Dallas T-Bone Collision Attorneys
If you got hurt in a T-bone collision in Dallas, contact the car accident attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers immediately for assistance with your insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. When one car crashes into the side of another, it can cause devastating damage and severe bodily harm. Many people become trapped in their vehicles due to the nature of the accident. The metal structure gets crushed around them, and they can’t escape without help.
Car accidents are traumatic experiences. When you suffer injuries, you may require ongoing medical care, and you might not be able to return to your job immediately. Some people have a permanent disability and can no longer care for themselves or their families. It’s a devastating situation, and the Dallas T-bone collision lawyers from Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers want to help.
To learn more about our legal services or to schedule your free consultation, call us today at (214) 777-7777.
Protect Your Rights to Compensation After a T-Bone Collision
If you suffer injuries in a car crash, you should take immediate action to hold the other motorist accountable for their actions and recover the maximum compensation you deserve. If you don’t collect sufficient evidence or hire a Dallas T-bone collision lawyer to handle your case, you could end up with a denied insurance claim or lowball settlement offer. Follow the steps below to help ensure a favorable outcome.
Call 911 and wait for an officer to investigate the scene
You must report a car accident that results in injury, fatality, or over $1,000 in property damage. They will write a traffic crash report of their findings and who they believe was at fault. You can request a copy online when it becomes available. Learn more about requesting and understanding your accident report.
Ask for the other driver’s name, contact information, license details, and auto insurance details
But be careful about what else you say. Also, collect the same information from other drivers involved in the crash. You might think it was one person’s fault, but it could be someone else entirely or multiple people to blame. It’s best to have everyone’s details so you can file a claim with the appropriate insurance company.
Take pictures of the scene
Including vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, damage to property, and other relevant evidence you can find.
Speak to witnesses.
If anyone saw what happened and can confirm your accident description, write down their names and phone numbers. They could provide witness statements later if necessary.
Seek medical attention immediately after leaving the crash scene
Don’t wait for days or weeks before undergoing a medical evaluation. Sometimes shock shields people from the full extent of their injuries. It’s better if you seek medical care early on to ensure there’s nothing serious, and if there is, you can begin a treatment plan.
Follow up with all medical providers your initial doctor refers you to for treatment
Continue showing up for regularly scheduled appointments until they all release you from their care or you make a full recovery.
Keep a copy of every document relevant to your case.
Talk to a Dallas T-bone collision lawyer
Get legal advice about how to move forward after your accident as soon as possible.
It’s crucial to remember that insurance companies don’t honestly care about claimants. It’s their goal to save as much money as possible. While reviewing your claim, they’ll try to find any valid reason to issue a denial or provide a low settlement offer. We’ll ensure they treat you fairly and pay what they owe you.
While going through the legal process, you should avoid specific actions. If you say or do the wrong thing, it could negatively impact the outcome of your case.
Don’t take any amount of responsibility for the accident. Under the modified comparative negligence rule, your total financial compensation could get reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault. Just communicate the facts of the accident from your perspective.
Don’t handle your case alone. You might think you’re saving money by not seeking legal representation; however, you’re hurting your chance of recovering the maximum compensation. People who hire a Dallas T-bone collision lawyer are likelier to receive a higher settlement than those who don’t. At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you won’t have to pay us unless we win your case.
Don’t sign forms that the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company sends you. Some documents are meant to waive your rights to the full settlement available. Others are authorizations to look into your past medical history. You won’t know what you’re signing if you’re unfamiliar with the insurance process. We’ll review everything you receive to determine if you must complete it.
Don’t speak with the insurance company about the case. Your lawyer will communicate with them on your behalf.
Don’t skip doctor appointments or wait long after the accident to seek treatment. Insurance companies look at a gap in treatment as proof that an injury didn’t occur or it’s not severe enough to require medical intervention.
Driver Error Leads to T-Bone Collisions and Serious Injuries
Most T-bone car crashes happen at intersections. Typically, one person runs a stop sign or red light and collides with the side of another vehicle. Driver error and inattention are the most common reasons these accidents occur. Examples of driver errors include the following:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running a stop sign or stoplight
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, such as texting
- Driving too fast for weather or road conditions
- Impaired by alcohol or drugs
Since this type of crash involves side impact, a car or truck could collide with the driver’s side and cause severe crush injuries, whiplash, or paralysis. It’s a dangerous situation that could even lead to death. Some of the most common injuries associated with T-bone collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Crush injuries
- Loss of limb
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Broken bones
Texas Car Accident Laws That Determine Your Financial Award
Texas uses a fault system after car crashes. The person who causes an accident becomes financially liable for the victim’s injuries and damages. Damages are the total losses suffered due to an accident. They include things like medical bills and psychological trauma. You could hold them accountable if there’s evidence that the other person’s actions led to the accident.
Generally, the at-fault motorist doesn’t pay directly for the injured party’s damages. Instead, their liability auto insurance carrier is responsible for paying a settlement based on the coverage listed on the policy. Every driver must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $30,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. When you file an insurance claim, you can pursue compensation up to the limit the at-fault driver chose to purchase.
The damages available in a liability claim may include the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Car repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Disability
- Loss of companionship
If you discover the liable driver doesn’t have insurance, you might be able to file a claim with your insurance company. It’s not a legal requirement, but all insurers must offer their policyholders the option to purchase UM (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). This reimburses an accident victim’s damages if the at-fault motorist doesn’t have liability coverage or limits high enough to compensate you for everything.
If you have UM coverage on your insurance policy, you could file a claim to seek the following damages:
- Past and future medical care
- Out of pocket costs
- Vehicle repair expense
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and future earnings
Another legal option is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. For many, an insurance settlement is adequate for treatment and recovery from the injury. However, sometimes the insurance company denies the claim or refuses to settle for a fair amount. When that happens, you can sue them and the driver for an appropriate monetary award.
You must follow the state’s statute of limitations. It’s a strict two-year deadline, and you’ll lose your right to compensation if it passes. The clock begins on the accident date, so you must pay attention to avoid running out of time.
Speak to a Dedicated T-Bone Collision Lawyer
You can depend on the Dallas T-Bone Collision and car accident attorneys from Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers to fight for your rights and seek justice against the person who caused your injuries. We know you’re struggling and want to help you recover the maximum compensation possible to ensure you can move forward with your life as soon as possible. When you hire us, we’ll handle every legal aspect of your case so you can focus on what matters – recovering.
We’re happy to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss the details of your situation. There’s no risk in receiving legal advice and determining your options. We guide and help our clients choose the best course of action for their needs.
If you were the victim of a T-bone car accident and want to find out how we can help, call Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers at (214) 777-7777 today to speak with an experienced Dallas T-bone collision lawyer.