T-Bone Accidents in Albuquerque

Few accidents are as catastrophic as T-Bone collisions. In these types of crashes, the front end of one vehicle drives directly into the side of another car. Since the sides of cars don’t offer a lot of protection, it’s common for vehicle occupants to sustain debilitating physical injuries or suffer fatal wounds - especially when the collision happens at high speeds.

Whether you’ve been injured or suffered the wrongful death of a loved one in a T-Bone accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it’s important to know that you have rights. This can include the ability to demand compensation for your medical care, disability, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. The experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber can offer the experience, resources, and knowledge needed to get the top-dollar monetary award you deserve.

Singleton Schreiber is a nationally recognized civil litigation firm dedicated to helping victims of catastrophic car accidents. As award-winning New Mexico trial attorneys with decades of combined experience, we’ve helped everyday people recover billions of dollars from insurance companies, government agencies, employers, and vehicle manufacturers.

Now, we’re here to be the fearless advocate you need after you’ve been broadsided in traffic. Contact our law office in Albuquerque today to set a time for a complimentary case evaluation.

Why Are T-Bone Car Accidents So Dangerous?

Cars are designed so that the front and rear can crumple, absorb impact, and protect occupants during a collision. Since 1988, all new cars sold in the United States must be outfitted with frontal airbags, which can cushion vehicle occupants and mitigate the potential consequences of a crash in a collision. 

However, these things are only beneficial when a car is struck from behind or head-on. When a car is broadsided, the side of the vehicle that’s struck offers relatively little protection to those inside. 

Side impact airbags, which are installed in roughly 95 percent of new vehicles sold in the USA, are perhaps the best protection against serious consequences. Research suggests that side airbags can reduce the risk of death in a broadside accident by 37 percent for the driver of a car and 52 percent for the driver of an SUV. 

However, when a 2,5000+ pound vehicle is driven straight into the side of another car, airbags can only do so much.

It’s common for drivers and vehicle passengers to suffer serious and potentially permanent physical injuries, including:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Crush injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Herniated discs
• Neck injuries
• Burn injuries
• Chest injuries
• Amputation injuries
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Knee and leg injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Catastrophic injuries

T-Bone car accidents tend to be among the deadliest car crashes, too. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, broadside accidents cause 22 percent of all car accident fatalities nationwide.

What Causes T-Bone Car Accidents in Albuquerque?

T-Bone car accidents are typically the result of aggressive or negligent driving behaviors, sometimes made worse by inclement weather.

Some of the most common causes include:

Running a Red Light

Aggressive drivers have a tendency to get impatient at the wheel, so if they think they can “beat” a yellow light before it turns red, they’ll hit the gas and speed through an intersection. Unfortunately, this is a risky maneuver that can cause them to drive straight into the side of another vehicle as opposing traffic begins to move through their green light.

Distracted Driving

Drivers are more likely to get into car accidents when they’re distracted. Research suggests that, depending on speed, you can drive the length of the football field if you take your eyes off the road to read or send a text. If a driver is distracted while approaching or moving through an intersection, they’re less likely to notice that (a) their light has changed or (b) a vehicle is moving across the intersection in front of them.

Drug and Alcohol Use

Drugs and alcohol adversely affect a driver’s ability to focus, think clearly, and react appropriately to changes in traffic. If a driver is drunk, they’re more likely to run stop signs and miss changes in traffic signals, which can lead to a devastating T-bone collision in an Albuquerque intersection.

Bad Weather Conditions

Heavy rains can make road conditions slick, which increases the likelihood that vehicles might hydroplane and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially if traveling at high speeds. Rainy weather can also limit visibility, making it tough for drivers to see other vehicles. If a driver approaches an intersection in the rain while moving too quickly, they might not be able to hit the brakes and stop if they (a) notice the light turns red or (b) see that another vehicle is moving through the intersection.

How Can I Get Compensation After a T-Bone Collision in Albuquerque, NM?

When you’re broadsided in Albuquerque, you’ll have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, and more difficult-to-value trauma. If someone else’s negligence caused the T-Bone accident, you can submit a claim to recover benefits from their car insurance policy. 

New Mexico has strict minimum insurance requirements, so you’ll be able to receive at least $25,000 in bodily injury benefits and up to $10,000 to repair your car. 

Given that broadside wrecks tend to be catastrophic, there’s a good chance that your damages will exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits, especially if they bought the bare minimum. In these situations, you can file a civil car accident lawsuit against the negligent driver and/or seek damages from a liable third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

You’ll only have a limited time to file a legal claim for damages after a T-Bone car accident in Albuquerque. If you miss the three-year statute of limitations, you’ll lose the ability to hold the person who caused your crash accountable.

So, don’t hesitate to call Singleton Schreiber for help. We’re award-winning Albuquerque personal injury lawyers who aren’t afraid to go above and beyond to help you get the compensation you deserve. As dedicated advocates for our clients, we’ve obtained more than $3 Billion in damages. Today, we’re here to fight to get you top case results, too.

Contact our Albuquerque law office now to get started. There’s no charge for an initial case review.