accident by collecting evidence that supports your claim. These things might include:
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the damage to your vehicle
- Video of the accident, taken from traffic or security camera systems
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert witness and accident reconstructionist testimony
- Your written testimony of the accident and your healing process
- Medical documents
- Receipts for healthcare and vehicle repair
What to Do After a T-bone Car Accident
You should make sure that you and any other individuals involved are not injured. Then, you should move your vehicle to a safe place out of the flow of traffic. If you can do so, capture evidence of the accident and its aftermath. NRS §484E enforces the requirement that drivers involved in an accident have to stop and render aid if there is a death or injury.
Prioritize getting medical treatment. You should call emergency services so the police can report the accident. Request an ambulance at that time if you or the other driver require one. You should go to the doctor or a hospital/urgent care center after you leave the scene if you do not get treated by the responding paramedics. Finally, consider hiring a lawyer on our team to help you with your case.
How a Lawyer With Our Firm Can Help You Build a Strong Case
A legal professional will have knowledge about traffic laws and how they can affect fault in vehicle accidents. They can also perform any action necessary toward securing you a fair settlement.
For instance, they can:
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- File paperwork
- Help you file a lawsuit, if the need arises
- Inform you of your options
- Protect your rights
- Answer your questions
- Look at the details of your case
- Explain your insurance coverage
You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit After Your Collision in Nevada
Regardless of who is at fault in your T-bone car accident, the statute of limitations imposed by NRS §11.190(4)(e) only allows you to file a lawsuit in the two years after the accident itself. Do not wait to take action, as if you miss this deadline, you forfeit your eligibility to pursue a financial award.
We Are Ready to Help You Fight to Win Your T-bone Accident Case
Our firm is staffed with legal professionals familiar with T-bone accidents and their aftermath. You could have suffered severe injuries in this kind of accident. Also, you might have lost a family member. The journal Injury Epidemiology reports that side-impact and angle crashes (like T-bone accidents) result in high fatality rates among passengers.
In this situation, we could help you fight for damages like:
- Your and your loved one’s past pain and suffering
- Your future pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Loss of guidance or consortium
- Loss of income and support
- Funeral and burial costs
- Your loved one’s medical bills
Call the Experienced Attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law Today
Contact High Stakes Injury Law for a helping hand today. The first call is free, and we work on a no-win, no-fee basis.