Pittsburgh T Bone accident lawyer

Traffic patterns often intersect with each other. Sometimes, especially if traffic is heavy, decisions need to be made faster than usual. Unfortunately, collisions still happen, and they can happen instantly. Being struck on the side of your vehicle can feel sudden and overwhelmingly violent. Your time to react might be minimal, and your vehicle does little to absorb the impact.  If you are injured in this type of crash, a Pittsburgh T-bone accident lawyer can help you.

T-bone accidents are a common problem in Pittsburgh because of the city’s narrow streets, congested junctions, and changing traffic lights. The Allegheny County Courthouse, which assesses personal injury claims in accordance with Pennsylvania law, frequently handles these cases. Clarity might be brought during a chaotic period by comprehending how these incidents occur and how claims are evaluated.

About SMT Legal

We’re a local firm, and our family relationships are the bedrock of our practice. What began as old friendships has transformed into a team of successful lawyers, each with significant ties across Pittsburgh’s legal community.

We take a collaborative approach to complex cases and focus on giving each client the attention they deserve. When it comes to significant car accident claims and complex litigation, SMT Legal is known for its detailed preparation and proven trial success.

What is a T-Bone Accident?

When the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, it’s called a T-bone accident. These crashes commonly occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light, or misjudges their ability to turn in front of oncoming traffic.

Unlike head-on collisions or rear-end accidents, T-bone accidents offer little protection to the impacted vehicle. Although most modern cars are equipped with side collision airbags and reinforced side doors, the side of a vehicle provides less cushion than the front or back. For this reason, T-bone accident cases can be serious when it comes to injury.

In 2024, there were a reported 13,101,000 road crashes. Of these, angle collisions, also referred to as T-bone crashes, caused the most deaths, equaling about 8,400. There were about 3,040,000 angle collisions that year.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Rarely do T-bone accidents occur without some failure in the decision-making process. Whether it’s misreading traffic signals or being distracted by a phone, one driver must fail to follow traffic laws or judge the roadway correctly.

Running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, distracted driving, or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic can all cause T-bone accidents. Left-turn accidents are another common cause, which occur when drivers attempt to turn across oncoming traffic without enough time to clear the intersection.

In Pittsburgh, we understand that busy intersections, hills that block visibility, and erratic weather conditions can contribute to these accidents. A driver who takes their eyes off the road for a few seconds can quickly find themselves in a serious accident.

Understanding T-Bone Accident Laws in Pennsylvania

Like many other states, Pennsylvania defines right-of-way privileges at intersections to determine liability. Drivers are required to follow traffic control devices and must yield to other vehicles when visibility or conditions don’t allow them to proceed safely.

T-bone accident claims are based on negligence principles. One driver must have breached their duty of reasonable care and caused the accident by violating traffic laws. If a driver runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign, they could be found negligent and liable for the crash.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If both drivers are found to be at fault, each party can be assigned a percentage of the blame. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be ineligible to recover damages from the other driver.

Statute of Limitations

Most of these types of accidents have a statute of limitations of two years. This means that the injured party has two years to file a civil claim against the responsible party to recover damages. If you file a claim after this deadline, you will likely be barred from filing a claim, no matter how strong your evidence may be.

How a T-Bone Accident Case is Investigated

One of the unique aspects of T-bone accident cases is the ability to investigate what happened from multiple angles. Since these crashes occur at intersections, drivers may have violated traffic laws by failing to yield the right of way.

Police will likely respond to the scene of the accident and create a report that documents their investigation. It’s possible that traffic camera footage exists, which could shed light on the signal’s timing and how cars navigated the intersection. Occasionally, businesses or homes located near the crash may have video footage of the accident.

The way the collision happened might be clarified by bringing in reconstruction professionals. They’ll examine vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and any skid marks that occurred during the collision.

Common Injuries in T-Bone Accidents

Injuries in side-impact accidents can be severe. The sides of vehicles provide little protection against the total force of impact, and passengers sitting on the impacted side of the car are often at risk of injury.

T-bone accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage. Common symptoms include headaches, loss of memory, pain that increases over time, or difficulty speaking.

People sitting in the seat closest to where the collision occurred are typically at the highest risk for injury. In some situations, it may take days or weeks for an injury to become noticeable. However, in extreme cases, injuries can result in permanent damage and even death.

Damages in a T-Bone Accident Claim

Dealing with a T-bone accident can be a life-changing experience. Injuries can keep you from working, require extensive medical care, and cause permanent physical or mental effects. The cost of damages in a personal injury claim can include medical bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are non-economic damages you may be able to recover.

T-bone accidents can result in serious injuries that leave victims unable to work or care for themselves. As a result, these claims could require compensation for both current and future damages.

Protecting your rights. Restoring your future.

This Changes Everything. We’re Ready Anyway.

Call Now : 412-765-3345

What to Do After a T-Bone Accident

After a T-bone accident, victims can feel disoriented and confused about what to do next. The important thing is to remain calm. We understand that it may be difficult, but being calm can help you think clearly and execute the next steps:

• Seek medical attention. Even though it might feel obvious, seeing a doctor after a crash is a crucial step. It’s wise to seek medical attention right away, as some injuries don’t show up immediately.
• Contact law enforcement. Allow officials to file a report and collect contact information from any witnesses. Their testimonies can help establish what happened during the accident.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the accident from multiple angles. Record insurance information for all parties involved and write down the police officer’s name and contact information.
• Contact your insurance company. Your insurance provider should be notified immediately. Keep records of medical treatment and stay in communication with the insurance companies involved.
• Hire a T-bone accident lawyer. A Pittsburgh T-bone accident attorney can help you in the legal process should you need to file a claim.

FAQs

Hire a T-Bone Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, your focus should be on your recovery. SMT Legal can assist you with the legal side so you can focus on what matters. Contact us today for more information.