Broadside impacts are an all-too-frequent occurrence in New Orleans, often occurring at intersections. These accidents happen at a 90-degree angle when one driver is going forward or turning, and another driver collides into the side. That person who hits the other vehicle is usually, but not always, the liable party in the accident. To make that determination, an experienced lawyer is crucial in this type of accident and can help protect your legal right to a financial recovery.
Determining Fault in a Louisiana Broadside Collision
In many cases, fault very clearly lies with the driver who collides with either the passenger or driver side of your vehicle. If that person wasn’t paying attention or otherwise committed a traffic violation that led to a wreck, they are likely liable.
That isn’t always the case, however. For instance, the driver who was hit might have performed an illegal turn and the other driver might not have been able to stop in time.
There are also situations where someone other than either driver may be responsible. Depending on who is involved, the liable party could be someone else, such as a trucking company that failed to train a driver, the manufacturer of a faulty part, a repair shop that failed to fix a problem, etc.
When fault is determined to lie with the other driver who hit your car, the accident is typically caused by negligent behaviors such as:
- Distracted driving (arguing with backseat occupants, fiddling with knobs, texting while driving, and so on)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal narcotics, or drugs prescribed by a physician with side effects that impact driving ability
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Refusing to yield the right of way
- Speeding
- Reckless driving in poor weather conditions
Recovering Damages After a T-Bone Accident
It goes without saying that the force of a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds striking the side of your car is extremely dangerous. Broadside collisions may lead to catastrophic injuries for the driver or passengers.
Victims of a T-bone wreck are often stuck with outrageous medical bills but can’t earn any income because of the injury. The good news is that you can pursue compensation. You should specifically speak with an attorney about the possibility of recovering damages for T-bone injuries such as:
- Back pain
- Bone fractures
- Bruising
- Joint dislocations
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
No matter which specific injury impacts your life after a T-bone crash, you need to contact an experienced Louisiana car accident attorney. A legal professional is necessary to rigorously investigate all aspects of the accident. That investigation is how your attorney gathers evidence to determine who is liable, whether that is actually the driver that hit the side of your vehicle or some other party.
Gathering all the available evidence is crucial for other reasons as well, such as negotiating with an insurance adjuster or presenting your case in court. A skilled attorney can argue who is responsible for your injury and the fair amount you are owed in compensation. Your financial recovery may specifically include:
- Bills for your hospital stay, medications, surgeries, and other treatments
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Out-of-pocket expenses you pay while seeking treatment for the T-bone collision injury
- Property damage covering your vehicle repair costs
- Wages you lost if you couldn’t go back to work while recovering, as well as lost earning potential if you become permanently disabled by the injury
Find out if You Can Pursue Compensation for a T-Bone Accident Injury
Were you hurt in a broadside collision, or did a loved one pass away after a T-bone crash caused by negligence? Contact us to schedule a consultation and talk about your case. The Scott Vicknair Law Firm wants to help you hold the negligent party accountable. You can get in touch with our trial-ready team by calling 504-500-1111 or emailing us here instead.
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