T-Bone, also called side impact collisions, often occur when one car strikes the other on the side and usually happens in intersections. The accidents could be minor to severe and leave the driver or passengers sitting on the side of impact and could suffer fatal injuries.
When driver negligence causes others to suffer harm, civil laws allow them to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages. Schedule a meeting with an auto collision attorney who is familiar with side impact / T-bone car accidents in Bangor for help with your case.
What Are the Causes of Side Impact Crashes?
Side impact crashes can happen at any time and for any reason, but some of the most common causes include the following:
- Failure to give the right-of-way in intersections
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Texting while behind the wheel or other driver distractions
- Vehicle operation while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Bad weather causes slippery road conditions
- Failing to give the right-of-way in a round-a-bout
- Failing to adhere to driver traffic safety rules and regulations
The driver failing to yield to other motorists with the right to proceed in intersections is typically the liable party in side impact crashes. An attorney seasoned in side impact / T-bone car crashes in Bangor could investigate to determine fault and help gather the evidence to recover a settlement from the insurance company or in civil court.
The Typical Injuries
Some of the typical injuries in side impact collisions include severe neck injuries, pelvis and limb fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. When vehicles traveling at higher speeds strike the side of another car, it could leave the driver or passengers with severe, life-threatening, or fatal injuries.
Maine Right-of-Way Laws
While there is no way to avoid all T-bone collisions, avoiding distractions, staying alert, and following traffic safety laws are the most effective ways to stay safe on the roadways. Under the instruction provided in Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, § 2053, the right-of-way laws are as follows:
- All drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicycles and pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
- Motorists backing out of their driveway must yield to other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists
- Vehicles must never pass other cars stopped in crosswalks
- Motorists must yield to other vehicles already in the intersection
- Cars already traveling in roundabouts have the right-of-way
- Motorists must always stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic before making left turns at intersections
- First responder emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks with their lights flashing, always have the right-of-way
Motorists failing to adhere to the traffic rules and regulations will face monetary penalties, receive points on their driving record, or lose their driver’s license temporarily. When drivers exceed the allowable points threshold on their driving record, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles may also require them to complete an approved driver safety course. During an initial consultation, a Bangor T-bone / side impact car crash lawyer could answer questions about the statutes and traffic safety regulations.
Meet With a Knowledgeable Bangor Side Impact / T-Bone Car Accident Attorney
T-bone car crashes can be severe, especially for the person sitting where the impact happens. While the front and back of vehicles have extra metal, rubber, and other materials, the side does not.
You could be eligible for compensation if you suffered bodily harm and property damages in an accident with a negligent motorist. Call a lawyer experienced with side impact / T-bone car accidents in Bangor to review your case and options and begin preparing your claim immediately.
