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In Denver, a T-bone accident—also called a side-impact collision—happens when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections. These accidents can lead to serious injuries and costly financial damages. Understanding your legal rights is crucial if you are involved in a T-bone crash. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim, but a skilled car accident lawyer in Denver can protect your interests and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
A T-bone (also called a broadside or right-angle collision) accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the driver or passenger side of another car, making the two vehicles form a “T” shape. These accidents are most common at intersections in Denver, and can occur if one driver runs a red light or fails to yield the right-of-way. They can cause catastrophic damage, particularly to the vehicle struck, as the sides of a car are not designed to absorb the force of an impact as well as the front or rear.
As reported by Denver’s KDVR, the Colorado State Patrol data shows that Denver drivers are running more stop signs and red lights than ever. According to the same reporting and data, Colorado ranks 6th highest in the nation for fatal crashes resulting from running red lights.
Colorado has a fault-based car insurance system. This means that after an automobile accident, victims can file claims against the driver or party at fault for causing the collision. In a no-fault state, on the other hand, all drivers seek compensation from their own car insurance companies, regardless of fault. Colorado switched from a no-fault state to a fault state on July 1, 2003, when the Colorado legislature allowed the no-fault statute to sunset.
This means that since July 1, 2003, e fault law means that the cause of a T-bone collision must be determined before an injured victim can file an insurance claim. Determining liability, or legal responsibility, for a side-impact crash typically takes an investigation into which of the drivers was in the wrong place at the wrong time; in other words, which driver was in violation of a traffic law at the time of the crash. Sometimes, these investigations turn up results that are unfair or incorrect, and if you are injured in such a crash but have been wrongly determined to be at fault, a personal injury trial lawyer can help overturn that liability determination and then pursue a claim for your injuries.
Most T-bone accidents that occur in Denver are the result of driver negligence (running red lights or stop signs), or the failure to use proper care in the operation of a motor vehicle. Various examples of driver negligence can contribute to serious side-impact crashes, such as:
It only takes a second for a seemingly innocent driver decision to result in a catastrophic accident. In these scenarios, injured victims have the right to seek financial compensation by filing claims against those responsible.
Every motor vehicle driver in Colorado is required to maintain liability insurance with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage and $15,000 for property damage. You can access this coverage if you can show that another driver is at fault for your T-bone accident in Denver.
A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit could deliver compensation, as spelled out in the jury instructions for personal injury damages in Colorado, for your:
If a loved one died in a fatal T-bone accident in Denver, your family may also be able to recover damages such as final medical costs, funeral and burial expenses, loss of inheritance, grief, and loss of consortium with a wrongful death claim. Work with an attorney to get the results you deserve.
When results matter after a serious T-bone accident in Denver, hire an attorney to represent you. The right attorney can make your legal experience as simple and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on healing from your significant injuries while also maximizing the value of your case.
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident in Denver, it’s essential to contact Dormer Harpring, LLC to help you navigate the legal process and receive fair compensation.