What to do after a T-bone car accident in Louisville, KY

If you’ve been involved in a T-bone car accident in Louisville, KY, 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. Angle collisions can be particularly dangerous, but taking the proper steps afterward can help put you on the best path forward towards recovery. The dedicated Louisville car accident lawyers at Hughes & Coleman can work to help ensure that you receive the most compensation possible while you focus on your health.

Our legal team is available 24/7 and can provide you with a free consultation so that you can understand your legal options.

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What is a T-bone accident?

Side-impact collisions, also known as angle collisions, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, with T-bone collisions falling into this category. These accidents are considered highly dangerous and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities in many instances.

Unlike rear-end collisions or sideswipe car accidents, side-impact collisions are known for their high impact and unique characteristics. These types of wrecks involve one vehicle striking the side of another, often resulting in severe damage, and often serious injuries to passengers involved. Unlike the front or rear of a vehicle, the sides and doors lack sufficient distance from the body to provide substantial structural protection. As a result, drivers and passengers are much more vulnerable to injuries.

What makes these collisions particularly challenging is their frequent occurrence at intersections. In situations where another vehicle disregards a red light or stop sign, drivers often have limited options to avoid being struck. The suddenness of these broadside accidents leaves little time for victims to react or brace themselves for impact, catching them off guard and leading to potentially catastrophic consequences.

What to do after a T-bone accident in Louisville

Join personal injury attorney and founding partner Lee Coleman in this informative video as he guides you through the necessary steps to prioritize your safety and safeguard the integrity of any potential car accident claims you may pursue to seek compensation for your injuries.

After a T-bone car accident in Louisville, KY, follow these steps:

• Ensure safety: Check for injuries and call 911 immediately. In severe crashes, such as T-bones or angle collisions, where moving the vehicles is not possible or safe, leave them in place. Wait for medical assistance to arrive and try not to move, as moving can cause further injuries.
• Contact the police: Call the police and report the T-bone accident, providing accurate details of the location and the situation. Inform them if there are any injuries or if the vehicles cannot be moved. If there are witnesses at the scene, many times the police will gather their information and statements, since a lot of car accident victims are unable to perform this task due to serious injuries that they have sustained in the collision.
• Preserve the scene: If able, ask for help from other motorists to alert approaching traffic. If possible, ask that they take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and any contributing factors. If this is not an option, officers on the scene can document the crash appropriately.
• Exchange information: In many T-bone wrecks, exchanging contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the other driver involved is not possible. Typically, both parties are injured and require medical attention. In this scenario, the hospital, along with the police, will document the other driver’s information, and the circumstances that may have contributed to the collision. Both drivers will receive this information in the police report.
• Obtain contact information from witnesses: In a T-bone car accident, this is sometimes also not possible due to the severity of the crash. If you are not able to gather witness contact information, it is understandable, and in many cases, the police report will help determine fault and will document any statements the officer was able to obtain at the scene.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: Notify your insurance company but be cautious about what you say. Never admit fault.
• Obtain the police report: There are two ways to obtain an accident report in Louisville.
  • Electronically: You can get your accident report from the Louisville Metro Police Department (There is a $10 fee for each report)
  • In-person: You can pick up reports in person from LMPD Services at the Edison Center
• Consult with an attorney: If the T-bone accident results in severe injuries or significant property damage, consider seeking legal advice from a personal injury attorney who has experience handling serious car accidents. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue any potential claims for compensation.

Remember to prioritize safety and well-being above all else. If vehicles cannot be moved due to the severity of the crash, it’s crucial to stay in a safe location, alert authorities, and seek medical attention promptly.

How a Louisville car accident attorney can help

Following a T-bone car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney in Louisville, KY, can provide invaluable assistance in several ways:

• Legal Experience: A knowledgeable car accident attorney understands the intricacies of Kentucky personal injury laws and can offer expert guidance throughout the legal process. They will explain your rights and options, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
• Thorough Investigation: Attorneys can conduct a comprehensive investigation of the T-bone accident to gather crucial evidence. They will review police reports, witness statements, and available video footage to establish liability and bolster your case.
• Determining Fault: Determining liability is pivotal in T-bone accidents. Your Louisville personal injury attorney will analyze factors such as traffic laws, right-of-way, driver negligence, and other contributing elements to determine who should be held accountable for the accident. Kentucky operates on a no-fault system, which means that you can recover compensation from your own insurance company even if you were partly at fault, however this brings limitations to what you can recover. Depending on the circumstances, you can step out of the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the other driver. You should contact a Louisville car accident lawyer as soon as possible to see if you are able to pursue a claim.
• Insurance Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but an attorney can handle communication on your behalf, safeguarding your rights. They will negotiate with insurance adjusters to seek a fair settlement that encompasses medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other applicable damages.
• Evidence Collection: Car accident lawyers can help identify and gather the necessary evidence to support your damages claim. They will assess the full extent of your injuries, considering both immediate and long-term impacts on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. This is especially important in a hit-and-run car accident in Louisville.
• Building a Strong Case: Attorneys possess the legal acumen required to construct a robust case. They will compile evidence, interview witnesses, consult with accident reconstruction experts or expert witnesses, if necessary, and present a compelling argument on your behalf.
• Legal Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can represent you in court. They will advocate for your rights, present your case to a judge or jury, and work diligently to secure a favorable verdict and fair compensation.
• Deadline and Paperwork Management: Car accident cases in Louisville involve various deadlines and paperwork requirements, but an attorney can handle these administrative tasks efficiently. They will ensure that all necessary documents are accurately filed within specified timeframes. In Louisville, car accident victims need to file a claim within one year under the statute. If this deadline is not met, a car accident claim may not be possible. Louisville Kentucky personal injury lawyers can help ensure that all deadlines are met and that your rights are protected.

