A side-impact car accident, or T-bone collision, happens when one vehicle plows into the side of another. Depending on the relative sizes of the vehicles and their speed at the time of impact, T-bone crashes can cause severe injury.
If you sustained injuries in a side-impact car accident in Memphis, a car accident attorney could be helpful as you sort out your next step. Our team at the Reaves Law Firm could help identify responsible parties and seek compensation for your losses.
Under state law, the insurance company of the driver responsible for the accident pays the damages of anyone who suffered losses because of it.
Many T-bone accidents happen when a driver turns left into the path of an oncoming vehicle. In such cases, the left-turning driver is usually at fault because they are responsible for ensuring the way is clear before turning. However, if the oncoming car was traveling at excessive speed, ran a red light or stop sign, or violated another traffic law, they could be held responsible for the accident.
Not all accidents are so clear. Many T-Bone accidents are disputed, with the other driver telling a different version of the facts. They might deny running the red light, or might deny speeding. If it is not obvious that one driver was at fault, insurance companies will likely deny the claim and prevent you from recovery. An injured driver in Memphis should have an attorney present their version of the side-impact collision.
A sideswipe accident occurs when both cars collide, but are traveling in the same direction. This is caused by one driver swerving into the lane of another. The point of impact between the two vehicles is necessary information to determine who is at fault. Taking pictures of the scene, including the exact place when the impact occurred, is important evidence. Also, taking pictures of the debris on the road and the damage to both vehicles will help an attorney establish negligence against the at-fault driver.
Proving fault in court requires sufficient evidence of negligence. If the driver received a traffic citation for violating a law meant to preserve safety, such as impaired driving, distracted driving, or speeding, the citation could be evidence of negligence per se. A citation for a violation like an expired registration or similar offense would not necessarily be evidence of negligence.
If the driver did not receive a citation, the injured person still could prove negligence by introducing evidence that shows the driver violated laws or operated their vehicle recklessly. If a malfunctioning stop light caused the accident, the manufacturer and the city of Memphis could have been negligent. Working with the talented attorneys at the Reaves Law Firm could help a claimant determine the correct liable party and hold them financially responsible.
Every state sets a statute of limitations that determines how long an injured person has to file a lawsuit seeking damages from a negligent party. In Memphis, Tennessee Code §28-3-104 requires injured parties to file a lawsuit within one year of their car accident.
One year is a short time to recover from injuries in a T-bone crash, find a legal representative, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit. Injured people in Memphis benefit from engaging a personal injury lawyer immediately after a sideswipe car wreck. The legal representative could start investigating the cause, identifying responsible parties, and even open negotiations with insurers while the plaintiff is still recovering from their injuries.
The laws around liability in car accidents could be confusing to someone who is not a professional in the field. Having experienced legal representation could make the difference between receiving a settlement that provides fair compensation and one that is inadequate to reimburse the costs associated with the wreck.
If a side-impact car accident in Memphis injured you, rely on a local attorney to handle negotiations with insurance companies and craft a reasonable settlement. You have only a short time to act, so reach out today to speak to a committed advocate at the Reaves Law Firm.
