A side-impact truck accident is more commonly referred to as a T-bone accident. When a truck strikes the driver’s or passenger’s side of another vehicle, a T-bone side-impact accident occurs. Given the size and weight difference between a truck and a car, a car could sustain serious damage in a side-impact truck accident.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a T-bone accident with a tractor-trailer, seek help from an Oak Lawn truck side-impact collision lawyer. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Following an accident, speak to a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer to learn about your legal options, rights, and steps to take to recover compensation.
A common fact pattern surrounding side-impact truck accidents is that they typically occur at an intersection. The intersection may be controlled by a traffic control device such as a stop sign or traffic light. T-bone truck accidents could also occur at uncontrolled intersections. Any intersection where vehicles enter at 90-degree angles could result in a side-impact or a T-bone truck accident.
A diligent Oak Lawn truck side-impact collision lawyer could gather evidence such as the police report, photographs, video and witness statements to determine the exact cause of the accident.
After a side-impact truck accident, the first step an individual should take is to assess themselves and others for injuries. If they are incapacitated, they should wait for emergency medical help to arrive. They should try not to move the vehicles until the police arrive after a T-bone truck accident. At a minimum, they should take photos of the location of the vehicles and the impact between the truck and their car.
Also, individuals should always seek medical attention following a T-bone accident. Even if they do not feel hurt, it is best to be checked out by a medical professional. Sometimes, it takes time for individuals to realize they have been injured following an accident. After seeking medical attention, individuals should seek help from a dedicated Oak Lawn truck side-impact collision attorney for legal help with their case.
A common effect of side-impact collisions is direct physical trauma to the driver. Even a passenger’s side-impact can result in serious injuries. Cars are well-designed to absorb front and rear collisions, but in a T-bone truck accident, the side of the car takes the force of the impact.
When an individual is hit from the rear, their back and neck extend forward and backward, which is a natural movement. In a side-impact accident, their body is thrown to the side. It is common for their body to strike the side door or window as well as the driving console in a T-bone accident.
The damages in a side-impact collision are the same as with a car. When an individual is T-boned, it is the responsibility of the truck driver and company to fix the individual’s car, compensate for their medical bills, the time they missed from work, as well as their pain and suffering. It is best to speak to a seasoned attorney to learn about the specific types of damages an individual may be eligible to recover.
If an individual has been in a side-impact collision, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The rules governing trucks are vastly different than those which govern passenger cars. One can lose valuable evidence in their case by failing to take proper steps immediately after a side-impact accident. A skilled attorney could work to protect the evidence, speak to witnesses, and prove negligence in court.
Immediately after a T-bone accident, individuals should schedule a consultation with an Oak Lawn truck side-impact collision. Call today to get started.