Plantation, FL T-Bone/Broadside Accident Lawyers Demanding Justice
Our attorneys know how to deal with complex insurance claims
Intersections can be very busy places with complex traffic patterns. There is a constant flow of vehicles coming from different directions, and many drivers are making turns. The risk of a car accident is high, leaving victims with serious injuries. A common type of crash seen at intersections is a T-bone accident.
Whether you were hurt in a crash at Broward Boulevard and University Drive, Flamingo Road and Sunrise Boulevard, or another busy intersection in South Florida, it’s important to get legal advice. The experienced Plantation T-bone accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin are ready to fight for your rights.
What is a T-bone accident?
A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact or broadside collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These accidents typically happen at intersections but can also occur in parking lots. Here are some causes:
- Traffic signal violations – Running red lights or stop signs is a common cause of T-bone accidents. When drivers ignore these traffic signals, they enter intersections when they should be stopping. This often leads to collisions with vehicles that have the right of way, resulting in a side-impact crash.
- Failure to yield – Drivers who fail to yield when required, such as at uncontrolled intersections or when making left turns, can collide with vehicles that are proceeding through the intersection legally.
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other factors may not notice traffic signals or other vehicles. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they may miss important traffic cues, like a red light or a stop sign, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, all of which are critical for safe driving. Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions, such as running red lights or failing to yield the right of way.
- Speeding – High speeds reduce the ability to stop or react to traffic signals and other vehicles, leading to more severe impacts. If a driver is speeding and approaches an intersection, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid running a red light or colliding with another vehicle.
- Backing out of parking spaces – A T-bone collision can occur when a driver is backing out of a parking space and does not see an oncoming vehicle. If the backing vehicle enters the path of another car traveling down the lane, it can be struck on the side.
Types of injuries seen in T-bone accidents
These collisions often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection provided by the sides of vehicles. The impact of these accidents can cause significant trauma to the occupants, especially those on the side of the vehicle that is struck. Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries – These include concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can cause long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Neck and spine injuries – The sudden jolt of a collision can cause the head and neck to snap sideways, resulting in whiplash. The impact can cause the discs in the spinal column to rupture or herniate, leading to pain, numbness, and mobility issues. There can also be damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Chest and abdominal injuries – The force of the collision can lead to broken ribs. There can also be damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys, leading to internal bleeding and other serious complications.
- Pelvic and lower extremity injuries – These include pelvic fractures and dislocations of the hip,leading to significant mobility issues and pain. Legs and feet can be injured by the intrusion of the other vehicle into the passenger compartment.
- Upper extremity injuries – The impact can cause fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries in the arms and shoulders. Drivers and passengers may also instinctively brace themselves, leading to fractures, sprains, and lacerations in the hands and wrists.
Recovering financial compensation can be a complicated process
If a negligent driver caused the crash that left you injured, you deserve financial compensation. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you were unable to work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.
However, negligent drivers often don’t accept responsibility for what happened and won’t admit to doing anything wrong. They may even blame you for causing the accident. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, that could reduce the amount of compensation you can recover.
Insurance companies aren’t on your side, either. Their goal is to find ways to pay you as little as possible. They may question the severity of your injuries or the need for certain types of treatment. Typically, they’ll make you a settlement offer soon after the accident – one that falls far short of covering your damages.
Our Plantation T-bone accident lawyers can help you fight back
All of our attorneys used to represent insurance companies in personal injury claims. We know how they approach these cases. We’re familiar with the strategies and tactics they’ll use to try to limit your compensation. More importantly, we know how to build strong cases that they have to take seriously.
If you’ve been hurt in a T-bone accident in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in Florida, things can get confusing. You may not be sure how to proceed. All you have are questions. One of our attorneys can review your legal options, answer any questions, and put your mind at ease.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.