Side Impact/T-Bone Car Accidents in Mansfield
Side impact car accidents, also known as T-bone car accidents, occur when the front or rear of one vehicle slams into the side of another at a 90-degree angle. These accidents can be particularly severe and dangerous, given the lack of protection at the side of the vehicle.
If you are involved in a side impact car accident, you might sustain injuries that affect you for the rest of your life. A dedicated vehicle crash attorney could evaluate your case and help you understand more about side impact/T-bone car accidents in Mansfield.
Possible Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents
Side impact car accidents are often the result of negligent drivers and traffic violations. Common causes of side impact car accidents include:
- Failure to yield
- Running through red lights
- Running through stop signs
- Speeding recklessly
T-bone car accidents are the most common type of car accident but can result from various circumstances. No matter the cause, the severity of these accidents can result in extensive and long-lasting damage to the victim. In Mansfield, side T-Bone collisions can give rise to several legally-recognized categories of damages.
Damages Available in T-Bone Car Accidents
Obtaining financial coverage for crash-related losses can be overwhelming for individuals injured in side impact car accidents. In many cases, crash victims in Mansfield need immediate medical attention at a hospital and could also require long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Fortunately, the law recognizes several different categories of damages that could be available for side impact/T-bone collisions. The first category of damages is compensatory, which can include economic and non-economic damages. Monetary damages include medical bills and other costs that can be accurately assessed down to a financial figure. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, are not so easily calculated but may be requested in specific cases.
Texas also recognizes another category of damages known as punitive damages. These damages punish the responsible party rather than compensate the victim, so they are generally only awarded in particularly egregious cases. Additionally, Texas has imposed a cap on punitive damages, which can only equal the greater of $200,000 or twice the amount of economic damages plus an amount that equals non-economic damages up to $750,000.
Comparative Negligence and Its Effect on Damages
Another important note regarding side-impact collisions is the potential for comparative negligence. Comparative negligence is a legal theory that applies if the injured party also contributed to the accident. For instance, if one party was looking at their phone as they rolled through a stop sign, but the injured party was also speeding through the stop sign, the injured party may also be negligent.
In this scenario, the amount of damages to which the injured party is entitled will be reduced proportionately to the percentage of their fault. However, if the court finds the injured party more than 50% at fault, the party cannot recover any damages.
Contact an Attorney in Mansfield Regarding Side Impact/T-Bone Car Accidents
Side impact car accidents can be particularly gruesome and might require extensive investigation. A lawyer could help you identify the damages you are entitled to and request them from the court.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about side impact/T-bone car accidents in Mansfield. Help protect your financial future and begin the road to recovery today.