T-Bone Accidents Lawyer

T-bone accidents, also called broadside or side-impact accidents, are a common type of accident on Florida roadways. The impact on all drivers involved can be devastating, even at a low speed. If you or a loved one have been injured in a T-bone accident, contact an experienced accident attorney in Orlando, FL with 911 Biker Law.

Common Causes Of T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents can have many causes but these four are the most common.

Running Red Lights & Stop Signs

Stop lights and stop signs are two everyday traffic controls that too many drivers ignore. The driver’s justification for breaking the law is moot when the resulting T-bone accident has devastating consequences. The Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys with 911 Biker Law understand the gravity of these situations, and we’ll fight for the full compensation due to you after another driver runs a traffic signal and causes a T-bone accident.

Failure To Yield

Also called a left-turn crash, failure to yield the right of way to an oncoming vehicle causes many T-bone accidents. Whether the driver misjudges the speed of or doesn’t see the oncoming car, the driver turning left is liable for the accident. Florida Statutes § 316.079, 316.0815, and 316.123 specify situations in which a driver has a duty-to-yield. The Florida Drivers Handbook goes into greater detail regarding how right-of-way applies to many everyday driving situations.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is commonly described as texting and driving or otherwise using a cell phone while driving. But this frequent occurrence encompasses any task done or attempted while driving, such as eating or changing radio stations. When a driver’s attention is directed away from the road, the chances of driving into an intersection are increased. The resulting T-bone accidents caused by distracted drivers are often catastrophic.  

Weather Conditions

Rain can leave roadway surfaces slick as the oil and dust on the road mixes with the water, which can make it more difficult to stop quickly. In this situation, it can be easy for a vehicle to slide into an intersection if they driver did not begin to brake early enough.

Heavy rainfall can also cause visibility issues as it may be difficult or nearly impossible to see during storms.

Who Has Liability In A T-Bone Accident?

Liability in a T-bone accident is generally applied to the negligent driver. This is determined based on the duty a driver has in a specific situation, such as coming to a complete stop at a stop sign and allowing oncoming traffic through before entering an intersection. Because T-bone accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, liability is usually determined after the fact using:

  • Accident and police reports;
  • Photos, videos, and other evidence from the accident scene;
  • Traffic laws; and
  • Witness statements.

Yet, liability doesn’t automatically equate negligence. If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, contact the skilled Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers at 911 Biker Law to discuss your case.

Dangers Of T-Bone Accidents As A Motorcyclist

T-bone accidents are dangerous for any driver but perilous for motorcyclists. Vehicle drivers have protection from the frame of the vehicle and safety devices such as side curtain airbags, but motorcyclists are wholly exposed. Because motorcycles are significantly smaller than passenger vehicles, another driver may not initially see the motorcycle in his or her line of vision. This one- to two-second difference may mean the difference between a T-bone accident or not.

What To Do If You’re In A T-Bone Accident

  • First, seek medical attention and contact law enforcement.
  • If the accident occurred in a busy intersection or roadway, law enforcement can divert traffic around the scene to further protect you and the other driver.
  • If possible, take photos of the surrounding area, including the roadway surface and traffic signals. Photos, along with the accident report, will paint a complete picture of the accident and be helpful to a motorcycle injury lawyer in building your case.
  • Remember to make note of the other driver’s information, such as their full name, contact information, and insurance information.

Orlando Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a hit-and-run to occur after a T-bone accident involving a motorcycle. If you or a loved one have been involved in a T-bone accident, contact a hit and run attorney with 911 Biker Law. Our attorneys have helped many clients during this stressful time to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. Contact our law firm today.