T-Bone Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause Catastrophic or Fatal Injuries
A T-bone motorcycle accident (also called a broadside accident) happens when either the front of a motorcycle collides with the side of another vehicle or another vehicle’s front strikes the side of a motorcycle. Negligent car and truck drivers who cause T-bone motorcycle accidents should be held accountable for the injuries and fatalities they cause. The letter “T” is essentially a diagram of how the accident occurs, with one vehicle traveling vertically and another traveling horizontally.
Any crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle is serious because a motorcycle offers very little protection other than the rider’s helmet (if he/she is wearing one) and the rider’s clothing. T-bone crashes are often catastrophic or deadly because usually one or both drivers are going at high speeds and because the physics of T-bone crashes create incredibly strong forces.
Why do T-bone motorcycle accidents happen in Kennewick?
There’s no excuse for a T-bone accident. When they happen, someone is at fault – usually the driver whose front struck the side of the other vehicle – since vehicles drive forward or possibly in reverse but not sideways.
Some of the common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Failing to yield the right of way to a motorcycle driver
- Failing to see the motorcycle
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving, using a smartphone, eating, drinking, or looking at a GPS
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while tired
- Speeding and other traffic violations
- Failing to look for blind spots
- Driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
- Other acts of negligence
At Telaré Law, our Kennewick motorcycle accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, traffic reconstruction experts when necessary, and others to show how your accident happened and why the defendants should be held liable.
Where do T-bone motorcycle accidents happen?
Many T-bone accidents occur at intersections when one or both vehicles are turning. T-bone crashes can also happen when a vehicle enters or backs out into traffic and doesn’t see the motorcycle traveling down the highway.
Who is responsible for a T-bone accident?
In many cases, the driver of a car or truck that struck the motorcycle is responsible. The owners of the vehicle may bear some responsibility. An employer is usually liable for the negligence of any employee such as a driver who was making deliveries for the employer.
In some cases, the Washington Department of Transportation or another state agency or entity may be liable because they failed to properly design a road, failed to install a stop sign or other traffic signal, failed to properly maintain the roads, and other reasons.
A motorcycle parts manufacturer may be liable if, for example, a vehicle’s brakes failed to work properly. A tavern that sold alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated or a person under 21 may also be liable for any injuries or deaths that occur.
What kind of injuries do T-bone motorcycle accidents cause?
There are various factors that determine the severity of a T-bone accident. These factors include the speed of the vehicles, the size of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and which vehicle was struck on the side.
Our seasoned jury trial lawyers work with your doctors to fully understand what injuries you have, what medical care you will need, what pain and suffering you’re enduring, and every way your injuries affect every aspect of your life.
Common T-bone accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures/broken bones
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries
- Crush injuries including internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Neve, tissue, ligament, and muscle damage
- Road rash
Many of these injuries require emergency room care, surgeries, hospitalizations, and doctor visits. Many T-bone accident victims need to work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitative care specialists. Victims may require assistive devices and medications. Many motorcycle accident victims live with a lifetime of pain.
How much is my T-bone accident claim worth?
Each person’s case is different. Our lawyers work with you, your medical team, our own network of physicians when necessary, your employers, and your family to explain and document all your damages. We obtain medical reports and financial reports to support your claim. We work with doctors who are skilled at testifying in court.
Our lawyers prepare a formal demand letter, normally when the discovery phase of your claim is finished. We demand compensation for:
- All your current and future medical bills.
- All your financial damages. These include lost income, lost benefits, your inability to work due to a disability, any property damage, and any other financial damages.
- Every moment of pain and suffering.
- Any scarring or disfigurement.
- Loss of bodily function.
- Loss of consortium.
In many cases, a broadside motorcycle accident was due to a driver whose conduct was reprehensible, such as when a driver was driving under the influence or while distracted. In these cases, we seek punitive damages to send a financial message to the irresponsible driver.
Fast facts about motorcycle accidents and fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- In 2020, 5,579 motorcycle riders were killed – 14% of all traffic deaths.
- Compared to 2019, 11% more motorcycle riders died in 2020.
- In 2020, more than 82,500 motorcyclists were injured.
- Alcohol impairment was a cause of more fatal crashes for motorcycle riders than for other vehicle drivers.
- In 2020, riders without helmets were 5 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than riders who wore helmets.
We understand how traumatic motorcycle accidents are. Survivors worry about their health, their finances, their family, and their ability to earn a living. At Telaré Law, our Kennewick motorcycle injury lawyers will guide you through each step of the litigation process. We’re skilled at building strong cases that explain why defendants are responsible for T-bone motorcycle accidents and how much your case is worth.
We’re always ready to try your case before a jury. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation at our Kennewick or Richland offices. We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency basis. We hope to hear from you soon!