A Louisville personal injury attorney could get you three times more money

In a comprehensive study titled “Attorney Involvement in Auto Injury Claims” conducted by The Insurance Research Council, they found that individuals who were represented by a personal injury lawyer received nearly three and a half times more compensation for similar injuries, even after accounting for attorney fees.

Although every car accident lawsuit is different, having an experienced attorney on your side can maximize the compensation you receive, and because most personal injury claims are handled under a contingency fee agreement, you never have to pay out of pocket.

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.

What damages can I sue for after a T-bone accident?

When seeking compensation after a T-bone accident, various types of damages can be pursued by a Louisville personal injuries attorney, including:

• Medical Expenses: You have the potential to receive compensation for current and future medical bills related to your injuries from the T-bone accident. This includes expenses for hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and necessary medical equipment. Any costs for medical treatment you receive as a result of the wreck can be sought after by your attorney.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages can be sought for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and resulting injuries. These non-economic damages address the overall impact on your well-being.
• Lost Wages: If the accident and your injuries have caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn a living, you may be eligible to seek compensation for lost wages. This includes both the income you have already lost and potential future income losses, as well as any diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: Compensation can be pursued for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle or any other personal property affected in the T-bone accident.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, if your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may be able to seek damages for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support experienced as a result of the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In specific situations where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may be pursued. Punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

By hiring an experienced car accident attorney, you can work towards obtaining a settlement that addresses the financial, physical, and emotional impacts of the T-bone accident.

Injuries from a side-impact collision

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:

• Head Injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck and spinal injuries, including whiplash
• Chest and rib injuries
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma

After a side-impact collision, it is crucial to promptly seek medical attention, even if you do not experience immediate symptoms of injury. Some injuries may not manifest right away, and a timely medical evaluation can uncover any hidden or underlying injuries. Additionally, obtaining medical records not only ensures proper documentation of injuries but also provides essential evidence for any potential personal injury claims you may need to pursue. A Louisville personal injury lawyer will use all available evidence to prove your claim.

Who is at fault in a T-bone accident?

Determining fault in a T-bone accident can be a complex process that entails a thorough investigation of the accident scene, witness testimonies, and other relevant evidence. It’s worth noting that in certain situations, both drivers involved may bear some responsibility, and the allocation of fault can vary depending on the specific circumstances. To navigate these complexities, it is recommended to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable Louisville injury lawyer who can carefully examine the details of your case and offer legal guidance regarding fault and potential liability.

What causes T-bones to happen?

The causes of a T-bone accident, also known as a broadside crash, can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the collision. Here are some common scenarios that can result in a wreck and serious injuries:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Running a red light
• Failure to stop or give way
• Speeding
• Intoxicated or impaired driving (DUIs)
• Reckless driving

Following a broadside crash, it is essential to have the accident properly investigated, considering all relevant factors, to determine the causes. This is where an experienced accident lawyer can play a crucial role by ensuring a thorough investigation.

What does a T-bone accident look like?

A T-bone car accident scene can have different appearances depending on various factors, such as the location, severity of the collision, and the vehicles involved. Here’s what you might typically observe at a T-bone car accident scene in Louisville and what a Louisville Kentucky personal injury lawyer will evaluate:

• Vehicle Positioning: You will likely see two vehicles positioned at an angle, forming a “T” shape, with one vehicle’s front end in contact with the side of the other vehicle. The impact is predominantly on the side of the struck vehicle.
• Vehicle Damage: The vehicles involved will exhibit visible signs of damage, particularly on the side that was struck. Dents, crushed areas, or crumpled doors, windows, and adjacent body panels may be noticeable. In severe cases, parts of the vehicles might have detached or scattered in the area.
• Debris and Fluids: The collision can scatter debris on the road surface, including broken glass, shattered plastic, and dislodged vehicle parts. Additionally, there may be fluid leaks such as oil, coolant, or gasoline from the damaged vehicles, which can pose a potential hazard.
• Emergency Services: Louisville emergency vehicles, such as police officers, paramedics, or firefighters, may be present at the scene. They will attend to injured individuals, secure the area, and assess the situation.
• Witnesses and Bystanders: Depending on the accident’s location and timing, there may be witnesses and bystanders present. They could be providing assistance to the injured, giving statements to the police, or simply observing the accident scene.
• Police Investigation: The Louisville Metro Police Department or Kentucky State Police will likely conduct an investigation at the scene. They may interview witnesses, gather evidence, take photographs, and create a police report documenting the accident’s details.
• Skid Marks and Tire Tracks: In some cases, you might notice skid marks or tire tracks on the road surface. These marks can offer insights into the vehicles’ speed, direction, and actions leading up to the collision.
• Emotional Impact: T-bone accidents can elicit 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 occurred.

It’s important to exercise caution and follow instructions from authorities if you find yourself at or near a T-bone car accident scene.

Seeking legal help after a T-bone collision? Call Hughes & Coleman today

If you’ve been involved in a T-bone crash in Louisville and suffered injuries, hire a law firm that will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

At Hughes & Coleman, we have over 35 years of experience, a dedicated team with the resources to support you, and a genuine concern for your well-being and that of your loved ones.

We’re available 24/7, our consultations are always free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us unless we successfully recover money for you. Let us handle the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery and well-being.

Contact us today

800-800-4600

Get it done.