Accidents can happen anywhere, but for Fort Lauderdale residents, the reality of T-bone accidents is ever present. These right-angle collisions, also known as broadside accidents, can be catastrophic, particularly since there is very little protecting drivers or passengers when hit.
If you find yourself in such a situation, contact a Fort Lauderdale T-bone accident lawyer who can help you to navigate the legal complexities of a claim, handle insurance companies, and fight for your rights.
In this comprehensive article, our goal is to delve into the intricacies of T-bone accidents in Broward County, Florida, providing valuable insights that help the public understand the situation a little better.
In a T-Bone accident, the term “T-Bone” is derived from the collision’s distinctive shape, resembling the letter “T.” This type of accident, also known as a right-angle collision or broadside accident, typically occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another at a perpendicular angle. The impact creates a vulnerable scenario for the occupants of the struck vehicle, as the force is concentrated on the side rather than the front or rear, where the car is generally better equipped to absorb the impact.
Imagine the vulnerability of a car’s side during a T-Bone accident – a mere door becomes the primary barrier between the occupants and the force of the collision. Unlike the front or rear of a vehicle, which typically has more structural reinforcement, the side of a car is comparatively thin and offers limited protection. This leaves the occupants at a higher risk of injury, especially when faced with a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or a truck, during the collision.
If you have been in this type of accident and require legal representation, reach out to a t-bone accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale at our law firm today.
Fort Lauderdale is no stranger to T-bone accidents, and delving into the statistics sheds light on the severity of side collisions in the city. According to recent crash data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the year 2021, side collisions accounted for a substantial portion of all accidents involving passenger vehicles.
In the context of occupant deaths resulting from these accidents, the impact points reveal some compelling insights. The data indicates that 25% of car occupants, 17% of pickup occupants, and 19% of SUV occupants suffered fatal injuries in side collisions. This underscores the critical nature of T-bone accidents, emphasizing the vulnerability of occupants when the initial impact occurs on the side of the vehicle.
Breaking down the numbers further, it becomes evident that side collisions led to 3,662 car occupant deaths, 843 pickup occupant deaths, and 1,258 SUV occupant deaths in 2021. These figures collectively contribute to the overall toll of 5,824 occupant deaths resulting from side impacts across all vehicle types.
The statistics highlight the need for cautious driving practices and, equally importantly, the importance of legal protection from an experienced Fort Lauderdale t-bone accident lawyer following a crash.
One of the primary catalysts for T-bone accidents is red-light running. This occurs when a driver fails to adhere to a red traffic signal and proceeds through an intersection, intersecting with oncoming traffic that has the right of way. Often fueled by factors such as drunk driving, drivers running red lights at high speeds intensify the collision’s impact, leading to severe injuries.
Distracted driving is a pervasive issue contributing to T-bone accidents. Motorists not attentively observing oncoming traffic may enter an intersection prematurely, disregarding the safety of others and leading to potentially catastrophic collisions.
Excessive speed amplifies the risk of T-bone accidents. Drivers traveling at high speeds may be unable to stop in time when a traffic light turns red. This not only involves the violation of the signal but also poses a significant threat to other drivers due to the heightened velocity of the oncoming vehicle.
Failure to acknowledge or comply with stop signs is another leading cause of T-bone accidents. Drivers who neglect or overlook stop signs can cause serious injuries to unsuspecting drivers who may be unaware of an oncoming vehicle, especially if the disregarding driver accelerates through the intersection.
For immediate legal representation following a car accident reach out to our team of t-bone accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale today.
The sheer nature of a T-bone collision makes it inherently dangerous. Occupants hit in these collisions are particularly vulnerable, especially when the striking vehicle is larger, such as an SUV or a truck. In these situations, the thin car door is the only barrier, making the impact potentially deadly. The vehicle struck on the side receives the full brunt of the impact, with minimal protection against the intruding front end of the other car. This often leads to severe injuries, including:
Establishing fault in T-Bone accidents within Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a critical aspect of the legal process. Our Fort Lauderdale t-bone accident lawyers are well-versed in unraveling the complexities surrounding fault determination.
In cases where a T-bone accident unfolds at an intersection due to a driver running a red light, disregarding stop signs, or making an improper left turn, establishing fault becomes more straightforward. Florida’s personal injury law operates on the principle of negligence, making it crucial to prove that the other party acted negligently by flouting traffic laws, leading them to be held accountable for the accident.
However, not all side-impact collisions occur at intersections. Instances where a driver leaves a parking lot or executes a U-turn across traffic necessitate a thorough examination. Proving that the driver failed to exercise due care during a U-turn or neglected to check for oncoming traffic when leaving a parking lot allows for assigning liability.
The complexity of T-bone collisions often involves multiple parties potentially sharing fault. A skilled t-bone accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can assess your crash, unraveling the intricacies of liability. Some of the parties scrutinized may include:
Determining fault depends on the specific circumstances. For instance, if a driver runs a red light and collides with another driver crossing the intersection on a green light, fault lies with the driver running the light. However, disputes over the right of way may arise, requiring a lawyer to gather crucial evidence to substantiate claims.
Fault may extend beyond the drivers if faulty components contributed to the collision. A T-bone accident caused by defective brakes or a stuck accelerator could implicate the vehicle manufacturer. Under product liability laws, victims may hold manufacturers liable for damages caused by faulty products.
In certain scenarios, the at-fault driver might not directly collide but sets off a chain of events leading to subsequent collisions. An example is an improper left turn causing another driver to swerve and hit a third vehicle. Identifying the party responsible for initiating this sequence requires thorough investigation, often involving witnesses and immediate aftermath documentation.
In the realm of auto insurance in Florida, the “no-fault” system has been a longstanding feature. Under this system, Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), allowing them to turn to their own auto insurance for claims in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
The existing PIP law in Florida provides coverage for various medical expenses, including:
One significant advantage of this system is the swift compensation for medical treatment, eliminating the need to determine fault before accessing these benefits. Additionally, it encourages prompt medical attention, as treatment must commence within fourteen days of the injury to claim these benefits.
The Florida Statute 627.7407 outlines the specific provisions and intricacies of the PIP system, delving into the coverage, limitations, and requirements imposed on Florida drivers. It serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing the extent of medical expense coverage, conditions for claiming benefits, and the essential elements that shape the PIP landscape.
A t-bone accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can provide you with specifics on how Florida’s no-fault laws may impact your case.
In addition to t-bone accidents, our legal team handles a wide variety of other car crash claims including:
Schilling & Silvers stands ready to provide dedicated support for Fort Lauderdale residents, ensuring justice and fair compensation for victims.
When facing a t-bone accident in Fort Lauderdale, Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys should be your first call. With a proven track record as Fort Lauderdale t-bone accident lawyers, we are ready to stand by your side, offering legal expertise and compassion. Contact us today to ensure your rights are protected.
In addition to handling car car crash claims in Fort Lauderdale, we also serve Hialeah, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and more.
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Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
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