While car accidents are still dangerous, modern vehicles are far more resistant to an impact than they were in years past. While passenger cars are designed to absorb a tremendous impact to the front or the rear, damage to the side can lead to devastating consequences.
Side impact/t-bone car accidents in Florence can be devastating. If you were hurt in a collision like this, you may have a viable case for compensation. If your accident can be traced back to the carelessness of another driver, a dedicated car accident attorney could help you seek justice.
Who is at Fault for a Side-Impact Collision?
A side impact collision—commonly known as a T-bone accident—occurs when the front of a car strikes the side of a different vehicle. In Florence, side-impact accidents usually occur when one party fails to yield the right-of-way.
The most common example occurs in an intersection. If a driver does not stop at a red light or a stop sign, they increase their risk of colliding with cross traffic. Depending on the circumstances, the driver who is at fault could be struck in the front or the side during the crash.
Comparative Fault and T-Bone Accidents
Determining fault in a side-impact car accident in Florence is not always straightforward. In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility. However, under the state’s legal standard of pure comparative negligence, an injured party can still seek compensation even if they are partially at fault.
Under pure comparative negligence, a person can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against anyone with even a small degree of fault. A plaintiff can still recover damages even if they share blame for the accident, but their share of fault can affect the outcome of their case.
Under pure comparative negligence, the courts must reduce a plaintiff’s damages based on their degree of fault. For example, someone who is 75 percent liable for an accident will have their total compensation reduced by 75 percent.
Common T-BoneAccident Injuries
The injuries in this type of accident can be worse than in many other collisions for one simple reason: the side of a vehicle is substantially weaker compared to the front or rear. Manufacturers design the bumper, airbags, and frame of cars to absorb a significant amount of force during a front or rear impact. However, these same protections are largely absent on the sides of vehicles. Some of the injuries that can result from t-bone accidents include:
- Amputation
- Severe burns
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
The injured person may qualify for financial compensation when t-bone car accidents in Florence result in serious injuries. An attorney could investigate the cause of the crash and advise on what damages might be available.
Talk to a Florence Attorney About Side Impact/T-Bone Car Accidents
These collisions can have lasting consequences. You could face financial challenges on top of the physical and emotional pain that comes with a serious injury.
The reality of this type of case is that financial compensation can be hard to come by. Instead of assuming you are out of luck after a side impact/t-bone car accident in Florence, speak with an attorney about your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the steps to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
