What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
Posted Friday, March 11, 2022 by Chris Thayer
Many of us live in fear of getting into a car accident. Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone collisions, are among the worst kinds. This is because the driver rarely sees them coming. Often the time a driver feels most secure is when a light turns green and they can proceed safely across the intersection, which is why it is so jarring when the driver with the right-of-way is suddenly hit from the side. These accidents are especially bad because cars do not offer passengers as much protection from the side, as compared to the front or back. It is estimated that 23% of all fatal car accidents fall into this category, and most could have been avoided if not for a driver’s negligence.
*What to Do After the Accident *If you are physically able in the aftermath of a T-bone accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, as well as damage to any involved vehicles, tire marks, debris, and license plates. Make sure to get contact information from other drivers or bystanders who witnessed the crash so that they can provide their account to police and the insurance company. Call the police and provide your account of events. Also be sure to tell them if you have suffered any injuries or are experiencing pain that you did not have prior to the accident. Next it is important to get medical attention. T-bone accidents can cause serious head trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, trauma to the spine, neck, skull, ribs, and chest. These are all high-stakes injuries that should not be taken lightly. If you are having any head or neck pain after an accident it is important to see a doctor. This is also an important step because it gets you medical documentation that you will need if you later decide to bring a claim.
Finally, call a lawyer. You will soon be inundated with calls from insurance claims adjusters trying to get you to accept a low-ball offer while you are vulnerable and uniformed. It is important to get an experienced legal advocate on your side as soon as possible to level the playing field and ensure that you get a fair settlement. If the insurance company will not provide a fair settlement, your lawyer will help you sue them so that you can recover the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. This includes compensation for all costs incurred as a result of the accident (such as medical bills, lost wages, etc.) as well as compensation for pain and suffering. The permanence and severity of your injuries will be highly persuasive in determining the amount of damages to which you are entitled.
*Contact the Pivotal Law Group in Seattle, Washington *If you have been seriously injured in a Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, or Issaquah car accident that was not your fault, our lawyers are here to help. Contact the Pivotal Law Group today to schedule a consultation and find out how much your claim is worth.