What is Subrogation & How It Affects Car Accident Settlements
Posted in: Car Accidents
T-bone accidents, or side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles and frequently happen at intersections when drivers fail to stop, yield, or obey traffic signals.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Columbus car accident lawyers understand the profound impact of T-bone accidents and are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable. Let us fight for the compensation you need. Contact KNR today for a free consultation.
T-bone accidents are among the most severe types of crashes in Franklin County. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, hundreds of side-impact collisions occur annually at busy intersections and high-traffic areas.
High-risk locations such as Downtown Columbus, Easton Town Center, and major highways like I-270, I-71, and I-70 are frequently the sites of T-bone accidents. With the complexity of these accidents and the severe injuries they cause, understanding the contributing factors and obtaining legal assistance is critical for victims.
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T-bone collisions can lead to various injuries, from minor discomfort to life-altering conditions. Common injuries include:
Read What to Do After a Columbus Car Accident
The first step after a T-bone accident is filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. However, insurers may attempt to downplay injuries or make lowball settlement offers. A skilled attorney can help you negotiate for fair compensation.
Pursuing a lawsuit may be necessary if an insurance claim does not result in an adequate settlement. By presenting strong evidence like police reports, medical records, and traffic footage, your attorney can demonstrate negligence and seek the compensation you’re entitled to.
Read Our Guide to Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbus, OH
Navigating insurance claims after a T-bone accident can be challenging, as insurers often aim to minimize payouts by disputing liability or undervaluing injuries. In severe side-impact collisions, insurance companies may even argue shared fault to reduce compensation. Working with an experienced Columbus car accident lawyer ensures you have an advocate to counter these tactics, gather evidence, and fight for the settlement you deserve.
Determining liability in a T-bone accident often starts with identifying the at-fault driver, but other parties may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances:
Ohio’s comparative negligence law also comes into play, reducing your compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 20%. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities to ensure all liable parties are held accountable.
Read our Guide to Car Accident Liability in Ohio
Proving fault in side-impact car accidents requires a thorough investigation. This includes:
By working with an experienced attorney, you can compile and present the necessary evidence to prove fault and secure compensation.
If you or a loved one are hurt because a driver in Columbus t-boned your vehicle, you may be entitled to recover compensation for all the financial losses connected to the collision. Whether through an insurance claim or lawsuit, an experienced attorney can help recover compensation for your:
Each case is unique, and calculating the full extent of your losses requires a thorough evaluation. Working with KNR ensures that all your damages are accounted for and you can secure the compensation you need.
T-bone car crashes often result in devastating injuries and complicated claims, particularly when insurance companies undervalue damages or dispute liability. A knowledgeable attorney is essential in gathering and presenting evidence to establish fault.
An experienced lawyer can also negotiate with insurers to counter unfair offers, ensuring your compensation accounts for all damages. If negotiations fail, they can take your case to court, filing a lawsuit to hold the negligent parties accountable. By guiding you through each step, a skilled attorney safeguards your rights and maximizes your chances of securing the compensation you deserve after a side-impact collision.
T-bone accidents often involve disputes over right-of-way or traffic violations. Insurers may argue that both drivers share fault. For example, if a driver ran a red light but the other vehicle was speeding, comparative negligence laws in Ohio could complicate compensation. Additionally, the severity of injuries in T-bone crashes can result in higher settlement amounts, making insurance companies more likely to challenge claims.
Poorly designed intersections, such as those lacking proper signage, adequate lighting, or protected turn signals, can significantly increase the risk of T-bone accidents. For instance, unprotected left turns at busy intersections like Morse Road and Cleveland Avenue are notorious for side-impact collisions. In such cases, liability may extend to local government entities responsible for road safety.
The position of the vehicles after a T-bone collision can provide clues about fault. For instance, if the striking vehicle is in the middle of the intersection while the other vehicle is within its lane, it may indicate that the striking driver ignored a stop sign or red light. Accident reconstruction experts often use vehicle positioning to determine how the crash occurred.
T-bone accidents often involve severe injuries and contested fault, making legal representation essential. Even if liability seems straightforward, insurance companies may try to shift blame or undervalue your claim. A lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence like police reports and eyewitness testimony, and negotiate for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and long-term damages.
Accepting an initial settlement offer from an insurance company after a T-bone accident is rarely advisable. These offers often fail to account for long-term expenses like ongoing medical care, future lost wages, and emotional trauma. Consulting an experienced attorney ensures that the settlement reflects the full extent of your damages, helping you avoid settling for less than you deserve.
From mounting medical bills and lost wages to the physical and emotional toll of recovery, T-bone auto collisions can leave a lasting impact. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced Columbus attorneys will guide you through every step. We’ll evaluate your case, gather evidence, and maximize your recovery. Contact KNR today at (614) 487-8669 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Columbus, Franklin County, and the surrounding areas.
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