T-Bone Accident Injury Lawsuit in Mississippi

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are among the most devastating types of car accidents on Mississippi roads. These crashes often occur at intersections, where one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape on impact. Due to the limited protection offered by the sides of most vehicles, victims frequently suffer severe injuries or even fatalities.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, we understand the profound impact that T-bone accidents can have on victims and their families. As a trusted Mississippi T-Bone Accident Injury Lawyer, Jonathan Barrett has spent decades helping clients recover the full compensation they deserve after life-altering accidents. Whether you are facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the tragic loss of a loved one, we are here to fight for justice on your behalf.


Understanding T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents typically occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light, or disregards a stop sign. These collisions are common at intersections, where traffic patterns can be complex, and driver errors are more likely.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Mississippi:

  • Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield at intersections often cause side-impact collisions.
  • Running Red Lights: Drivers who disregard traffic signals pose significant risks to other motorists.
  • Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or using a GPS can lead to inattention at intersections.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times and impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a collision.
  • Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather can reduce visibility and make intersections more dangerous.

When a driver’s negligence leads to a T-bone accident, they can be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause.


Common Injuries in T-Bone Accidents

Due to the vulnerable nature of side panels in most vehicles, victims of T-bone accidents often suffer serious injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of impact can cause severe head injuries, ranging from concussions to permanent brain damage.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Side-impact crashes can lead to spinal cord damage, resulting in partial or total paralysis.
  • Broken Bones: Rib fractures, leg breaks, and arm fractures are common due to the concentrated force of the collision.
  • Internal Injuries: Organs can be damaged by the force of the crash or from being struck by debris.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, whiplash, and muscle damage are frequent outcomes.
  • Fatal Injuries: Tragically, some T-bone accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, we work to ensure victims and their families receive compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.


Who Is Affected by T-Bone Accidents and Why?

T-bone accidents can affect a wide range of individuals, including:

  • Drivers and Passengers: Those in the vehicle struck on the side are at the highest risk of severe injury.
  • Pedestrians and Cyclists: Side-impact crashes at intersections can spill onto sidewalks, endangering pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Families of Fatal Victims: The loss of a loved one in a T-bone accident can leave families facing financial hardships and emotional devastation.

Many victims of T-bone accidents are left unable to work or require extensive medical treatment. Barrett Law, PLLC is dedicated to helping victims and their families rebuild their lives by securing the financial compensation they need.


Legal Obligations and Mississippi Statutes

Mississippi law places a legal duty on all drivers to operate their vehicles responsibly and obey traffic laws. When this duty is breached, and a T-bone accident results, the at-fault party can be held liable.

Key Legal Considerations:

  1. Negligence: To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, victims must prove that the at-fault driver acted negligently and that this negligence caused the accident.
  2. Comparative Negligence: Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  3. Statute of Limitations: In Mississippi, victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, families also have three years from the date of death.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, we understand the complexities of Mississippi’s legal system and work tirelessly to build strong cases for our clients.


Practical Tips for Victims of T-Bone Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, seek immediate medical care. Some injuries may not become apparent until days after the accident.
  2. Document the Accident: Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene. Collect witness information if possible.
  3. File a Police Report: A police report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.
  4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Do not provide recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney.
  5. Contact an Experienced Attorney: An experienced Mississippi T-Bone Accident Injury Lawyer like Jonathan Barrett can guide you through the legal process and fight for your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a T-bone accident?
After ensuring your safety, seek medical attention, document the accident scene, and contact law enforcement to file a report. Avoid discussing fault or providing statements to insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney.

Who can be held liable in a T-bone accident?
Liability often falls on the driver who failed to yield, ran a red light, or disobeyed traffic laws. In some cases, liability may extend to third parties, such as employers of commercial drivers or vehicle manufacturers if mechanical failure contributed to the accident.

How is compensation determined in a T-bone accident case?
Compensation is based on factors such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. An attorney will evaluate your case to determine the full extent of your losses.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Mississippi’s comparative negligence laws, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 100% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Families of fatal accident victims may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and loss of financial support.

How long does it take to settle a T-bone accident case?
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take over a year.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Why should I hire Barrett Law, PLLC for my T-bone accident case?
Jonathan Barrett has decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases in Mississippi. His personalized approach ensures clients receive the attention and compensation they deserve.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?
Barrett Law, PLLC, operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Can I file a claim for emotional distress?
Yes. Victims may recover damages for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma caused by the accident.


Injured or Lost a Loved One in a T-Bone Accident in Mississippi? Call Mississippi T-Bone Accident Injury Lawyer Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident, you need a trusted legal advocate to fight for your rights. Barrett Law, PLLC represents clients across Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon, MS. Call (601) 790-1505 today for a FREE consultation available 24/7/365. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve and hold the negligent parties accountable.

Sideswipe Accident Lawsuits in Mississippi

Sideswipe accidents may seem minor compared to head-on or rear-end collisions, but they often result in significant damage, serious injuries, and even fatalities. These accidents frequently occur when one vehicle drifts out of its lane or during unsafe lane changes, leading to contact between vehicles traveling side by side. The consequences can be devastating, especially on highways or roads with high-speed traffic.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, we understand the challenges sideswipe accident victims face. Attorney Jonathan Barrett, a seasoned Mississippi Sideswipe Accident Lawyer, has decades of experience helping victims and their families recover full compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one have been injured in a sideswipe accident in Mississippi, you need a skilled attorney to ensure justice is served and the responsible party is held accountable.


