Unlike the front or rear of a car, the sides offer minimal structural protection to occupants. As a result, the driver or passengers absorb the full force of a broadside crash and often sustain serious, sometimes permanent, injuries. Because these cases can be legally complex, the help of an experienced car collision attorney is essential.
At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., we have more than 30 years of experience fighting for car accident victims, including those hurt in side impact/T-bone car accidents in Longmont. We understand how to investigate T-bone accidents and how to counter claims insurers and defendants often use to shift blame. We will take the time to understand exactly what the accident has cost you and will seek full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Serious Injury Risks of T-Bone Crashes
The physics of a side impact crash is unforgiving. When another vehicle strikes the side of a car, there is no crumple zone or substantial frame structure, just a door and a window. The occupant on the struck side absorbs the full force of the collision, while the crash violently throws those on the opposite side in the direction of impact. The injuries that result from these crashes are frequently severe and wide-ranging, including:
- Shoulder and hip injuries on the side closest to the point of impact
- Broken ribs and pelvic fractures from direct contact with the door or center console
- Internal injuries resulting from compression of the torso during the collision
- Traumatic brain injuries from the head striking the window, door, or intruding vehicle
- Neck and cervical spine injuries caused by the lateral whipping motion of impact
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress, that persists long after physical recovery
Side impact car accidents happen most frequently at Longmont intersections, where crossing traffic creates the conditions for a direct broadside strike. Parking lot entrances, highway on-ramps, and poorly marked rural crossroads are also common locations.
Who Bears Responsibility in a Sideswipe Crash?
Disputes regarding at-fault liability in T-bone and side impact car crashes are common in Longmont. Often, both drivers believed they had the right of way, and without a thorough investigation, the truth can be difficult to establish. This is one of many reasons why it is critical to work with our experienced lawyers at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C.
We examine the details of every case, and our investigation includes:
- Analyzing the police report
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining and reviewing traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Examining the physical evidence at the scene, including skid marks, point of impact, and vehicle damage patterns
In some cases, we may work with accident reconstruction professionals to provide additional analysis. We evaluate every piece of evidence with one goal in mind: establishing that the other driver was at fault.
This matters because the state law ties compensation directly to fault. If both parties share responsibility, a victim’s damage recovery can be reduced in proportion to their assigned share of blame. Our attorneys work to counter that outcome by building the strongest possible argument that the defendant was entirely or primarily responsible for what happened. We do not leave fault to chance or accept an insurer’s version of events without scrutiny.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Longmont Side Impact Collision Attorney
Just as a T-bone crash seems to come out of nowhere, drivers can be unprepared for the difficulty of holding the at-fault party responsible. If you suffered harm in a side impact/T-bone car accident in Longmont, you deserve representation from attorneys who will fight for maximum compensation. Our team at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., offers free consultations with no obligation, so you can get honest answers from an attorney before deciding on next steps. Reach out today and let us help you understand your rights and options.