Average Payout For a T-Bone Accident in California
In California, the average payout for a T-bone accident typically ranges between $20,000 and $450,000. In some cases, settlements can be much higher than this range, sometimes reaching millions.
T-bone accidents tend to result in significant damage due to the nature of the collision, in which the side of a vehicle provides less protection than the front or rear.
Looking to Make a Claim for a T-bone Car Accident in California that Wasn’t Your Fault?
If you were injured in a T-bone accident in California, you may be eligible for compensation through a T-bone car accident settlement. However, to make a successful claim, it’s important to meet the following criteria:
- Injury from the Crash: You must have sustained injuries, whether physical or emotional, as a direct result of the T-bone collision. This includes medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- California Statute of Limitations: Victims have limited time to file a claim under California law. For most personal injury claims resulting from a T-bone accident, you must file within two years of the accident date, which is vital for filing fair T-bone accident settlement claims. Failure to file within this period may forfeit your right to a T-bone accident settlement.
If you meet the above requirements, reach out to a California car accident lawyer from our firm for further guidance
How to Maximize Your T-bone Accident Settlement
Maximizing your settlement for a T-bone accident is necessary to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are several key steps to help you achieve the best possible T-bone car accident settlement:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This is the most important step following any car accident. Seeing a doctor immediately ensures that your injuries are treated and creates a medical record that is important for proving your damage in a personal injury case.
- Collect Evidence from the Scene: Evidence is critical in determining faults. Take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles, your injuries, and any nearby traffic signals or signs. Be sure to get contact information from any witnesses as well.
- Document Your Expenses: Keep a detailed record of all expenses related to your injury. This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and time off work due to the T-bone accident.
- Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney at Feher Law: Working with an experienced lawyer from our law firm can significantly increase your chances of receiving a higher T-bone accident settlement. Our attorneys can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.
- Avoid Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may offer you a low initial settlement to close the case quickly. Before accepting any payout for a T-bone accident, consult our attorneys to ensure the offer covers all your current and future expenses.
Factors Influencing the Average Settlement for a T-bone Accident
Several factors are critical in determining the average settlement for a T-bone accident:
- Severity of Injuries: The average payout for a T-bone accident varies depending on your injuries. T-bone accident settlements rise with serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fractures. They heal slowly and are more expensive to treat.
- Determining Liability and Fault: Your California accident compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. This is because the state employs comparative faults.
- Total Damages Incurred: The settlement amount will be based on monetary and non-monetary losses. Medical bills, property damage, and wage loss are all examples of economic damage. Physical, mental, and quality of life are all examples of non-economic damage. We will guide you and determine what damages you can claim and to what extent.
Additional reading: average settlement for spinal cord injury
Reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer in Torrance as soon as you can
How Insurance Coverage Can Impact the Average Payout for a T-bone Accident
1. California’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
These minimums are relatively low, so if the at-fault driver only has the minimum coverage, these caps could limit the payout, even if the damages exceed them. In severe T-bone accidents, this may not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.
2. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
California drivers are not required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), but it is highly recommended. UIM coverage becomes critical if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover the full extent of the damages.
If the at-fault driver has low coverage and the injured party has UIM, this can make a significant difference in the payout by covering additional damages that exceed the other driver’s limits.
3. California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that the compensation you receive can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault in a T-bone accident and the total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, making your payout $80,000. The degree of fault assigned to each party plays a significant role in determining the settlement.
4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments Coverage
California is not a no-fault state, so it doesn’t require Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, drivers can opt for Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), which can cover medical expenses regardless of fault.
Having MedPay coverage can expedite compensation for immediate medical bills and reduce the financial strain on the injured party while waiting for a settlement. However, it doesn’t affect the total settlement amount but helps with early medical payments.
5. Collision Coverage
If the injured party has collision insurance, their insurance policy can cover vehicle repairs or replacement, regardless of fault.
This type of coverage can help recover for property damage even if the at-fault party’s insurance is insufficient, which can be a factor in the total settlement.
6. California’s Statutory Limits on Non-Economic Damages
In cases of T-bone accidents involving government entities (for instance, a government vehicle), California has a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) under the California Government Tort Claims Act.
7. Umbrella Policies
Some individuals may carry umbrella insurance policies that extend their liability coverage beyond the standard limits. In cases where the at-fault driver has substantial umbrella coverage, this can significantly increase the available payout for the injured party.
8. Policy Stacking
Although California does not allow stacking of UIM coverage, drivers can still benefit from having higher policy limits or multiple types of coverage, which can increase the total compensation in a T-bone accident.
Our San Bernardino car accident lawyers are here to maximize your T-bone car accident settlement amount
The Process for a T-bone Car Accident Settlement
The process for reaching a T-bone accident settlement typically includes several key steps:
- Filing a Claim: The first step after your accident is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or your insurance if UM/UIM coverage applies.
- Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Once liability is established, we will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
- Reaching a Settlement or Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, we may recommend taking your case to court to achieve a favorable outcome. However, most cases settle before going to trial.
How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement for a T-bone Accident?
The timeline for reaching a T-bone car accident settlement can vary. On average, settlements can be reached within a few months to a year, depending on the case’s complexity and the injuries’ severity. Cases that proceed to litigation may take longer, sometimes up to two years or more.
Typical Causes of T-bone Accidents
Several factors can cause T-bone accidents:
- Running Red Lights: A leading cause of T-bone accidents, where a driver ignores a red light and strikes another vehicle crossing the intersection.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections are often responsible for T-bone collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Texting or other distractions can cause drivers to miss traffic signals, leading to T-bone collisions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed can make it difficult to stop in time at intersections, leading to a T-bone collision.
No matter the cause of your side-impact car crash, our Huntington Beach car accident lawyers are available for a free case evaluation today
Common Injuries Resulting from T-bone Collisions
T-bone collisions often result in severe injuries due to the direct impact on the side of the vehicle.:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These are common in T-bone accidents and can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine from the force of impact can lead to paralysis or other serious complications.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and the pelvis are often fractured in T-bone accidents due to the sudden and forceful impact.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even low-speed T-bone accidents can cause neck and back injuries due to the sudden jolting motion of the collision.
How Our Expert California T-bone Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Feher Law, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to:
- Maximizing Your Settlement: We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
- Handling All Legal Aspects: From filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
- Providing Compassionate Support: We treat our clients like family and are committed to walking with them through every step of the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced T-bone accident lawyer and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
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