If you’ve been involved in a T-bone car accident in Nashville and injured due to someone else’s negligence, there are some important things you need to know to protect your health and financial well-being. Side impact collisions are some of the most dangerous car accidents, but taking the proper steps afterward can help put you on the best path forward towards recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident, broadside collision, or any other type of angle collision, a Nashville car accident lawyer at Hughes & Coleman can help. Our legal team is here for you 24/7, and our consultations are always free.

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What is a T-bone accident?

A side-impact collision, also known as an angle collision, happens when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. T-bone collisions, which occur at right angles, are included in this category of crashes. Side-impact collisions are considered highly dangerous and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities in numerous instances.

These collisions are typically high-impact. They differ from other types of wrecks, such as a rear-end collision or a sideswipe car accident, due to the angle and often the severity of the crash. Unlike the front or rear of the vehicle, the side and doors lack sufficient distance from the body to offer substantial structural protection. Therefore, the driver and passengers are much more vulnerable and likely to sustain injuries.

Additionally, because side-impact collisions and T-bones are common at intersections, drivers have limited options and often cannot avoid being struck by another vehicle that disregarded a red light or stop sign. Broadside accidents leave little time for victims to react or brace themselves for the impact. They come as a surprise and can be catastrophic.

What to do after a T-bone accident in Nashville



In this video, attorney and founding partner Lee Coleman takes you through the proper steps to ensure your safety, and the integrity of any legal claim you may pursue to recover compensation for your injuries.

Ensure and Prioritize Your Safety: Check yourself and others involved in the car crash for serious injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, seek immediate medical assistance and call 911.

Move to a Safe Location: If it is safe and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road or a safe area to prevent further accidents or obstruction of oncoming traffic. If the cars cannot be moved, activate hazard lights and use reflective triangles or flares, if available, to warn other drivers at the accident scene.

Contact the Authorities: Report the T-bone accident to the police by calling 911 and request medical assistance if necessary. It’s important to have a police report documenting the incident, especially when there are serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, or disputes.

Exchange Information: Gather contact information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Obtain names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance policy details, and driver’s license information. Additionally, make a mental note of any witnesses present and collect their names and contact information.

Document the Accident Scene: If it is safe to do so, gather evidence. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles, tire marks, and relevant details. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Also, note the date, time, and location of the accident.

Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the car crash as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information, but stick to the facts and never admit fault.

Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you don’t immediately feel injured after the T-bone accident, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away. Keep records of any medical treatment received or medications prescribed.

Consult with an Attorney: If the accident resulted in serious injuries, significant property damage, or there are disputes regarding liability, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can provide legal advice and help protect your rights throughout the process and ensure you receive a fair settlement.

How a Nashville car accident attorney can help

An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable assistance following a T-bone car accident:

• Legal Guidance: An experienced car accident attorney understands the complexities of Tennessee personal injury laws and can provide you with knowledgeable guidance throughout the legal process. They can explain your rights and options, helping you make informed decisions.
• Investigation: Attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation of the T-bone accident to gather evidence. They can review police reports, witness statements, and any available video evidence to establish liability and strengthen your case.
• Determining Liability: In a T-bone accident, determining liability is crucial. Your attorney will examine factors such as traffic laws, right-of-way, driver negligence, and any other contributing factors to determine who should be held responsible for the accident.
• Insurance Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. An attorney can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected. They will negotiate with the insurance adjusters to seek a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.
• Gathering Damages: Auto accident lawyers can help you identify and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim for damages. They will work to assess the full extent of your injuries, including both the immediate and long-term impact on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Building a Strong Case: Attorneys understand the legal strategies required to build a strong case. They will compile the evidence, interview witnesses, consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary, and present a compelling argument on your behalf.
• Legal Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can represent you in court. They will advocate for your rights, present your case to a judge or jury, and work towards securing a favorable verdict and fair compensation.
• Managing Deadlines and Paperwork: Car accident cases in Nashville, TN involve various deadlines and paperwork requirements. An attorney can handle these administrative tasks, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly and within the specified timeframes.

By enlisting the help of a skilled Nashville car accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while having a legal professional handle the complexities of your case.

Call Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers as soon as possible at 800-800-4600 so that we can protect your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve. Get it done.

What damages can I sue for after a T-bone accident?

