Every individual with a driver’s license has the right to drive without fear. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case due to unscrupulous and negligent drivers on the road.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a t-bone accident in Denver, you may be unsure of how to deal with the physical healing ahead, as well as your mounting medical bills and other expenses.
Our Denver personal injury attorneys are here to help you recover financial damages from those negligent individuals who caused your t-bone accident.
Don’t hesitate to contact our Denver T-bone accident lawyers for your free case review.
How a Denver T-Bone Accident Attorney Can Help
You can count on Dulin McQuinn Young, to provide you with a thorough, honest T-bone accident claim evaluation. If you qualify for compensation under Colorado law, our experienced car accident attorneys will walk you through the insurance claims process step by step.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we will build a trial-ready case for your injury compensation claim. We start by listening to you describe your accident experience and learning your legal goals and expectations.
Next, Dulin McQuinn Young’s legal team moves on to the following:
- Investigating your T-bone accident;
- Collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses;
- Identifying all liable parties and sources of compensation to pay for your losses;
- Ensuring you receive the medical care you need to heal from your injuries;
- Calculating your total accident-related losses including any future needs;
- Filing your insurance claim and any related civil lawsuit;
- Negotiating a full and fair accident settlement; or
- Moving your case forward to litigation.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we are compassionate about our clients and their futures. Contact us in Denver today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
What Is A T-Bone Accident?
A t-bone accident, also known as a side crash, side impact, or side barrier crash, is when the front end of a vehicle drives into the driver or passenger’s side of a vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Most commonly, these occur while traveling through intersections, and the perpetrator ignores or does not pay attention to traffic lights or signage.
How Do T-Bone Accidents Occur in Denver?
T-bone accidents can occur head-on or at a right angle. This makes T-bone accidents one of the most catastrophic types of car accidents. In fact, The Insurance Institute (IIHS) for Highway Safety reported T-bone accidents caused nearly one-fourth of all car accident fatalities in 2019.
The most common cause of T-bone car accidents is one driver’s failure to yield the right of way to another driver. There are several reasons a driver may fail to yield at an intersection including:
- Speeding;
- Texting while driving;
- Eating or using GPS while driving;
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs;
- Disregarding a traffic sign or signal;
- Driving drowsy; or
- Driving too fast for the weather or traffic conditions.
All of the above causes of T-bone accidents are due to driver negligence or recklessness. T-bone accidents involving trucks are particularly dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of trucks. A Denver truck accident lawyer can help with these serious cases.
Common Types of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents come in a variety of scenarios. Most at-fault drivers who cause T-bone accidents do so without any ill intent. However, they will still be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause as a result of their actions.
T-bone accident scenarios may include any of the following:
- A hurrying driver speeds up to make a light because they think they have enough time to make it to the other side of the intersection;
- A drunk driver misjudges the timing of a yellow light and continues into an intersection after the light turns red; or
- A driver is distracted by their ringing phone and looks down neglecting to see a stop sign.
There are cases where a driver may not be responsible for their failure to yield. For instance, a driver may experience mechanical or vehicle system failure causing them to enter an intersection against their will.
In such a scenario, a vehicle parts manufacturer or even a car maintenance facility may be responsible for both drivers’ injuries and accident-associated losses.
Injuries After A T-Bone Accident in Denver
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that t-bone accidents account for a quarter of all roadway crash fatalities in the United States. This is because the space on the side of a vehicle has very little to protect the occupants of the car by way of crush zones (the space that absorbs the energy from the other vehicle, protecting those inside).
This means that a victim of a t-bone accident can experience any of the following if they don’t perish immediately due to their injuries:
- Broken or Fractured Bones
- Broken Pelvis
- Cracked Ribs
- Crushed Limbs or Digits
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
The most common areas of injury are the head, pelvis, chest, and abdomen after a t-bone accident.
Modified Comparative Negligence In Denver T-Bone Accidents
Colorado operates under the concept of modified comparative negligence in motor vehicle accident cases. This means that the recoverable damages are reduced by how responsible an individual is for the accident.
For example, a victim is in a Denver car accident that is determined to be 49% his fault and 51% the perpetrator’s fault. In this case, the victim will have his damages reduced by 49%. However, If the victim was 50% responsible for his accident or more, then he forfeits his right to receive compensation.
Statute Of Limitations In Colorado Car Accidents
The statute of limitations in Colorado for motor vehicle accidents is three years from when the injuries were discovered. This discovery may be tied closely to when the incident occurred or may happen substantially after the fact.
Our Denver T-bone accident attorneys always urge T-bone accident victims to build their cases immediately. If you wait too long, evidence may be lost or destroyed, making it much harder to win your case.
Get The Legal Representation You Deserve With Dulin McQuinn Young
For the decades our team has practiced law, we’ve repeatedly shown our understanding of the nuances of Colorado’s personal injury statutes.
So get started working with the best Denver T-bone accident lawyers. Requesting your free case review is as easy as a few clicks. You’ll have someone reaching out to you in 24 hours to discuss your t-bone accident – guaranteed.