What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Port St Lucie

Port St. Lucie is a beautiful city located in the heart of Florida. The weather is excellent, and the people are friendly. However, like in any other city, there are accidents. T-bone accidents are dangerous because they often result in serious injuries or death.

Unlike movies or TV shows that vividly depict flying glass and metal, real-life T-bone accidents are often much more jarring. This means they are sudden and unpredictable, leaving victims confused and overwhelmed.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a T-bone accident, you should know what to do in the aftermath to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide on what to do after a T-bone collision in Port St. Lucie.

Related Article: What NOT To Do After An Auto Accident

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

T-bone accidents are named so because of the T-shaped configuration of the vehicles involved in the collision. Also called broadside or side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when the front of one car hits the side of another.

This type of accident is often caused by a failure to yield on the part of one driver, who may run a red light or stop sign and crash into the side of another vehicle passing through the intersection.

Even though T-bone accidents can be caused by other things, like careless driving or dangerous road conditions, this type of driver error is the most common cause.

So, all drivers should be careful and aware of what’s going on around them, especially when entering an intersection. By paying attention and following the rules of the road, drivers can help to prevent T-bone accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

Related Article: Risk Maps May Help Reduce Florida Auto Accidents And Traffic Deaths

What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Port St. Lucie

If you are involved in a T-bone accident, remain calm and take the following steps:

Call 911 To Report the Wreck

The first thing you should do after being involved in a T-bone accident is check for injuries. If you or anyone else appears to be seriously injured, dial 911 right away. Once the paramedics get there, they will figure out what’s going on and take anyone who needs medical help to the hospital.

If no one is injured, or if your injuries are not severe, the next step is to move your car out of the flow of traffic. If you can drive, pull over to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot.

If your car is too damaged to move, turn on your hazard lights and wait for a tow truck. Once you’re in a safe location, exchange insurance information with the other driver and take some photos of the damage.

Then, you can call your insurance company to file a claim. Though no one wants to be involved in an accident, knowing what to do afterward can help minimize the situation’s stress.

Related Article: What Is The Court Process In A Personal Injury Case?

Take Photographs or Video of the Scene

As mentioned above, take photos or videos of the accident scene if you can. These pictures can be used as evidence to support your claim. Take pictures of all the damage and any injuries you or your passengers may have.

In addition, take pictures of the other driver’s insurance information and license plate. It is also helpful to take photos of the intersection where the accident occurred and any traffic signs or signals. These pictures can help support your version of events and establish liability.

Seek Medical Attention

If you are injured in a T-bone accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor.

Some injuries, like whiplash, might not be obvious right away, but they can still cause big problems in the long run. Getting prompt medical care ensures your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Seeking medical attention can help you document your injuries and support your insurance claim.

Call Your Insurance Company

Typically, you have 30 days to report an accident to your insurance company. After you have sought medical attention and gathered evidence, your next step is to call your insurance company to report the accident.

Your insurance agent will ask you for a detailed account of what happened and will likely ask to see your collected evidence.

It’s important to be honest with your insurance company, because giving them false or misleading information could hurt your claim.

Once you have filed a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage to your car. The adjuster will also determine what your car is worth and whether it is totaled or repairable.

If your vehicle is totaled, your insurance company will provide you with a check for the value of your car. If your car is repairable, your insurance company will pay for the repairs.

Contact a Port St Lucie Car Accident Lawyer

After you have been involved in a T-bone accident, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. An experienced Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer can help guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

You do not have to handle the insurance companies or the legal system alone. The insurance companies may try to take advantage of you, but an attorney will level the playing field.

The Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers at Fetterman & Associates P.A. have helped many clients involved in T-bone accidents. They will aggressively advocate for you and fight to get you the best possible outcome.

Related Article: Who Should File The Insurance Claim In An Auto Accident?

Compensation Following a T-Bone Collision

T-bone collisions often result in serious injuries requiring expensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term physical and emotional problems. If you have been involved in a T-bone collision, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Collision?

Usually, the driver who is at fault is the one who broke a traffic law or was otherwise careless.

The driver who made the left turn in front of oncoming traffic would be liable for the accident. However, this is not always the case, as other factors may have contributed to the accident.

For example, if the at-fault driver ran a red light but the victim had the right of way, the victim may still be found partially at fault.

A car accident lawyer can help present evidence for insurance claims or court cases that involve a T-bone accident.

Disagreements about who had the right-of-way or one driver may claim the other was speeding. A car accident lawyer will look into what happened, talk to witnesses, and look at the evidence to build the best case possible for their client.

Other liable parties in a T-bone accident can include:

The Vehicle Manufacturer

In a T-bone collision, it’s not only the drivers who may be held liable for damages, but the vehicle manufacturer may also be held partially or fully responsible if faulty components contributed to the crash.

Under product liability laws, injury victims can sue manufacturers for damages caused by their products. So, if you’re involved in a T-bone collision and one of the cars has faulty brakes or a stuck accelerator, the manufacturer may be liable for your injuries and losses.

Of course, every case is different; speak with an experienced attorney to see if you have a valid claim. But if a defective car is involved in a T-bone collision, don’t assume you’re out of luck; you may have legal recourse against the manufacturer.

The Government

If a T-bone accident happened because the road was not built or kept well, the government agency in charge of the road could be held responsible.  For example, if a t-bone accident happened because of a pothole or a missing stop sign, the government agency in charge of the road could be held responsible.

To sue the government, you must file a notice of claim within a specific period—usually six months to a year. So, if you’re considering suing the government for a T-bone collision, speak with our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.

Related Article: How Is Fault Determined In An Intersection Accident?

How Your Attorney Will Prove Liability

Your car accident lawyer will work hard to prove that the other driver is liable for your injuries. They will do this by gathering evidence from the crash scene and looking at your medical bills, pay stubs, and anything else that can show how the accident impacted your life.

Sometimes, they may also need to interview witnesses or review security footage. Your lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve by putting together a strong case.

Contact an Experienced Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyer Today!

If you’ve been involved in a T-bone collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. But the process of recovering compensation can be complex and frustrating, especially if the insurance companies are reluctant to pay. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side.

At Fetterman & Associates, PA,, we understand the physical and emotional toll that a T-bone accident can take on a person and their family. We also know that the financial burden of an accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers have a proven track record of success. We know how to deal with insurance companies and are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation.. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.

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