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T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact crashes, are some of the most serious, especially involving large trucks. In Washington, DC, where busy intersections and highways see daily truck traffic, these accidents can have devastating effects on victims.
Whether you’re driving to work, running errands, or simply heading home, if a negligent truck driver runs a red light and violently T-bones your car, it can instantly transform your ordinary day into a nightmare of pain and trauma.
Call Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation. Our DC truck accident attorneys can provide you with the legal options for your t-bone truck accident case.
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A T-bone accident happens when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. Imagine driving through an intersection, and a truck suddenly runs a red light, slamming into the side of your car. That’s a T-bone collision. These traffic accidents can happen at intersections, parking lots, or even highways when one vehicle turns across traffic lanes.
When a smaller passenger car is hit on the side by a larger, heavier vehicle like a truck, the impact can be severe. The side of a car offers much less protection than the front or rear, making T-bone accidents particularly dangerous for the driver and passengers.
T-bone truck accidents often result in serious injuries. Since the impact is concentrated on the side of the vehicle, people inside are more vulnerable. Here are some of the most common injuries:
In a side-impact collision, your head can be thrown violently against the window, dashboard, or even the side of your seat. This sudden force can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), ranging from concussions to more severe injuries like brain bleeding or swelling.
TBIs might not always be apparent right away. Some symptoms, like dizziness, headaches, or memory problems, could appear hours or days after the accident. That’s why it’s critical to get checked out by a doctor immediately after a crash, even if you feel fine at first.
The sudden jolt from a T-bone collision can also lead to spinal cord injuries. When your body is thrown to the side, your spine can twist in ways it wasn’t meant to, damaging the vertebrae or nerves. Spinal cord injuries can result in long-term pain, loss of mobility, or even paralysis.
A spinal cord injury can drastically change your life, leading to ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, and possibly permanent disabilities. These injuries are among the most serious, requiring immediate and long-term care.
Broken bones and fractures are common in T-bone crashes because of the direct impact. The arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are especially vulnerable since they often take the brunt of the hit. For example, if a truck hits the driver’s side, the person behind the wheel might break their ribs or arm from the force of the crash.
While some fractures heal with time and rest, others might require surgery, physical therapy, and months of rehabilitation. Even after recovery, T-bone accident victims may experience lasting pain or limited mobility.
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T-bone truck accidents are usually the result of a negligent driver. Most of these types of accidents occur at intersections or when one vehicle turns into oncoming traffic. Here are some of the most common causes:
Running red lights or stop signs: A truck driver may be distracted, tired, or in too much of a hurry, blowing through a red traffic light or stop sign and crashing into a vehicle with the right of way.Determining fault in a T-bone accident isn’t always simple. Several factors could be at play, and sometimes, more than one party is responsible. In most cases, the driver who runs a red light, stop sign, or fails to yield will be at fault. However, if the accident involved a truck, the truck driver’s employer or the company responsible for maintaining the truck might also be liable.
In Washington, DC, drivers must follow strict rules regarding right-of-way at intersections. When truck drivers violate these rules, causing T-bone collisions, they may be found at fault. Insurance companies and legal teams will look at the details of the crash—traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports—to determine who caused the accident.
DC follows a contributory negligence rule meaning that if you’re found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages. So, if the truck driver’s lawyers can prove that you were partially at fault, you may not be able to recover compensation for your injuries or vehicle damage.
After a T-bone accident with a truck, it can feel like your world has turned upside down. Medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain can overwhelm you. Also, dealing with the legal side of things can be complicated, especially if you’re trying to prove fault against a large trucking company.
Regan Zambri Long’s team of DC truck accident lawyers is here to guide you through your personal injury claim. We’ll investigate the side-impact accident, gather evidence, and work to ensure you receive fair financial compensation. Trucking companies often have powerful legal teams, but you can level the field with the right representation.
The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of building a strong case, whether dealing with insurance companies or preparing for trial.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident with a truck, contact our personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation. Call our truck accident lawyers today!
