A T-bone accident can occur when you least expect it. If you’ve been hurt in one, a Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you seek damages.
T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions. When one vehicle slams into the side of another, the impact can cause severe property damage and catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been on the wrong end of this kind of crash, it’s time to get legal help.
Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys have won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, a T-bone accident lawyer in Lafayette can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Lafayette T-Bone Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve been the victim of a T-bone accident, a Lafayette personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate your accident: A lawyer can collect police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony to strengthen your case and prove liability.
- Calculate damages: A lawyer can assess your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses to determine the true value of your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize car accident payouts. An attorney can handle communications with them and fight for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court: If negotiations fail, an attorney can argue on your behalf in court.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
What Is the Average Settlement for a T-Bone Accident?
Since every case is unique, there is no average settlement for a T-bone accident. Payouts can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on factors such as injury severity, lost income, and available insurance coverage.
A T-bone accident attorney in Lafayette can review your case and estimate its potential value.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
What Types of Damages Are Available?
If you file a personal injury lawsuit after a T-bone accident in Louisiana, you may be able to pursue several types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can be compensated for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need due to the crash.
- Lost income: You can receive payment for the wages you would’ve earned while recovering from the accident, as well as for any reduction in your future earning capacity.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged belongings.
- Pain and suffering: You can be awarded damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of consortium: You can seek compensation for the negative impact the accident has had on your relationship with your spouse or family.
- Punitive damages: You may be able to recover additional damages meant to punish especially reckless behavior, such as drunk driving.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
What Is the Deadline to File a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Per Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, you generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to recover compensation entirely, which is why it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Who’s Usually At Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
T-bone collisions often happen at intersections, where one driver fails to yield the right-of-way. In this type of accident, fault commonly lies with:
- A driver running a red light or stop sign
- A distracted driver who fails to notice oncoming traffic
- A driver making an illegal left turn
- A speeding or reckless driver who cannot stop in time
However, liability in car accident claims isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, multiple drivers share responsibility, or liability may even extend to a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or municipality that failed to maintain safe road conditions. A lawyer can use evidence to demonstrate that you were not at fault for your accident.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Distracted driving (such as texting behind the wheel)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to yield or ignoring traffic signals
- Speeding through intersections
- Poor road design or malfunctioning traffic lights
- Inexperienced or aggressive driving
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Lafayette
After a T-bone car accident in Lafayette, it’s important to:
- Call 911: Report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If possible, collect contact information from witnesses as well.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s insurance and license details.
- Seek medical care: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Documentation of your injuries will also be vital to your claim.
- Avoid admitting fault: Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or discussing fault when speaking with police and insurers.
- Contact a lawyer: Reach out to a T-bone accident attorney before dealing with insurance companies.
Contact a T-Bone Accident Attorney in Lafayette
Recovering from a T-bone accident is never easy. Between painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed.
A dedicated Lafayette T-bone accident attorney from Galloway Jefcoat can handle your claim and take the stress out of the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
