Car accidents are a frequent danger drivers face on St. Petersburg roadways, but a T-bone (broadside) collision often has deadlier impact experiences. For those who survive such crashes, the lasting effects of their injuries often involve ongoing medical care and related financial hardship on the victims.
Since Florida is a no-fault state, many people think that suing the liable driver may be difficult. This is not the case. Your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries has protections under state law, but an experienced St. Petersburg T-Bone car accident attorney can help guide you through the complicated claims and lawsuit process.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
Hitting the broadside of another vehicle may seem odd since that side is the longest and most visible. Typically, these crashes are a result of another driver ignoring the right-of-way on the road. For example, at an intersection, a driver fails to stop or make a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic.
Other factors that can lead to a T-Bone accident in St. Petersburg include:
- An obstructed view;
- Misjudgment of a gap in traffic;
- Misjudgment of oncoming traffic speed;
- Insufficient surveillance;
- Distractions, such as cell phones, texting, food, etc.;
- Aggressive or reckless driving; and
- Incorrect assertions about other drivers’ actions.
Injuries from T-Bone Car Accidents
Sadly, when a side-impact crash occurs, injuries are rarely contained to soreness and bruises. Because of the brute force in such a crash, bodily harm and property damage may be severe.
Here are the most common injuries associated with a T-bone collision:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Concussions;
- Whiplash;
- Fractured and/or broken bones;
- Chest trauma;
- Spinal injuries, like disc herniations; and
- Severe strains and sprains.
The level of trauma done to the human body in a T-bone collision may be extensive. The medical care required may easily exceed that of your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and optional medical payment benefits. If this is the case for your accident, it is critical to speak with a highly trained T-bone accident attorney right away.
Potential Costs of T-Bone Accidents in Florida
Damages in T-bone car accidents fall under two major categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages can be put in terms of dollars, while non-economic damages are harder to quantify.
Medical Expenses
Florida awards damages for medical costs related to the accident, including transportation expenses to appointments, medical bills, and equipment.
Property Damage
Car damages in T-bone collisions can be devastating and costly to fix. Sometimes, the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the vehicle, in which case the at-fault party would be liable for the lost value.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Lost wages and lost earning capacity have subtle yet important differences. Lost wages typically refers to the amount of wages that you weren’t able to earn due to your injuries from the accident. Lost earning capacity reflects how much money you could have earned in the future if you were never injured.
Non-Economic Costs
Putting a physical price tag on the emotional trauma you suffered is difficult, and the courts consider this a non-economic cost. To better understand what an intangible cost may include, consider the examples below:
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Disfigurement;
- Loss of life enjoyment; and
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
This is a category that your damages may qualify for if the liable party was egregiously reckless in their actions that caused you harm. Receiving this type of damage is not standard, and a judge will determine if the defendant’s actions rise to this level.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Policy
If you suffered car accident injuries in St. Petersburg, your own insurance carrier provides personal injury protection (PIP) benefits of $10,000.00 to cover 60% of your lost wages and 80% of your medical bills. This is Florida’s no-fault policy. Note, however, that your PIP does not payout 100% of either category. To be fully compensated, you must file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance to obtain the balance and any damage over the $10,000.00. To prevail in this claim, you must establish they were negligent in their actions, they breached their duty of care to others on the road, this breach caused the accident, and your injuries were causally related to the accident.
To find out if you have a case against the other driver, contact an experienced St. Petersburg T-bone car accident attorney to evaluate your case and discuss your options.
Trust Your Case to a St. Petersburg T-Bone Car Accident Attorney
After suffering a T-bone car accident in St. Petersburg, you may not be sure of your next steps or whether your injuries are severe enough to warrant a lawsuit. Your first step is to hire a car accident attorney with a demonstrated track record of successfully litigating this type of collision claim.
With the level of trauma you have suffered, it may be difficult to represent your case alone. Trust the highly trained attorneys at Marsalisi Law to take this burden off your shoulders and focus on your recovery while we handle the complex process of your T-bone car accident claim. From interviewing witnesses to gathering documentation of your injuries and the accident, we will prevent the insurance company and negligent driver from minimizing your pain.
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi is a proud member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association. This membership highlights his dedication to success when representing his clients for personal injury compensation. Our firm has an attorney fluent in English and Spanish, allowing you to communicate your needs or questions and get the answers you need. Contact our office online today or call (727) 334-1344 for a free case evaluation to learn what your rights are and how to proceed with your case.
Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!