If you’re the victim of a T-bone car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, the experience can be devastating. You may face serious injuries like whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, emotional trauma, and financial strain from medical bills and lost wages.
Seeking the help of a St. Petersburg t-Bone car accident attorney can help you recover compensation to pay accident-related costs. The personal injury lawyers at Emerson Straw will protect your rights after a t-bone accident and get you a fair settlement for your injuries.
Why You Need a St. Petersburg T-Bone Car Accident Attorney: Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone or side impact collisions often occur due to driver error or negligence, such as:
- Failure to yield: Side impact crashes can occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way to another vehicle, often at an intersection or merging into traffic. Running a red light: When drivers ignore a red traffic light, they can collide with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, resulting in a T-bone accident.
- Left turns: Left-hand turns can lead to T-bone accidents if a driver fails to yield or misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic.
- Stop sign violations: Failing to stop at a stop sign can cause a T-bone collision when the vehicle runs into another car crossing the intersection.
T-Bone Accident Injuries
T-bone accidents can cause various injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. These injuries can result in lost earnings, high medical bills, and a life-long impact on your relationships.
Your attorney from Emerson Straw can help win you compensation for the following common injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury: A severe blow to the head can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairment. The average lifetime cost of a TBI is around $115,300 and can require extensive rehabilitative and psychological care.
- Rib fractures: The impact of a T-bone collision can cause rib fractures, which can lead to difficulty breathing and significant pain. You may need to pay for physical therapy and high-cost medications while recovering from a rib fracture.
- Hip fractures: Hip fractures are common in T-bone accidents and often require medical treatment and rehabilitation. It can take 6 to 9 months to recover from a hip fracture, leading to lost wages and a potential reduction in future earning capacity.
- Pelvic injuries: The concentrated impact on the side of the vehicle can cause pelvic injuries, which can result in chronic pain and mobility issues. Although you may recover fully from a pelvic fracture, it may take up to 10 years after the accident to experience an improved quality of life.
How an Attorney From Emerson Straw Can Help
If you have been involved in a T-boned car accident in St. Petersburg, an Emerson Straw attorney can provide legal guidance and representation throughout the claims process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Maximize Your No-Fault Benefits
No-fault insurance is a type of insurance that is required for all drivers in the state of Florida. It is also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. No-fault insurance covers 80% of your medical expenses up to $10,000, regardless of who was at fault for the car accident.
A St. Petersburg T-Bone Car Accident attorney from Emerson Straw can help maximize your no-fault insurance benefits by documenting and claiming relevant expenses. They can also negotiate with your insurer to obtain maximum compensation.
Your attorney will ensure you meet the 14-day Florida PIP claim period. The 14-day rule states that a claimant injured in a car crash must seek medical assistance within 14 days to be eligible for PIP benefits.
File a Third-Party Claim for Damages
In Florida, you can file a third-party claim for damages if your injury expenses exceed your PIP coverage and meet the state’s serious injury threshold. This includes loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, or death.
An attorney can help you file a third-party claim for damages against the at-fault driver. This involves seeking compensation for damages beyond what is covered by your PIP insurance policy, such as pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and other non-economic losses.
Gather Evidence for Your Case
A St. Petersburg T-Bone Car Accident attorney can gather evidence to support your T-Bone car accident case. This includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation related to the accident.
They can also work with accident reconstruction experts, obtain video footage, and conduct investigations to build a strong case on your behalf. This evidence can help demonstrate liability and establish the full extent of your damages.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
Your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies and opposing counsel. They have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and can effectively advocate for your best interests. Your attorney can also evaluate settlement offers to determine if they are fair, given the specific circumstances of your case.
Represent You in Court
While not all cases go to court, some cases may require litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation. Your attorney can advocate for you in court, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. Having an experienced attorney on your side increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact a T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer Near You
At Emerson Straw, we understand a car accident’s traumatic impact on your life, especially when you suffer a T-bone collision. Our experienced St. Petersburg T-Bone Car Accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the financial settlement you deserve.
FAQs
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?
The insurance company may try to get you to accept a low settlement offer or say things that could be used against you later. It is best to refer the insurance company to your attorney, who can handle communication with the insurance company and protect your legal rights.
How much is the average T-bone car accident settlement?
There is no set amount for a T-bone car accident settlement in Florida, as each case is unique. Settlement amounts depend on various factors, such as the severity of the injuries sustained, the medical treatment required, the amount of property damage, and the insurance policy limits.
Can I still file a T-Bone car accident claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may still be able to file a claim in Florida even if you were partially at fault in a T-bone collision. Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that damages are reduced based on the degree of fault of each party.