• Medical Expenses: You may be able to pursue compensation for present and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the T-bone accident. This can include costs for hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries may be sought. This includes physical pain, mental anguish, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
• Lost Wages: If the accident and resulting injuries have caused you to miss work or have affected your ability to earn a living, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages. This can include both current and future income losses, as well as potential diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: You may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle or other personal property that was affected in the T-bone accident.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, if the injuries sustained in the accident have affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may be able to seek damages for loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
• Punitive Damages: In certain situations where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be pursued. These damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Injuries from a side-impact collision

Side-impact collisions, such as T-bone accidents, can result in a range of injuries depending on various factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of safety restraints, and the overall crash dynamics. Here are some common injuries that can occur in side-impact collisions:

• Head Injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck and spinal injuries, including whiplash
• Chest and rib Injuries
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma

It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a side-impact collision, even if you don’t immediately feel injured. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and a medical evaluation can help identify any hidden or underlying injuries. Medical records also serve to document injuries for any personal injury claims you may need to pursue.

Who is at fault in a T-bone accident?

It’s important to note that fault determination can be complex and may require a thorough investigation of the accident scene, witness statements, and other evidence. In some cases, both drivers involved in the T-bone accident may share a degree of fault, and fault allocation may vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney who can review the details of your case and provide legal guidance regarding fault and potential liability.

What causes T-bones to happen?

The causes of a T-bone accident, or broadside crash, depends on the specific circumstances of the collision. Here are some common scenarios that can lead to a wreck and serious injury:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Running a red light
• Failure to stop or give way
• Speeding
• Intoxicated or impaired driving (DUIs)
• Reckless driving

After broadside crashes occur, an experienced accident lawyer can ensure that the wreck is properly investigated and that all factors are taken into consideration to determine the causes.

What does a T-bone accident look like?

A T-bone car accident scene can vary in appearance depending on several factors, including the location, severity of the collision, and the vehicles involved. Here’s what you might expect to see at a typical T-bone car accident scene:

Vehicle Positioning: At the scene, you may see two vehicles positioned at an angle, forming a “T” shape. One vehicle’s front end will likely be in contact with the side of the other vehicle. The impact is predominantly on the side of the vehicle that was struck.

Vehicle Damage: The vehicles involved may exhibit visible signs of damage. The side of the vehicle that was struck will likely bear the brunt of the impact. The doors, windows, and adjacent body panels may be dented, crushed, or crumpled. In severe cases, the impact could cause parts of the vehicle to detach or scatter in the area.

Debris and Fluids: The collision can scatter debris around the accident scene. Broken glass, shattered plastic, and dislodged vehicle parts may be scattered on the road surface. Additionally, fluids such as oil, coolant, or gasoline might leak from the damaged vehicles, creating a potential hazard.

Emergency Services: You may observe the presence of Nashville emergency vehicles if they have been called to the scene. Police officers, paramedics, or firefighters may be present, attending to injured individuals, securing the area, and assessing the situation.

Witnesses and Bystanders: Depending on the location and time of the accident, there may be witnesses and bystanders present. They might be assisting injured individuals, providing statements to the police, or simply observing the accident scene.

Police Investigation: The Nashville Police Department or Tennessee Highway Patrol will likely be conducting an investigation at the scene. They may interview witnesses, collect evidence, take photographs, and create a police report documenting the details of the accident.

Skid Marks and Tire Tracks: In some cases, skid marks or tire tracks might be visible on the road surface. These marks can provide clues about the speed, direction, and actions taken by the vehicles leading up to the collision.

Emotional Impact: T-bone accidents can evoke various emotions among the involved parties and witnesses. There may be visible signs of distress, shock, or concern as individuals process the events that have taken place.

It’s important to exercise caution and follow instructions from authorities if you find yourself at or near a T-bone car accident scene.

How common are T-bone angle collisions in Nashville?

In Nashville, T-bone accidents are the second most common type of crash, surpassed only by rear end accidents.

Broadside accidents are also common across the country

Nationally in 2020, side-impact collisions accounted for 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths – surpassed only by head-on collisions.

Where in Nashville do broadside collisions most commonly occur?

As you can see, according to Nashville crash data, T-bone accidents happen all across Nashville. Unfortunately, there are very few places, if any, that are void of risk.

T-bone accidents frequently happen at intersections, especially when one driver fails to yield the right of way. This can occur at both controlled intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, as well as uncontrolled intersections where drivers are expected to exercise caution and follow the rules of the road.

They are also not limited to public roads. These types of wrecks can occur in parking lots, particularly when vehicles are maneuvering to enter or exit parking spaces and fail to yield to oncoming traffic.

Some of the most common areas of Nashville where T-bones happen include:

Downtown Nashville

West Nashville and Richland

North Nashville

East Nashville

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone collision, contact Hughes & Coleman today

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone crash in Nashville, hire a law firm that can help ensure that you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. At Hughes & Coleman, we have over 35 years of experience, a team with the resources to help you, and people who truly care about the well-being of you and your loved ones.

We’re here for you 24/7, our consultations are always free, and you never pay us unless we recover money for you. Let us deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on your health.

CALL NOW

800-800-4600

Get it done.