T-bone collisions can cause serious injuries and fatalities, especially when a truck broadsides a smaller passenger vehicle. In the aftermath of a T-bone truck accident, victims and the families of the deceased have important questions about their legal and financial rights.
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions that we hear from people whose lives have suffered devastation because of a T-bone truck accident. For answers to specific questions about a T-bone truck crash that upended your life or caused the death of a loved one, contact a skilled truck accident injury lawyer today.
How can I pay for all of these bills after a T-bone truck accident?
The vast majority of T-bone accidents only happen because someone made a terrible mistake that led to the crash. So long as you, alone, were not that person, you likely have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses by filing a lawsuit. It is advised that an experienced law firm assists with this process, as they know that multiple parties could have a legal liability to you for damages.
These parties may include:
- The driver of the truck that broadsided your car, if his careless or reckless actions behind the wheel contributed to the cause of the crash;
- The driver’s employer, who generally must answer for the actions of its employee;
- The owner of the truck, if mechanical failure or poor truck maintenance caused the accident;
- A vehicle manufacturer, if defective vehicle parts played a role in causing the collision; and
- The local government, if a preventable, dangerous road condition contributed to the cause of the T-bone truck crash.
These are just examples as every case has unique facts. To find out who may owe you damages for causing the T-bone truck accident that injured you or a loved one, contact a skilled attorney today.
What damages can I recover?
That, too, depends on what happened.
Generally speaking, victims of T-bone truck crashes can file a lawsuit seeking payment for the following factors:
- Their medical expenses related to treating their injuries;
- Any other expenses they incurred because of the accident or injuries;
- The wages or income they lost while recovering from the accident or because they cannot return to work;
- Their pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life and relationships; and
- Sometimes, punitive damages that punish the party who caused the crash for extreme or outrageous conduct.
The damages you may receive depend largely on the nature and severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, the strength of your case, and the financial resources of the at-fault party. Seek the help of a skilled, experienced truck accident lawyer to give yourself the best possible chance of securing full compensation for your T-bone truck accident injuries and losses.
What if my loved one died in a T-bone truck crash?
In the tragic event of a fatal T-bone truck accident, the close family members of the deceased victim may seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death lawsuit. The damages they recover through legal action generally include costs and financial losses related to the death. To learn more about your family’s rights after a fatal T-bone truck crash, contact a skilled, experienced truck accident lawyer right away.
How long will it take to receive a settlement?
That’s hard to predict.
First, there’s no guarantee of securing a settlement for your claim. Sometimes, your lawyer may advise you that the only way to obtain the money you truly deserve is to take your case to trial, where your lawyer will ask a jury to award you compensation.
Second, even in cases that settle, the timeline varies widely. By and large, you cannot control how long it takes to receive a settlement. You can, however, control when you seek legal advice for your T-bone truck accident claim. The sooner you take that important first step, the sooner the rest of the process can get started. Your truck accident lawyer will work hard to resolve your case as efficiently and as quickly as possible while ensuring you don’t sacrifice any of the compensation you deserve.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
There is no cost to hire a personal injury attorney. Payment only happens once your lawyer gets you results.
The first consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer is always free of charge. If you and the lawyer decide to work together on your claim, then the lawyer will represent you on a contingency fee basis—the lawyer’s fee consists entirely of a percentage of any money the lawyer secures on the client’s behalf. The client does not pay the lawyer money upfront or as the case goes along. The lawyer only gets paid if the client gets paid. Speak with a legal professional today to get the questions about your case answered… Don’t know what to ask? review our post about, “What to ask a Truck Accident Lawyer?”
Can I do anything to help my case?
Yes, you can.
First, and most importantly, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the truck accident, even if you think you survived it with just minor bumps and bruises. Some life-threatening injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Play it safe by having a doctor examine you as quickly as possible after the accident. Not only does this precaution protect your health, it also creates important medical records your lawyer can use later to prove the tenets of your case.
Second, take pains to preserve all evidence and documentation you have related to the T-bone truck accident and your injuries. If possible, start by taking pictures at the accident scene and collecting contact information from the drivers involved and any eyewitnesses present. Later on, save all documents and items in your possession that have anything to do with the crash—insurance statements, receipts for painkillers, even the clothes you wore at the time of the accident.
Third, contact an experienced truck accident injury lawyer as soon as you can for a free consultation about your legal options. You may have valuable legal rights to compensation, but only if you act in a timely manner.