In South Carolina, the law runs on a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means that car accident victims can qualify to receive compensation if they were found to be no more than 50% at-fault for the accident. The percent you are found to be at-fault for the accident directly impacts how much compensation you may receive. For instance, if you were found to be 30% at-fault for the accident, then you would be eligible to receive up to 70% of a jury verdict.

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle – forming a T shape. When it comes to T-bone accidents, who is at-fault will depend heavily on the specifics of the accident. To understand what you may be entitled to under South Carolina law following a T-bone accident, reach out to our team today for a free case evaluation directly with an experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer.

How a Lawyer Proves Fault in South Carolina T-Bone Collisions

Following a car accident, it is always in your best interest to at least speak with a reputable car accident attorney. An experienced attorney will prove fault by conducting a thorough investigation into what happened. It is very likely that your attorney will:

  • Analyze police reports for any errors or inconsistencies.
  • Review all medical records.
  • Interview witnesses.
  • Investigate the accident scene.
  • Obtain evidence such as security and traffic camera footage, black box data, driving records, cell phone records, and more.

Your attorney will use this data to prove all three elements of negligence existed in your accident, thus qualifying you for compensation:

  1. The at-fault party owed you a duty of care,
  2. The defendant breached that duty of care, and
  3. The breach of that duty directly caused the accident and resulting damages.

This may seem simple to do. Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too often that insurance companies will try to place the blame on you by getting you to admit partial or entire fault, even in clear liability accidents. Commonly, they do this in an attempt to lower or deny your claim and payout. 

If you’ve been hurt in a T-bone accident, reach out to our car accident lawyers today. We can help you understand your rights and options under South Carolina law. For a free case evaluation, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200 or start an online chat.

Who May Be Held At-Fault for a T-Bone Accident?

Many times, T-bone accidents boil down to some form of driver error. Some common causes of t-bone accidents include:

  • Failing to yield to the right-of-way
  • Running red lights
  • Running stop signs
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence 
  • Misjudging another driver’s speed or distance
  • Improper turns
  • Reckless driving
  • And more.

While many t-bone accident cases can be attributed to driver negligence, other times vehicle manufacturers may be found at-fault. For example, if faulty parts contributed to the accident, such as bad breaks. A lawyer will help discover and prove who was at-fault for the accident, whether it be one party or multiple parties.

Where T-Bone Accidents Commonly Occur

T-bone accidents commonly occur at intersections. However, they can also occur at:

  • Busy shopping centers
  • Shopping center exits
  • Four way stops
  • Parking lots
  • Highways
  • And more.

No matter where the t-bone wreck happened, these accidents can cause serious damage and injuries, as the side of the car tends to have less protection than the front and rear. 

Compensation Available in T-Bone Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a T-bone accident in South Carolina, you may be eligible to receive compensation for all damages related to the accident. This may include, but is not limited to:

Past, Present, and Future Medical Bills

This includes compensation for any emergency medical care, ambulance costs, doctor bills, hospital bills, prescription medication costs, specialist bills, rehabilitation costs such as physical therapy, and more.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can seek compensation for missed time from work.

Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity, you may seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.

Property Damage

Whether your car is totaled or needs minor repairs, you can seek compensation for the cost of repairs. In addition, you may seek compensation for other damage to personal items such as phones, glasses, jewelry, watches, and more.

Transportation Expenses

Your claim will also seek compensation for any costs related to travel. This may include travel expenses to and from related medical appointments, rental car costs, and more.

Emotional Damages

If the accident caused stress, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, lack of enjoyment, or other emotional trauma, you may qualify to seek compensation for these damages.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, you may qualify to receive additional compensation known as punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant for illegal behavior and actions. For example, you may qualify to receive punitive damages if the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is just one way in which punitive damages may apply. To learn more, contact our experienced South Carolina injury attorneys today.

Wrongful Death

If the accident resulted in tragic loss of life, we are so sorry. Our team is here to help you and your family get the justice and compensation you deserve for a brighter future ahead. Our wrongful death lawyers in South Carolina will compassionately carry you through the legal process following an unexpected fatal loss so you can focus on grieving and recovering.

Injuries Resulting From T-Bone Accidents

No two accidents are the same. Some people walk away from T-Bone accidents with no injuries, while others can suffer catastrophic injuries and even fatal injuries. Depending on the specifics of the accident, following a t-bone wreck you may experience:

Reach Out to An Experienced T-Bone Accident Lawyer Today

The car accident lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC have decades of combined experience representing accident victims throughout Columbia, Charleston, and the state of South Carolina. We are here to help you in the aftermath of an unexpected t-bone accident – from optimizing your injury claim to aggressively negotiating with the insurance companies – we will have your back every step of the way.

Client Focused. Results Driven.

With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a history of strong results for our clients, you can trust the team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC with your car accident claim. For a free case evaluation with an award-winning lawyer, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200, email info@ctlawsc.com, or submit an online form.

With offices in Columbia and Charleston, our lawyers travel and represent clients throughout the state of South Carolina.

Disclaimer: This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Author: Eric Cavanaugh

I’m Eric Cavanaugh, and I am a founder and personal injury attorney here at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. My practice primarily focuses on trucking and car accidents, representing victims and their loved ones across the state of South Carolina.

I care deeply about people and making sure every client of mine and of the firm is getting the care and compensation they deserve physically, financially, and emotionally.

Seeing the impact that serious accidents have on people never gets easier, but I feel a great sense of pride in being able to get people the justice they deserve and providing hope in what’s often a very difficult time in their lives.

I’m committed to ensuring that people know their rights and that those rights are protected at all times throughout their case and beyond; and I’m passionate about fighting to make South Carolina roads safer for residents and visitors.

If you have any questions about what was covered in this article, in general, or are interested in becoming a client at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, give me a call.