Many car accidents occur in intersections. Whether confusion or carelessness is the cause, many people find themselves being struck by drivers that run red lights or stop signs. The safety features of modern cars are meant to protect from side-impact accidents, but they are not perfect. Especially if you are struck at high speeds, you could suffer serious injuries after a “T-bone” car accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in a T-bone accident, contact a personal injury lawyer. You might be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit for your injuries. A car accident attorney like Prosper Shaked may be able to take your case and fight to get your injuries compensated. For a free consultation on your case, contact the Miami T-bone car accident lawyer at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676.
Who is At Fault in a T-Bone Car Crash in Florida?
Most car accidents that take place in intersections have clear rules that help determine who caused the accident. Insurance companies and courts can use these rules to decide liability if the at-fault driver denies fault. Especially in intersections with traffic control devices, determining fault in an intersection crash may be a simple affair.
Sometimes the simplest traffic rules are the ones that have the most weight when determining fault. For instance, simple rules requiring drivers to stop at a stop sign or red light, or rules saying you cannot enter an intersection unless it is safe, often determine fault in T-bone crashes. The classic T-bone accident sees one car drive straight into the side of another car. This only occurs if one car is already in the intersection when the other enters the intersection.
If the car that was struck was lawfully in the intersection, the car that hit it is almost always at fault. The opposite is also true: if a car was struck after illegally entering the intersection, the first car is at fault for the accident. Because of the shape of the accident, it is simple to tell who entered the intersection first: the car which was hit. If they were lawfully in the intersection when the crash occurred, it must be the other car’s fault, since they entered the intersection second. If the first car ran a red light or a stop sign, then the second car would not be responsible for T-boning the other car if they did not have time to stop.
These rules do not hold true in every accident, but they are a strong guideline that helps courts and insurance companies determine fault in a T-bone collision.
Suing for Injuries in a T-Bone Car Accident in Miami
Florida’s “no-fault” insurance laws often confuse people about when they can sue in court for car accident injuries. Note that if you are severely injured and you face very high medical bills, you often have the ability to sue regardless of no-fault rules. In more moderate injury cases, things can become more complicated.
First and foremost, a “no-fault” insurance policy covers injuries up to your “personal injury protection” (PIP) limit regardless of who is at fault for the accident. In Florida, every policy is required to have at least $10,000 of no-fault PIP coverage. If your injuries are permanent in nature or will cost more than $10,000, you may be able to sue in court instead.
For very severe cases, it is important to take your case to a car accident lawyer. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, file your case in court, and help you determine what your case is worth. You should never accept a settlement from insurance or the other driver until you discuss your case with an attorney and have a better idea of what your case is worth.
Ultimately, the driver who was responsible for the accident may be required to pay you “damages” for your injuries. Monetary damages can include payments for any physical or financial harms you suffer because of the accident. This means that any medical bills resulting from the injury can be covered, including imaging, medical transportation, and even rehabilitation.
If your injuries were so severe that you had to miss work, you can receive compensation for lost wages. This may also include damages for lost wages going forward if you were too injured to return to work.
Lastly, you may be entitled to direct compensation for your physical pain and mental suffering. These damages are difficult to calculate and depend heavily on the types of injuries you face and your personal experience of the pain. Many car insurance claims will not pay pain and suffering damages, and these may only be available from a lawsuit.
Miami T-Bone Intersection Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was severely injured in a car accident, call a personal injury lawyer today. Miami T-bone car accident lawyer Prosper Shaked handles car accident injury claims for car accident victims in the Miami area. For a free consultation on your case, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676 today.