T-bone car crashes in New York City often occur at intersections, where the paths of two vehicles cross at a right angle. The consequences can be extremely severe, especially for vehicle occupants sitting on the side of the impact. The side of a car is not as strong, and therefore provides little protection to prevent victims from sustaining serious harm.
If you were injured in a T-bone car accident in New York City, we strongly recommend contacting our law firm to discuss your situation and learn if you may have legal options. Our dedicated NYC car accident lawyers at The Bongiorno Law Firm are prepared to help you, and we have a proven history of getting results.
Call to request a free case review today: (516) 741-4170
Who May Be Liable for Damages in a T-bone Accident?
While the driver who strikes the other vehicle’s side is frequently at fault, determining liability for a T-bone car accident requires careful examination of multiple factors and evidence from the crash scene. The side-facing position of vehicles at intersections creates unique liability scenarios that differ from head-on crashes or rear-end collisions.
Liability for a T-bone crash may fall to one or more of the following:
- Cross-traffic drivers who run red lights or accelerate through yellow lights, often striking vehicles completing legal left turns across intersections.
- Delivery truck and commercial vehicle operators who cause T-bone crashes due to their vehicles’ larger blind spots and wider turning radiuses at intersections.
- Municipal agencies responsible for obstructed traffic signals or malfunctioning turn arrows that create confusion about right-of-way at T-bone prone intersections.
- Rideshare drivers who rush through intersections to meet trip quotas, causing side-impact collisions while passengers are seated in vulnerable side positions.
Establishing fault in these accidents typically depends on which driver had the right of way at the time of impact. Key evidence may include traffic camera footage, witness statements, skid marks and the final resting position of both vehicles. An experienced attorney can help gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case for liability.
What Are Some Common Causes of T-bone Crashes in NYC?
New York City’s maze of intersections sets the stage for dangerous side-impact collisions every day. By recognizing common triggers for these crashes, drivers can take better precautions, such as by pausing for a split second to make sure oncoming traffic has stopped at a red light.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Drivers who fail to adhere to traffic signals and stop signs are a leading cause of collisions in intersections.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility due to NYC’s dense urban environment, including blocked sightlines from parked vehicles, construction barriers or adverse weather conditions, could cause drivers misjudge the intersection clearance.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Busier four-way intersections, especially when drivers make left turns across traffic, are a primary cause of T-bone crashes.
Mechanical Failures
If vehicle owners fail to properly maintain their vehicles, mechanical defects may prevent a driver from fully stopping. Faulty brakes or transmission problems, for instance, could prevent vehicles from being able to stop in time.
How Can an Attorney Help Me to Recover Compensation for Damages Resulting From a NYC T-bone Crash?
New York is a “no-fault” state, which means your insurance company will cover your medical costs, lost wages and other damages, no matter who caused the crash. In severe traffic accidents, your no-fault insurance will likely not be enough to cover all of your damages, and you may need to file against the at-fault party’s insurance.
Despite being a no-fault state, you may be eligible to recover additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. However, to be eligible, your injuries must first meet the serious injury threshold.
After a side-impact collision in NYC, having experienced legal representation can make the difference between a modest insurance payout and recovering full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Proving Fault Through Analysis
A skilled New York car accident attorney will gather key evidence showing the angle of the impact, vehicle intrusion depth, and striking vehicle speed.
In especially challenging cases, your attorney may consult with accident reconstruction specialists to clarify complex facts about events leading up to the impact and how the other driver’s intersection behavior caused the crash.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
T-bone crashes often cause severe injuries to occupants on the impacted side, your attorney works with medical experts to fully document your trauma, from broken bones to internal injuries. Providing detailed evidence of your immediate and long-term medical needs helps your attorney to secure full compensation on your behalf.
Common Injuries Resulting From T-bone Collisions
T-bone collisions often result in severe to catastrophic injuries, particularly for individuals seated on the side of impact. These injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Serious neck injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Death
The severity of these injuries depends on various factors, such as the speed and angle of the collision and the safety features of the vehicles involved.
Victims of T-bone crashes are more likely to require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care. Medical expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma make pursuing compensation essential to support recovery and future needs.
Deadlines Apply – Understanding New York’s Statue of Limitations
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit for a car accident in New York is generally three years from the accident date. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Consulting with an experienced attorney soon after your car accident helps to ensure you do not make errors that could hurt the outcome of your claim, such as missing key deadlines.
Need Legal Help After a T-bone Crash? Call Our NYC Law Firm Today
Navigating the legal system after any type of crashes is a complex and stressful endeavor. Having experienced legal support can make all the difference.
At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we have a proven track record of securing favorable compensation for our clients. Since we take injury cases on contingency, your initial consultation is free, and we charge no upfront costs or fees. We only get paid if you do.
The Bongiorno Law Firm. We fight to get you results. Call: (516) 741-4170 today.
