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Unfortunately, even very safe and careful drivers can find themselves in a dangerous situation on the roadways. Side impact / T-bone car accidents in Charleston County pose a serious threat and are a common outcome of crashes at intersections.
If you have been injured in a side impact accident, you likely have mounting medical costs and repair bills. An experienced auto wreck attorney could help analyze your case and make sure the at-fault party is held responsible for compensation.
Side impact, or T-bone, accidents in Charleston County are most likely to occur on roadways where cars must share intersecting lanes going in perpendicular directions. When cars must yield to oncoming traffic, take turns stopping at different points in an intersection, or otherwise share the same space while traveling in different directions, a side impact or T-bone accident is more likely.
South Carolina lays out clear legislation for Charleston County motorists regarding the right of way to avoid side impact, or T-bone, car wrecks. When these laws are not followed, the risk of an accident increases substantially. In South Carolina Code § 56-5-2350, drivers are informed that they must yield to all approaching vehicles on a roadway if they are entering from anywhere other than another roadway. For example, a car pulling out from a parking lot onto a roadway must not pull forward until it is clear to do so. In addition, cars are required to follow all traffic signals and signs, which are particularly important at intersections.
South Carolina is an “at-fault” state, which means that the driver who is determined to be at fault in a Charleston County side impact / T-bone car collision bears the financial liability for the damages caused. In many cases, fault is split between multiple parties. For instance, if one car is driving over the speed limit and another illegally pulls out in front of the speeding car, fault may be jointly assigned to each driver.
If one driver is found to be 51 percent or more responsible, they can be held liable for damages. However, the ultimate compensation will be reduced by the percentage the driver on the receiving end was found to be at fault. For example, if a driver is found to be 30 percent at fault and is awarded $10,000 in damages, they will only receive $7,000 after the reduction due to their assigned fault.
Likewise, if a driver is found to be more than 50 percent responsible for their own damages, they are barred from seeking compensation from another involved party.
After a side impact / T-bone auto accident in Charleston County, an attorney may assist in multiple ways. Sometimes, an attorney is needed to help thoroughly investigate the incident to ensure fault has been accurately assigned. An attorney could also help gather evidence, such as video recordings and witness interviews.
Once fault has been established, an attorney could help negotiate with insurance companies to obtain compensation for the person’s losses, including medical expenses, repair costs, and lost wages. If there is a settlement offer, an attorney could help advise whether it is an acceptable offer. If the case requires a court appearance, an attorney could represent their client during the legal proceedings.
Side impact / T-bone car accidents in Charleston County can leave you with serious costs and many tasks on your to-do list to get back on track. Do not let the situation overwhelm you. Instead, reach out to an experienced and dedicated attorney who can help you make sense of your next steps.