Getting in a truck wreck is a terrifying experience. These massive vehicles can cause tons of destruction, even in minor accidents. Side-impact—or T-bone—collisions happen when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. They usually occur because someone has failed to yield the right of way and is traveling at great speed. As a result, the potential for severe injury—even death—increases substantially. When a truck hits a passenger vehicle, the occupants are in the greatest danger since that impact is usually in the car’s most vulnerable spot.
Side-impact truck accidents in Merrillville can cause severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. At The Law Offices of David W. Holub, we understand the impact these wrecks can have, and we are here to help you. Talk to one of our seasoned semi-truck crash attorneys about your situation today.
Understanding T-Bone Truck Accidents
Most T-bone wrecks happen because of driver negligence, such as:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Running lights or stop signs
Many people mistakenly assume that the vehicle that hits the other vehicle is automatically in the wrong. While that is often the case, determining fault has to do with right-of-way and who had an opportunity to stop. Understanding those issues is critical since identifying who is responsible establishes financial liability for the Merrillville side-impact truck wrecks.
Injuries from T-Bone Truck Accidents
Side-impact truck collisions in Merrillville can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the size disparities between the vehicles, the tremendous force of the impact, and the fact that these accidents often occur at the weakest part of the vehicle. In addition to the bumps, bruises, scrapes, and contusions common in most accidents, people may experience some severe injuries. They can include:
- Amputations
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
While some injuries are more common than others, these accidents are so intense that any type of injury is possible. Anyone in these accidents should get immediate medical attention. Even if someone feels fine, they still need to get medical care since the adrenaline after an accident can mask symptoms. Plus, some severe injuries can worsen with swelling, and immediate medical care can prevent serious complications.
Damages Available After Side-Impact Truck Accidents
After a side-impact truck accident in Merrillville, injured parties may seek three types of damages. They include economic damages that pay for financial losses, non-economic damages that pay for losses without a tangible economic value, and punitive damages that punish the wrongdoer.
Determining the total amount of damages requires understanding the severity of the injury, how long it will keep someone from being able to work, the lifelong costs of medical care, and the emotional impact on the family. If punitive damages are a possibility, there needs to be proof that the wrongdoer’s behavior was egregious—regular negligence does not support a punitive damages claim.
Discuss Side-Impact Truck Accidents in Merrillville With an Attorney
T-bone collisions have the potential to change your life. If you or a loved one have been impacted by one of these wrecks, you may be entitled to substantial damages to compensate for those changes. Fault, the extent of the injuries, and other factors help determine your eligibility for those funds.
To find out more about your potential remedies after side-impact truck accidents in Merrillville, schedule a consultation. At The Law Offices of David W. Holub, we are ready to investigate the accident and help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call today to get started.