T-bone accidents, also called side-impact or broadside collisions, are among the most dangerous types of car accidents on Oklahoma roads. They typically happen at intersections when one vehicle strikes the side of another and have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. The side of a car offers far less structural protection than the front or rear, which means occupants on the impact side are especially vulnerable.
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in Oklahoma that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation, and our car accident lawyers in Tulsa can help you pursue that compensation. Learning about how fault works under state law and what steps to take after a crash can help protect your rights, so read on for the information you need to know.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Oklahoma
Most T-bone collisions happen because one driver fails to follow the rules of the road at an intersection. While the causes can vary, some of the most frequent include:
- Running a red light
- Failing to yield when making a left turn
- Distracted driving
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- Driving under the influence
- Ignoring right-of-way rules at uncontrolled intersections
Determining which driver caused the accident is critical in Oklahoma because the state follows an “at-fault” insurance system that allows you to take legal action directly against the opposing party.
Oklahoma’s Comparative Negligence Law and T-Bone Car Accidents
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence system under Okla. Stat. tit. 23, § 13. Under this law, you can still recover compensation after a T-bone accident even if you were partly at fault, but only up to a point. If your share of responsibility is 51% or more, you are barred from collecting any damages.
If your fault falls below that threshold, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you. For example, if a jury finds you 10% responsible and awards $500,000 in damages, you would receive $450,000. Insurance companies frequently try to shift the blame after an intersection crash, but your auto accident lawyer can combat those kinds of allegations on your behalf.
What Should I Do After a T-Bone Accident in Oklahoma?
The steps you take after a T-bone collision can have a real impact on both your health and any future legal claim. Keep the following in mind:
- Call 911 and wait for officers to arrive so that a police report is created.
- Do not apologize or accept blame at the scene, as this could hurt your claim later.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the intersection, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Get contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company.
Following these steps to gather this evidence puts you in a much better position when it’s time to pursue compensation.
Contact Gorospe Law Group for Help After a T-Bone Accident in Oklahoma
Were you involved in a t-bone accident in Oklahoma? You may be able to file a personal injury claim against the responsible driver for both your economic and non-economic damages. Gorospe Law Group is here to help you make the most of your opportunity to take legal action.
Call us today at (918) 965-0208 or reach out online to get started with your case. We offer a free initial consultation.