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If you’ve been involved in a T-bone car accident in Nashville and injured due to someone else’s negligence, there are some important things you need to know to protect your health and financial well-being. Side impact collisions are some of the most dangerous car accidents, but taking the proper steps afterward can help put you on the best path forward towards recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident, broadside collision, or any other type of angle collision, a Nashville car accident lawyer at Hughes & Coleman can help. Our legal team is here for you 24/7, and our consultations are always free.
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A side-impact collision, also known as an angle collision, happens when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. T-bone collisions, which occur at right angles, are included in this category of crashes. Side-impact collisions are considered highly dangerous and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities in numerous instances.
These collisions are typically high-impact. They differ from other types of wrecks, such as a rear-end collision or a sideswipe car accident, due to the angle and often the severity of the crash. Unlike the front or rear of the vehicle, the side and doors lack sufficient distance from the body to offer substantial structural protection. Therefore, the driver and passengers are much more vulnerable and likely to sustain injuries.
Additionally, because side-impact collisions and T-bones are common at intersections, drivers have limited options and often cannot avoid being struck by another vehicle that disregarded a red light or stop sign. Broadside accidents leave little time for victims to react or brace themselves for the impact. They come as a surprise and can be catastrophic.
In this video, attorney and founding partner Lee Coleman takes you through the proper steps to ensure your safety, and the integrity of any legal claim you may pursue to recover compensation for your injuries.
Ensure and Prioritize Your Safety: Check yourself and others involved in the car crash for serious injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, seek immediate medical assistance and call 911.
Move to a Safe Location: If it is safe and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road or a safe area to prevent further accidents or obstruction of oncoming traffic. If the cars cannot be moved, activate hazard lights and use reflective triangles or flares, if available, to warn other drivers at the accident scene.
Contact the Authorities: Report the T-bone accident to the police by calling 911 and request medical assistance if necessary. It’s important to have a police report documenting the incident, especially when there are serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, or disputes.
Exchange Information: Gather contact information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Obtain names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance policy details, and driver’s license information. Additionally, make a mental note of any witnesses present and collect their names and contact information.
Document the Accident Scene: If it is safe to do so, gather evidence. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles, tire marks, and relevant details. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Also, note the date, time, and location of the accident. If you were injured in a hit-and-run in Nashville, ensure that you note any details you can about the vehicle that hit you, including the license plate number, or any other details about the vehicle you can.
Get a Nashville Police Report: A police report can be obtained through Metro Nashville Police Department, or the Tennessee Highway Patrol, depending on who investigated the crash. If a passenger was injured in the crash, they can also request a copy in Tennessee.
Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the car crash as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information, but stick to the facts and never admit fault.
Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you don’t immediately feel injured after the T-bone accident, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away. Keep records of any medical treatment received or medications prescribed.
Consult with an Attorney: If the accident resulted in serious injuries, significant property damage, or there are disputes regarding liability, consider consulting with a Nashville personal injury attorney. They can provide legal advice and help protect your rights throughout the process and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable assistance following a T-bone car accident:
By enlisting the help of a skilled Nashville car accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while having a legal professional handle the complexities of your case.
Call Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers as soon as possible at 800-800-4600 so that we can protect your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve. Get it done.
Side-impact collisions, such as T-bone accidents, can result in a range of injuries depending on various factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of safety restraints, and the overall crash dynamics. Here are some common injuries that can occur in side-impact collisions:
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a side-impact collision, even if you don’t immediately feel injured. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help identify any hidden or underlying injuries. Medical records also serve to document injuries for any personal injury claims you may need to pursue, and can help personal injury lawyers as they work towards proving your claim.
It’s important to note that fault determination can be complex and may require a thorough investigation of the accident scene, witness statements, and other evidence. In some cases, both drivers involved in the T-bone accident may share a degree of fault, and fault allocation may vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is advisable to consult with a qualified Nashville personal injury attorney who can review the details of your case and provide legal guidance regarding fault and potential liability.
The causes of a T-bone accident, or broadside crash, depends on the specific circumstances of the collision. Here are some common scenarios that can lead to a wreck and serious injury:
After broadside crashes occur, an experienced accident lawyer can ensure that the wreck is properly investigated and that all factors are taken into consideration to determine the causes.
A T-bone car accident scene can vary in appearance depending on several factors, including the location, severity of the collision, and the vehicles involved. Here’s what you might expect to see at a typical T-bone car accident scene:
Vehicle Positioning: At the scene, you may see two vehicles positioned at an angle, forming a “T” shape. One vehicle’s front end will likely be in contact with the side of the other vehicle. The impact is predominantly on the side of the vehicle that was struck.
Vehicle Damage: The vehicles involved may exhibit visible signs of damage. The side of the vehicle that was struck will likely bear the brunt of the impact. The doors, windows, and adjacent body panels may be dented, crushed, or crumpled. In severe cases, the impact could cause parts of the vehicle to detach or scatter in the area.
Debris and Fluids: The collision can scatter debris around the accident scene. Broken glass, shattered plastic, and dislodged vehicle parts may be scattered on the road surface. Additionally, fluids such as oil, coolant, or gasoline might leak from the damaged vehicles, creating a potential hazard.
Emergency Services: You may observe the presence of Nashville emergency vehicles if they have been called to the scene. Police officers, paramedics, or firefighters may be present, attending to injured individuals, securing the area, and assessing the situation.
Witnesses and Bystanders: Depending on the location and time of the accident, there may be witnesses and bystanders present. They might be assisting injured individuals, providing statements to the police, or simply observing the accident scene.
Police Investigation: The Nashville Police Department or Tennessee Highway Patrol will likely be conducting an investigation at the scene. They may interview witnesses, collect evidence, take photographs, and create a police report documenting the details of the accident.
Skid Marks and Tire Tracks: In some cases, skid marks or tire tracks might be visible on the road surface. These marks can provide clues about the speed, direction, and actions taken by the vehicles leading up to the collision.
Emotional Impact: T-bone accidents can evoke various emotions among the involved parties and witnesses. There may be visible signs of distress, shock, or concern as individuals process the events that have taken place.
It’s important to exercise caution and follow instructions from authorities if you find yourself at or near a T-bone car accident scene.
In Nashville, T-bone accidents are the second most common type of crash, surpassed only by rear end accidents.
Nationally in 2020, side-impact collisions accounted for 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths – surpassed only by head-on collisions.
As you can see, according to Nashville crash data, T-bone accidents happen all across Nashville. Unfortunately, there are very few places, if any, that are void of risk.
T-bone accidents frequently happen at intersections, especially when one driver fails to yield the right of way. This can occur at both controlled intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, as well as uncontrolled intersections where drivers are expected to exercise caution and follow the rules of the road.
They are also not limited to public roads. These types of wrecks can occur in parking lots, particularly when vehicles are maneuvering to enter or exit parking spaces and fail to yield to oncoming traffic.
Some of the most common areas of Nashville where T-bones happen include:
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone crash in Nashville, experienced personal injury lawyers can help ensure that you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. At Hughes & Coleman, we have over 40 years of experience, a team with the resources to help you, and people who truly care about the well-being of you and your loved ones.
We’re here for you 24/7, our consultations are always free, and you never pay us unless we recover money for you. Let us deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on your health.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 800-800-4600.