The point of impact often makes side impact / T-bone car accidents in St. Louis some of the deadliest and most injurious, leading to lifelong hardships for many victims. Learning more about how these accidents occur and who might be responsible for them could help determine whether you have a claim or lawsuit to help you seek total compensation. McCready Law has experienced car crash attorneys to help you file a claim.
Side impact or T-bone accidents can occur in St. Louis when one vehicle’s front crashes into another’s side. The resulting accident resembles a “T” in its shape. Even at low speeds, these accidents often result in serious and fatal injuries.
The main reason these accidents tend to be more dangerous is the position, as the sides of vehicles offer far less protection than the front and back, both because of a lack of crumple zones and, in many cases, side airbags. As a result, vehicles cannot absorb impact as easily, regardless of the other vehicle’s speed.
There are several ways these accidents could occur, with the following being some of the most prominent that we see.
In many instances, drivers may be responsible for side impact or T-bone accidents by ignoring the rules of the road and traffic laws. In some instances, drivers may become distracted, such as when failing to see a red light and crossing an intersection when perpendicular traffic has the right of way. There are many types of driver negligence, including:
These accidents could also involve the liability of multiple drivers, depending on the circumstances leading up to the accident.
Sometimes, side impact collisions in St. Louis might occur due to a vehicle’s mechanical failure, such as brake failure. The responsibility of mechanical failure could fall on drivers if they neglect to get regular or necessary maintenance for their vehicles. Mechanics might also be liable if they failed to spot or address an issue, or employers could be responsible if they failed to maintain vehicles in their fleet. Additionally, manufacturers could be liable for defective designs or manufacturing.
Before crossing an intersection or making a turn, drivers might not be able to get a clear view of the road to safely perform the desired action, which could lead to T-bones. Obstructions like trees, buildings, or parked vehicles might contribute in these cases.
Potholes and other flaws in the road might lead to a side impact crash due to poor maintenance and premises liability. In other cases, harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice might lead to an accident.
With these causes in mind, one or more parties might be liable, including drivers, trucking companies and other employers, mechanics, municipalities, or vehicle or parts manufacturers, among others.
In the event of side impact / T-bone car accidents in St. Louis, injury victims may be able to recover compensation from all negligent parties involved. At the same time, these cases are often challenging to navigate, as you will need to prove liability with sufficient evidence.
For help with a potential case, consult a personal injury attorney who has plenty of experience handling these types of accident cases, giving you the chance to recover while knowing you are in good hands.
