When you’ve been injured in a Minneapolis T-bone car accident, affording medical treatment should be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, the actions of a negligent driver may have left you suffering from the financial burden of severe injuries and property damage. On top of that, you have physical and emotional consequences. If you were injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to pursue compensation for damages in a Minneapolis car accident lawsuit.
The car accident lawyers of Sand Law are prepared to negotiate on your behalf. We have the financial resources and legal insight to establish a convincing case for liability. And to recover compensation for your damages. Our team offers a free case evaluation where you can discuss your case with one of our Minneapolis T-bone car accident lawyers and receive personalized legal advice.
If you were injured in a Minneapolis car accident, contact Sand Law for a free case evaluation. You can call us at 651-291-7263 or contact us online.
What is a T-Bone Car Accident?
A T-bone car accident is named for the visual that the two cars involved in the accident create. In a T-bone auto accident, the front of one vehicle runs into the side of another vehicle, forming a T shape. The entire impact of the first car is consolidated into an area with less protection, which can result in catastrophic injuries and property damage.
Where Do T-Bone Auto Accidents Occur?
T-bone auto accidents are most common at locations where two roads intersect. Examples of intersections may include places where a driveway leads out to a road, traffic interchanges, and 3 way stops, to name a few. Essentially, anywhere that one vehicle crosses or turns in front of another vehicle presents an opportunity for a T-bone car accident to occur.
Some states, including Minnesota, have made it a point to construct more roundabouts to reduce the rate of car accidents like T-bone auto accidents. However, it is not possible to eliminate every opportunity for a T-bone collision, which is why Minneapolis drivers should know what to expect if they are involved in a T-bone car accident.
Causes of Minneapolis T-Bone Auto Accidents
Like most car accidents, T-bone car accidents are typically the results of negligent driving behavior. Minneapolis drivers have a responsibility to one another to abide by traffic laws and safely maneuver their vehicles. When they fail to uphold their duty of care, a Minneapolis car accident can result in serious injury or even death.
Common Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Disregarding traffic laws
In some cases, T-bone accidents are the result of a simple error in judgment. However, it is significantly easier to misjudge the speed of an oncoming car or anticipate a changing traffic signal if you are impaired, distracted, or behaving recklessly. For example, a drowsy driver may blow through a stop sign and slam into the passenger side door of another car at full speed, causing extensive damage and injury.
T-Bone Car Accidents are Dangerous and Can be Fatal
As previously discussed, the impact of a T-bone auto accident concentrates the force being applied to the other car, which often means that the resulting injuries are more serious. Treatment can entail invasive medical procedures, require expensive medications or accommodations, and prevent you from working while you recover.
Some injuries cause life-altering damage, such as disfigurement or paralysis. In the worst-case scenario, a T-bone car accident can claim lives. According to Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety, in 2020, 394 people died and 20,529 were injured in Minnesota car accidents.
Common T-Bone Car Accident Injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Fractured and broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
As soon as you are out of harm’s way, you should seek treatment from a medical provider. They will be able to identify any injuries you have sustained and administer the appropriate treatment before your condition worsens. It’s also beneficial to have medical records detailing your injuries. These will come in handy when you’re ready to file a personal injury claim.
Insurance companies often try to reject or reduce the value of a claim by saying that the injured party failed to seek medical assistance. This indicates that their injuries are less serious than their personal injury lawsuit claims. Don’t give them an easy excuse to diminish the value of your claim. If you need assistance finding a reputable medical provider, a Sand Law car accident lawyer can help connect you with a qualified medical professional.
Receiving Compensation After a Minneapolis T-Bone Accident
In a personal injury lawsuit, you can claim compensatory damages to reimburse you for the losses you have incurred. Compensatory damages include economic and non-economic damages. Expenses that have a receipt, or at least an established monetary value, are considered economic damages. Non-economic damages are calculated more subjectively. However, they’re still legitimate losses that can be recognized in a Minneapolis car accident lawsuit.
Examples of Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit:
- Medical bills
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Therapy
- Medication
- Mobility aids
- Home healthcare aide
- Job-related losses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Missed promotion
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium or parental guidance
Understanding Economic and Non-Economic Damages After a T-bone Car Accident
For example, let’s say that you sustained a spinal cord injury after being involved in a Minneapolis T-bone accident caused by a drunk driver. You need to purchase a wheelchair to get around, you have to take an Uber to your physical therapy appointments, and you are no longer able to play hockey with your friends every weekend.
In this example, the cost of the wheelchair, the amount you spend on Ubers to physical therapy, and the cost of the therapy itself would all be considered economic damages. The loss of quality of life resulting from being unable to play hockey would be categorized as a non-economic damage.
Establishing Liability in a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawsuit
For a party to be considered liable, a car accident attorney must demonstrate that their client was owed a duty of care by the other party. They must also demonstrate that a breach of this obligation led to the accident which caused the plaintiff’s injuries and damages. To ensure that their client is eligible to recover these damages, a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer will likely need to rely on a variety of sources to prove that the defendant is liable.
Types of Evidence Used in T-Bone Accident Cases
- Red light cameras
- Security camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
Contact the Minneapolis T-Bone Car Accident Lawyers of Sand Law Today
At Sand Law, we make it a point to put the needs of our injured clients first. We’ll go above and beyond to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our team will handle communications with insurance claims adjusters and bill collectors. We’ll gather evidence and create a plan to negotiate maximum compensation for your damages.
In some cases, insurance companies are unwilling to offer what we believe is a fair settlement in pre-trial negotiations. Sand Law’s dedicated car accident lawyers won’t let that stand. Our team is composed of trial attorneys with ample experience litigating complex personal injury claims against insurance companies who want to diminish settlements.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a T-bone car accident, securing a reputable representative should be your next step after seeking medical attention. You can reach us online or by phone at 651-291-7263. The car accident lawyers of Sand Law are ready to champion your claim for damages in a Minneapolis T-bone accident lawsuit so you can rebuild your life.