T-Bone Truck Accident Settlements

Were you involved in a T-bone accident with a large truck? You are likely wondering who will pay your medical bills and what your case is worth. T-bone truck accident settlements will vary from case to case because no two accidents are exactly alike. The best way to learn what your case is worth is to contact a Colorado trucking accident lawyer at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.

Accidents involving large trucks can be terrifying. A T-bone truck accident can leave victims with severe to catastrophic injuries. You could be entitled to file a claim against the responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the auto parts manufacturer, another driver, etc. Determining the liable parties in truck collisions can be complicated. That is one reason why retaining an experienced lawyer is essential.

What Factors Impact T-Bone Truck Accident Settlements?

Understanding what factors impact your potential case value is important. Your total damages will impact your settlement value. The first factor is your injury type and severity. Typically, the more severe your injuries are, the higher your medical expenses and damages are. More severe injuries also mean your pain and suffering damages will likely be greater.

Another factor in your case is liability. Who is at fault for the collision? Proving liability against the defendant or defendants is crucial. If you cannot show evidence that the other party is liable and thus owes you compensation, you will not receive any money at all, no matter how severe your injuries are.

The amount of available insurance coverage can also impact your case. With commercial truck collisions, coverage limits are less of a concern when compared with a personal vehicle auto liability policy. Trucking companies carry commercial policies with much higher limits to cover deadly accidents. 

Common T-Bone Truck Accident Causes

Various factors can contribute to T-bone accidents, but some are more common than others. In most large truck collisions, there’s some negligence involved. Here’s a look at some of the most common T-bone truck accident causes.

• Distracted driving: Drivers can be distracted by various things, including texting, making a phone call, checking GPS, changing the radio station, talking to a passenger, and more.
• Fatigued driving: Large trucks and driver fatigue can be a deadly combination. Truck drivers who drive long routes and exceed allotted hours are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Speeding and other traffic violations: Speeding is often a factor in trucking accidents, making it harder to stop in time. Other traffic violations, such as failure to yield or running a red light, can also lead to a T-bone truck accident.
• Driving under the influence: Even one drink can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment capabilities.
• Adverse weather: Contributing factors in commercial truck accidents include low visibility or adverse weather, such as snow, rain, or fog.
• Road hazards: Construction zones, potholes, and other road hazards can also contribute to a T-bone truck accident.
• Defective parts: If a vehicle has a brake failure or tire blowout, a product manufacturer or mechanic could also share some liability for a defective product.
• Improper or overloaded cargo: When a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can decrease the driver’s ability to stop or keep them from losing control.

Despite the commonly used term “accident,” most collisions are hardly accidents. These collisions involve negligence, intentional acts, or recklessness on the part of one or more parties. Correctly identifying the responsible parties is paramount for maximizing T-bone truck accident settlements.

Determining Liability in a T-Bone Truck Accident  

Before you receive any compensation for your injuries and financial losses, you need to prove who is at fault. It’s not uncommon to have more than one liable party in a truck accident. Since many truck drivers work for trucking companies, you may be presenting a claim against their employer. If multiple parties are responsible for your injuries, you can pursue compensation from more than one defendant. 

To prove the defendant is responsible for your damages, you need to provide evidence of the following things: 

• The defendant owed a duty to you.
• They breached this duty.
• The breach is the direct cause of your injuries. 
• You have verifiable damages. 

You must prove all four elements to prevail in a successful liability argument. Even if you share a percentage of liability, you could still be eligible to collect a portion of your damages. However, if your share of liability is the same or greater than the defendant’s, you would not be entitled to collect any compensation under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-111. For example, if a jury finds you are 20% at fault, you could receive 80% of your damages. But if you are 60% at fault, you will receive nothing. 

Common T-Bone Truck Accident Injuries

Injuries in a T-bone truck accident are often catastrophic. When you think about the mechanics of a T-bone collision, it’s understandable why injuries are often so severe. When a large truck hits the side of your vehicle, your body will bend side to side, which is not a natural movement. Some of the most common T-bone truck accident injuries include:

• Concussion;
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI);
• Neck and back injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis;
• Lower and upper extremity injuries;
• Internal bleeding;
• Organ damage; and
• Rib fractures.

Don’t assume that you are not injured if you don’t feel an immediate onset of pain. Organ damage and internal bleeding are common in severe collisions. You should always seek medical treatment as soon as possible in an accident, especially a T-bone truck accident.

How a Colorado Trucking Accident Attorney Can Help

T-bone truck accident claims can be complex legal matters. You are going up against experienced negotiators and large trucking companies. They will fight vigorously to keep from paying out whenever possible. That means you need a skilled legal practitioner on your side who has experience with these types of cases. You want a firm with the skills and resources to take your case to trial should the defendants refuse to negotiate or accept liability.

The attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. have over 100 years of combined experience. We have negotiated numerous T-bone truck accident settlements with successful results. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and build the best case possible when you retain our firm.

Don’t attempt to handle your T-bone truck accident claim independently. Instead, contact our office to schedule an initial consultation. Let us review the facts of your case. We will advise you on the best legal steps and help you fight for the maximum compensation possible.