The Unseen Peril of Side-Impact Collisions
Imagine a typical sunny day in Virginia, where everything seems normal until a sudden jolt changes your life. You are at an intersection, patiently waiting for the light to turn green, and as you step on the gas, another vehicle crashes into the side of your car. This isn't just any accident—it's a T-bone collision, one of the most dangerous types out there. The impact is immediate and often severe, leaving you not just shaken, but potentially with life-threatening injuries.
Examining the Crash Scene
The immediate aftermath of a T-bone accident offers critical clues about who might be at fault. Investigators and law enforcement officers look at the point of impact and debris, which shows whether a vehicle was crossing an intersection legally or if a traffic law was violated. Skid marks and the final resting positions of the vehicles also help in reconstructing the events leading up to the collision.
In Virginia, adherence to traffic signals is paramount. If one driver ignored a red light or a stop sign, crashing into another vehicle that was crossing legally, the fault would likely be assigned to the driver who failed to observe the traffic laws. If this is both drivers, then there is no case whatsoever. Remember, Virginia follows the laws of contributory negligence!
Legal Interpretations and Witness Accounts
Witness statements influence the determination of fault by the police. Bystanders or other drivers can often offer unbiased descriptions of the incident, which might support or contradict the accounts given by the drivers involved. Police reports compile these observations and can include a preliminary fault assessment which is vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Dashcam footage has become an invaluable tool in such cases. Video evidence can clearly show which vehicle entered the intersection unlawfully or acted recklessly, providing concrete proof that can be difficult to dispute.
Video footage is the absolute best evidence a driver can have in a T-bone type collision. After all, if you claim you had the green light, and so does the other driver, how do we prove it? Cameras are unbiased and non-partisan. If you do not have a dashcam, we strongly recommend you purchase one!
Virginia’s Traffic Laws and Insurance Investigations
Virginia's traffic laws play a critical role in determining fault. The state follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are even slightly at fault (even as little as 1%!), you might be barred from receiving compensation. Therefore, understanding and proving the complete legality of your actions at the time of the accident is crucial.
Insurance companies conduct their own investigations, reviewing all gathered evidence meticulously. These companies often negotiate the fault percentage among drivers in other states, especially in incidents where actions from both parties contributed to the accident. This is confusing for people who move to the DMV and don't understand how the law has changed. There are only five jurisdictions that follow the contributory negligence doctrine, and the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) are three of them!.
However, remember that insurance adjusters are looking to protect their company's bottom line, so their findings and fault assignments might not always align with an unbiased interpretation of the event.
As a reminder, the same is true of the police. A police report is the officer's opinion and the result of his investigation, but he was not there. The report is inadmissible as evidence in Court, though it may be useful in our own, civil investigation.
Call A Car Accident Lawyer Immediately After a Side-Impact Collision!
Following a T-bone collision, securing expert legal representation is as crucial as getting prompt medical attention. An experienced attorney can navigate through the gathered evidence, advocate on your behalf, and ensure that all necessary actions—from securing surveillance footage to interviewing witnesses—are carried out promptly.
If you find yourself the victim of a T-bone accident, or if you're accused of being at fault in such a collision, seek professional help. In Virginia, Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, understands the severe impact these accidents can have on your life and your health. With a focus on personal injury cases and a commitment to their clients, they provide the expertise needed to guide you through these challenging times. You can reach out to them at (703) 879-5910 for a consultation and ensure that your rights and well-being are effectively protected.
Alexandria/Northern Virginia Office:
5270 Shawnee Road #102, Alexandria, Va. 22312
703-879-5910
Richmond Office:
7824 Shrader Road, Richmond, Va. 23294
804-273-8929
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