Side-Impact Truck Accident Lawyer

A side-impact accident is commonly referred to as a T-bone collision. These may occur either when a trucker fails to yield the right of way, or pulls into the pathway of another vehicle that has the right of way. When a trucker does not yield, this typically occurs when they are attempting to turn. In this situation, the car with the right of way strikes the side of the truck, causing a serious collision. If you were involved in a side-impact truck collision in Virginia, speak with an attorney at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. Our legal professionals can work hard to fight for your right to fair compensation.

Two Types of Side Impact Collision

There are two typical scenarios for a side-impact collision. They are as follows:

T-Bone, where a passenger vehicle drives into the side of a tractor-trailer
Sideswipe, where a passenger vehicle clips the side of a big rig

Side impact truck accidents typically happen when trucks or smaller vehicles fail to yield the right of way when merging or executing turns at an intersection. Trucks can also create the potential for a T-bone collision when they block several lanes of traffic when turning.

How Dangerous Are T-Bone Accidents?

Given the weight and size difference between passenger vehicles and large trucks, the potential for catastrophic injuries and death is quite high in these types of truck accidents.

According to the NHTSA, 122,272 side-impact accidents involving large trucks were reported nationwide in 2020.

Causes of T-Bone Collisions with Trucks

Common causes for these T-bone collisions in Virginia are a truck failing to yield the right of way, either by attempting to cross a roadway by going straight across, or attempting a turn and failing to yield the right of way.

These impacts can happen on the passenger side or driver side of the vehicle depending on the flow of traffic. Another common cause of these accidents is when truck drivers pull into the path of traffic blocking several lanes while waiting for other lanes to free up. These actions can then result in a side impact collision if the trucker has miscalculated his turn.

What to Do Following a Side-Impact Collision with a Truck

Following a side-impact accident with a truck, a person should make sure that they are okay and contact the police or medics if they need immediate medical attention. These collisions can be some of the worst motor vehicle accidents because if a driver is struck on the door of the vehicle, they have far less to protect them. Side-impact collisions can also often cause the airbags to go off, which in and of themselves can cause burns, concussions, and other injuries.

It is important to contact the police so that a thorough investigation can be done. If it is safe to do so, this motorist should take photographs and document what happened, and exchange information with the other driver. Prompt investigation is helpful in proving a side impact collision. For examples, if the truck driver had a stop sign, and the motorist clearly has the right of way, that case may be a little easier to prove. However, if a side impact collision happens at an intersection with a light and all drivers are claiming to have the green light, those cases can be more challenging to prove.

This is one of the reasons why it could be important if there are any eyewitnesses to get their names and contact information, so that the investigator and the law office can reach out to these witnesses and preserve that testimony. After taking photographs, the drivers may want to consider moving the vehicles out of the roadway to hopefully prevent a subsequent impact.

Potential Damages

If someone is injured through a truck driver’s negligence, the injured motorist may be entitled to payment for their medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity and also payment for their pain, suffering and inconvenience. It is important to note that a claimant may be eligible to receive compensation for both past and future losses they are expected to incur based on their injuries. Claimants may be entitled to payment for any permanent injuries they may have experienced and the negative effects on their lifestyle.

Call a Virginia Attorney About a Side-Impact Collision with a Truck

If you were involved in a side-impact truck collision in Virginia, speak with the attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. Our team has years of experience handling claims against trucking companies and can work hard to help you obtain the compensation you need. To get started on your case, call today for a free case consultation.

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