A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone, has the potential to cause severe injuries. These wrecks involve the front of a car colliding with the side of another vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle that gets hit are at elevated risk of injuries since the wreck occurs at the most vulnerable part of the car. It is no surprise that these accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death.
When you are injured in a side-impact collision, you may have substantial injuries that go beyond Florida’s no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policies. Depending on who was at fault for the crash, you may be able to pursue financial recovery from the other driver. Our lawyers have experience holding negligent parties accountable for causing side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Pensacola. Call today to set up a consultation with one of the dedicated car wreck attorneys at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon.
Many assume the driver who hits the other vehicle is at fault for a T-bone collision. Most of the time, this is true. If a driver runs a traffic signal or stop sign, this can cause them to collide with a vehicle who had the right of way.
However, that assumption is not always the case. A driver can also appear in front of another driver who is following all the rules. Given that the Pensacola area is famous for tourists, this increases the likelihood of accidents. There are many reasons for this, but a couple are driving while under the influence or being unfamiliar with the area. However, whether the behavior is negligent or reckless does not change the resulting injuries. Determining who had the right of way is essential to determining fault for a Pensacola side-impact collision.
Florida is a no-fault state for minor injuries under Florida Statutes § 627.7407. After a wreck, a driver’s own PIP coverage is the first resource for paying for those injuries. Only after exhausting that coverage can you seek compensation from another party.
To recover from someone else, you do not have to demonstrate that they were entirely responsible for the crash. Florida allows people to recover from injuries if they are not more than 50 percent responsible for causing them. So, even if you contributed to the accident, you may be able to recover compensation. However, if you share responsibility for the collision, the court will diminish your damage award to reflect only the other party’s percentage of fault.
Because of the combination of no-fault and modified comparative fault, determining who is at fault and how much is essential. A Pensacola lawyer could help you evade baseless allegations of fault and get the fair compensation you need and deserve after a T-bone car accident.
Side-impact wrecks in Pensacola often happen at high speeds since they generally involve one driver failing to yield the right of way to another. Combined with their unique location, this can lead to significant injuries for all parties. While some people may walk away with cuts, scrapes, and bruises, other people may not walk away at all.
Some common injuries from these accidents can be catastrophic. They include:
Some people may even die because of these injuries.
The nature of the injury also influences your ability to recover. Florida limits the type of damages available in most auto accidents. However, if your injury meets the statutory definition of a serious bodily injury—outlined in Florida Statutes § 627.737—you may be entitled to non-economic damages based on trauma or pain and suffering.
If you have been hurt in one of the many side-impact/T-bone car accidents in Pensacola, it is crucial to learn your rights. While PIP coverage may be enough to cover minor personal injuries, moderate or severe injuries will exhaust your PIP limits. Our seasoned legal professionals at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can review your case during an initial consultation. They will provide their professional opinion regarding fault and help you explore your options for recovery. Call today to get started.