T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle strikes another at a perpendicular angle, forming a “T” shape upon impact. The striking vehicle’s front end crashes directly into the side of the other vehicle, often at the driver or passenger doors where occupants have minimal protection. Unlike frontal or rear-end crashes where crumple zones absorb impact, the vehicle occupants bear the brunt of the force in T-bone collisions—making them among the deadliest types of accidents on Bakersfield roads. Make sure to contact a car accident attorney in Bakersfield for legal guidance. Contact us today.
What Factors Lead to T-Bone Accidents in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield’s busy intersections create dangerous conditions where T-bone collisions frequently occur. Many acts of negligence can contribute to these accidents, including:
- Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs can easily cause T-bone accidents. When a motorist fails to yield right-of-way or disregards traffic controls, they can collide with vehicles legally crossing their path.
- Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, adjusting entertainment systems, or any activity that takes attention from the road significantly increases the risk of a crash. Distracted drivers often fail to notice changing traffic signals or approaching vehicles at intersections.
- Alcohol and Drug Impairment: Intoxicated drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment that prevent them from driving safely. These drivers may misjudge distances or fail to notice traffic signals.
- Excessive Speed: Speeding reduces the time available to react to changing traffic conditions. Drivers traveling above the speed limit often cannot stop in time when approaching intersections, increasing the likelihood of T-bone collisions.
What Are Your Legal Options After a T-Bone Accident?
California operates under a fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident bears financial responsibility for the resulting damages. This system allows you to pursue compensation through multiple channels: filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, filing with your own insurance (if you have appropriate coverage), or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
To establish fault, you need to prove that the other driver violated California traffic laws or acted negligently. Evidence including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert accident reconstruction can strengthen your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover in Your Claim?
T-bone accidents often result in serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, like traumatic brain injuries and organ damage. When filing a car accident claim, your settlement should cover all current and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation therapy, and any long-term treatment needs.
If your injuries prevent you from working, your claim can also provide compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. You can also recover funds to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
Your suffering goes beyond medical bills—the psychological impact of severe injuries affects your daily life and your family’s well-being. Your settlement should address these non-economic damages as well. You have the right to recover compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Trust Rodriguez & Associates to Help You Seek Justice
When a T-bone accident happens, you deserve justice. Rodriguez & Associates brings decades of experience investigating these challenging cases, and our attorneys can help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward. Contact us at (661) 777-7575 today and discover the difference a Bakersfield car accident lawyer can make.