New York T-Bone Accident Lawyers
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, present unique challenges to injured parties seeking justice for their harm. As leading plaintiff’s personal injury attorneys based in Goshen and serving injury victims across Orange County and the Hudson Valley, Dupée & Monroe, P.C. understands these challenges well. See below for a discussion about T-Bone accidents, their common causes and resulting injuries, and the application of New York law to these situations. If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone crash or other car accident or personal injury caused by another’s negligence in the Hudson Valley, reach out to Dupée & Monroe for help getting the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.
The Nature and Occurrence of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents typically occur at intersections when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a ‘T’ shape. These accidents often result from a driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way or adhere to traffic signals and signs. Other common causes include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and poor road or weather conditions. Urban areas with numerous intersections are particularly prone to these types of accidents, although they are known to occur on rural roads as well, particularly where intersections may not be well-marked with traffic signage.
Injuries From T-Bone Accidents
Due to the relative lack of protective structures on the sides of vehicles compared to their front and rear ends, T-bone accidents often result in severe injuries. These may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and even death. Victims may face significant medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing physical and emotional trauma. The most serious damage is typically inflicted when a taller car such as a pickup truck or SUV T-bones a lower car such as a sedan, impacting the window areas where vehicle occupants are least protected.
Understanding Liability in T-Bone Accidents
Determining liability in a T-bone crash can be complex and requires a thorough understanding of New York traffic laws and regulations. While it might seem straightforward that the driver who struck the other vehicle is at fault, this isn’t always the case. For instance, the driver of the vehicle that was hit may have run a red light or made an illegal turn, contributing to the accident.
New York follows the principle of “comparative negligence,” which means that an injury victim’s ability to recover is adjusted or prorated according to their percentage of fault. If you are partially at fault for causing a crash, you can still recover damages for your injuries, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were 30% at fault and suffered $100,000 in damages, you could recover only $70,000 from the other driver.
The Serious Injury Threshold in New York
New York’s no-fault insurance laws limit the ability of accident victims to file lawsuits for T-bone crashes and other car accidents unless their injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold. This threshold includes substantial injuries such as dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, death, loss of a fetus, or a non-permanent injury that prevents the victim from performing their customary daily activities for 90 of the 180 days following the accident.
In these cases, the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer is crucial. At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we can help assess whether your injuries meet this threshold and guide you through the often complex process of pursuing compensation. Sadly, T-bone accidents are likely to result in serious injuries, but with the help of an experienced and successful car accident attorney, you can recover a full amount of compensation that reflects the serious nature of the damage done.
Get Help With a T-Bone Accident in New York From the Trusted Advocates at Dupée & Monroe
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in New York, it is crucial to engage an experienced personal injury attorney to help navigate the intricacies of comparative negligence and New York’s no-fault insurance laws. At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury due to a T-bone crash or other accident in New York, call Dupée & Monroe, P.C. at 845-294-8900 for a free consultation on your claims. We proudly serve injury victims in Orange County and throughout the Hudson Valley, offering our extensive experience and dedication to each case we handle.
