Wisconsin T-Bone
Collision Lawyer

What is a T-Bone Collision?

A T-bone collision, also known as a side-impact crash, happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These accidents get their name from the “T” shape the two vehicles form at the moment of impact. T-bone crashes are especially dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers very little protection to the occupants inside. There is only a door and a window between the person and the oncoming car.

In Wisconsin, T-bone accidents are a common and serious problem, especially at intersections. They often result in severe, life-altering injuries. If you have been hurt in a side-impact crash, you need an experienced Wisconsin T-bone collision lawyer to protect your rights. The attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC are here to help you get the compensation you need to recover.

Why T-Bone Collisions Are So Dangerous

Side-impact crashes are responsible for a large number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads. While modern cars have safety features like side-curtain airbags, they can only do so much to protect a person from the force of a direct impact to the side of their vehicle.

The person sitting on the side of the car that is struck is at the highest risk of serious injury. The impact can crush the door and send glass and metal into the passenger compartment. This can lead to devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can result in permanent disability.

Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions in Wisconsin

T-bone collisions almost always happen at intersections. They are typically caused by one driver failing to follow the rules of the road. Some of the most common causes of side-impact crashes in Wisconsin include:

Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way

This is the most common cause of T-bone accidents. A driver may fail to yield by:

• Running a red light or a stop sign.
• Making an unsafe left turn in front of oncoming traffic.
• Pulling out into an intersection without checking for cross-traffic.

Distracted Driving

A driver who is looking at their phone, adjusting the radio, or is otherwise distracted may not see a red light or a stop sign. This can lead to them driving directly into the path of another vehicle that has the right-of-way.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

An intoxicated driver has impaired judgment and slowed reaction times. They may misjudge the speed of an oncoming car when making a left turn or may not even see a stop sign at all. These errors often lead to serious T-bone collisions.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

A driver who is speeding or driving aggressively may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash at an intersection. They may also try to “beat the yellow light” and end up running a red light, causing a side-impact crash.

Common Injuries in T-Bone Collisions

Because of the direct impact to the side of the vehicle, T-bone collisions can cause a wide range of serious injuries. These often include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The victim’s head can be thrown against the window or the side of the car, causing a concussion or a more severe brain injury.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The violent side-to-side motion can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis.
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries: The impact can fracture ribs and cause serious damage to internal organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen.
• Pelvic and Hip Injuries: The force of the crash can fracture the pelvis or hips, which can be very painful and require a long recovery.
• Shoulder and Arm Injuries: The person on the side of the impact often suffers serious injuries to their shoulder, arm, and hand.

Determining Fault in a Wisconsin T-Bone Collision

In most T-bone accident cases, the driver who failed to yield the right-of-way is at fault. However, proving this is not always simple. The other driver’s insurance company may try to argue that you were also partially to blame. They might claim you were speeding or that you could have done something to avoid the crash.

A skilled Wisconsin T-bone collision lawyer will launch a full investigation to prove the other driver was at fault. This investigation will gather key evidence, such as:

• The police report
• Statements from any witnesses to the accident
• Photos and videos from the scene
• Data from traffic cameras or nearby surveillance cameras
• Expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists

Compensation for Your T-Bone Collision Injuries

If you were injured in a side-impact crash, you have the right to seek compensation for all of your losses. This includes both your financial losses and the non-financial impact the accident has had on your life.

Economic Damages

These are your measurable financial losses, including:

• All of your medical bills, from the ambulance to rehabilitation
• Lost wages if you are unable to work
• Loss of future earning capacity if you have a permanent disability
• The cost of any future medical care you will need

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate you for the ways the injury has affected your quality of life. They include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

How a Wisconsin T-Bone Collision Lawyer Can Help

After a serious T-bone collision, The focus should be on your recovery, rather than fighting an insurance company. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC are ready to take on that fight for you. We have a deep understanding of Wisconsin traffic laws and a long history of getting results for our clients.

When you choose us to represent you, we will:

• Handle all of the paperwork and communications with the insurance companies.
• Conduct a thorough investigation to build a powerful case.
• Work with experts to fully document the extent of your injuries and losses.
• Negotiate for a settlement that provides for all of your needs.
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

We serve clients throughout Wisconsin, including in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at 608-784-4370 for a free consultation to discuss your case. You will not pay any fees unless we recover compensation for you.