A side-impact or T-bone truck accident occurs when a commercial vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These collisions can leave a lasting impact on an accident victim’s quality of life. When these accidents happen, the victims of a crash could benefit from discussing their options with a seasoned truck accident attorney.
If you or a loved one were injured in a T-bone tractor-trailer collision, you have the right to seek financial compensation from the responsible parties. Holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable can be challenging without help. However, a Beaufort side-impact truck accident lawyer could provide you with the support and guidance necessary to recover damages on your claim.
Factors in a Side-Impact Truck Crash
Many factors combine to make side-impact truck accidents particularly devastating. Weighing in at up to 80,000 pounds, a typical tractor-trailer dwarfs most passenger cars. The enormous weight difference can lead to a devastating impact on the side of a car.
The location of the impact also plays a major role in the nature of a crash. While the front and rear-ends of a vehicle are typically reinforced to absorb major impacts, the side panels of a car are far less sturdy. In most cases, a thin layer of glass or metal is all that stands between the front-end of a truck and the occupant of a motor vehicle.
There are countless factors that can lead to a side-impact crash, as well. The most common cause of a T-bone truck accident is an intersection between two roads, however. In many cases, one driver or another will disregard a traffic signal or stop sign before colliding with cross-traffic. In addition to running a red light, other common factors include speeding, drunken driving, and turning left across traffic.
For a free legal consultation with a side impact truck accidents lawyer serving Beaufort, call 1-803-366-0333
Comparative Fault in a Truck Crash
In many side-impact truck crashes, both parties share in some of the blame for the collision. In some cases, both drivers can be in violation of the rules of the road before a side-impact crash. While sharing in the fault of a crash will not automatically bar an injured driver from seeking compensation, it could drastically reduce the amount of available damages.
According to state law, a legal doctrine known as modified comparative negligence governs shared liability in a truck crash. Under this doctrine, a plaintiff may recover compensation from a defendant so long as they are no more at fault than the other driver. If a plaintiff is 50 percent responsible for a crash or less, they have the right to seek monetary damages.
While the modified comparative negligence rule will not prevent a plaintiff from recovering compensation in every case, it can reduce the amount of damages they recover even if they prevail at trial. Under the rule, a jury will reduce a plaintiff’s damage award in proportion to their percentage of fault.
Beaufort Side Impact Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 1-803-366-0333
Contact a Beaufort Side Impact Truck Accident Attorney Today
A primary responsibility of an attorney is to put together the most compelling case possible on behalf of their client. This includes thoroughly investigating an accident, identifying the responsible parties, and proceeding with litigation. When an attorney is successful, it can result in significant compensation for their client.
With the right legal counsel, you could maximize your recovery from your truck crash claim. Our attorneys at Schiller & Hamilton are ready to help your case. Discuss your case with Beaufort side-impact truck accident lawyer.
Call or text 1-803-366-0333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form