Understanding Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle traveling in the same or opposite direction. While some sideswipes may cause minor cosmetic damage, others can result in catastrophic injuries if the impact forces one or both vehicles off the road or into other lanes of traffic.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents:

  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, or otherwise distracted may drift out of their lane.
  • Improper lane changes: Failing to check blind spots or use turn signals can result in a collision.
  • Aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, or weaving between lanes increases the risk of sideswipe accidents.
  • Fatigued driving: Drowsy drivers may lose focus and veer into adjacent lanes.
  • Drunk driving: Impaired drivers often struggle to maintain control and stay in their lane.
  • Road conditions: Slippery roads or debris can cause vehicles to veer into other lanes unexpectedly.

Injuries and Damages in Sideswipe Accidents

Even at low speeds, sideswipe accidents can lead to severe injuries due to the sudden force of impact. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by head impact
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and torn ligaments
  • Internal organ damage due to the force of the collision

In the most tragic cases, sideswipe accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the emotional and financial burden of losing a loved one. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping victims and their families recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases

Who Is Affected and Why?

Sideswipe accidents affect drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Victims are often:

  • Innocent motorists who are hit by distracted or negligent drivers.
  • Motorcyclists and bicyclists who suffer severe injuries due to their lack of protection.
  • Pedestrians hit by vehicles pushed off the road during a sideswipe collision.

The emotional, physical, and financial toll on these victims can be immense. Jonathan Barrett and the team at Barrett Law, PLLC, have the experience and resources to fight for maximum compensation for those affected.


Legal Obligations and Mississippi Statutes

Under Mississippi law, drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly to prevent harm to others. When drivers fail to maintain their lane, signal lane changes, or exercise due caution, they may be held liable for any resulting damages.

Relevant Mississippi Laws:

  • Mississippi Code § 63-3-611: Requires drivers to use turn signals when changing lanes or turning.
  • Mississippi Code § 63-3-601: Obligates drivers to stay within their designated lane unless it is safe to change lanes.
  • Mississippi Comparative Negligence Rule: Allows victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%.

Victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Mississippi’s statute of limitations. However, building a strong case requires acting quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and preserve records.


Practical Steps After a Sideswipe Accident

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in Mississippi, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of securing fair compensation:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, injuries may not be immediately apparent. Medical records are also crucial evidence for your case.
  2. Call law enforcement: A police report documenting the accident can serve as key evidence in proving liability.
  3. Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. Collect contact information from witnesses.
  4. Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or admit blame, as this could be used against you later.
  5. Consult a lawyer: Contact an experienced sideswipe accident lawyer like Jonathan Barrett to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the other driver denies responsibility?
If the other driver denies fault, gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness statements, and the police report. An experienced attorney can help prove liability through a thorough investigation.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Mississippi’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving fault often requires evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and physical evidence from the scene.

What types of damages can I recover in a sideswipe accident lawsuit?
Victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. In wrongful death cases, families may recover funeral costs and loss of companionship.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

Can I handle the insurance claim on my own?
While you can handle your own claim, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Working with an experienced lawyer ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What if the other driver’s insurance company offers me a settlement?
Do not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to close cases quickly. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair amount.

Do I need to go to court for a sideswipe accident claim?
Not necessarily. Many claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend taking the case to court.

Why should I hire Barrett Law, PLLC?
Jonathan Barrett has decades of experience representing sideswipe accident victims across Mississippi. He provides personalized attention and aggressively fights for maximum compensation.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.


Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Sideswipe Accident in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Sideswipe Accident Lawyer Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Barrett Law, PLLCrepresents clients across Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon. Attorney Jonathan Barrett is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Call (601) 790-1505 for a FREE consultation, available 24/7/365. Let us help you move forward after a sideswipe accident.

A fatal pickup truck accident in Texas this weekend may be the most deadly single vehicle accident in history.  The pickup truck was transporting 25 people – ten squeezed into the cab of the pickup and 15 in the bed of the truck when it crashed into two trees.  An officer who investigated the F-250 truck crash has been an officer for 38 years and indicated that he had never seen a comparable motor vehicle accident with so many people piled into a single vehicle.  Thirteen of the vehicle occupants died in the collision while the rest of the vehicle occupants suffered injury.  According to media reports, law enforcement officers speculate that the pickup was transporting illegal immigrants, which is why so many people were crammed into the pickup truck.

This terrible tragedy serves as a grim reminder that the many safety features of a motor vehicle are meaningless in a collision if vehicle occupants decline to utilize them.  It is never advisable to pack more vehicle occupants into a car, truck or SUV than can be accommodated by vehicle seatbelts.  Seatbelts are 56 percent effective in preventing fatalities in collisions involving passenger cars.  They are even more effective in preventing fatal injury in vehicle collisions involving other types of vehicles like pickup trucks, vans and SUVs.

Seatbelt use also substantially reduces the risk of serious debilitating injuries by 53 percent.  Seatbelts keep vehicle occupants inside a motor vehicle during a collision where they can take advantage of the protective shell of the vehicle.  In addition to preventing vehicle ejections, seatbelts also reduce the risk of head trauma suffered when one’s head impacts a steering wheel, dashboard or other hard surface inside the vehicle.  Airbags also provide protection from blunt trauma impact and penetration from objects during a collision.

While this safety equipment provides protection from serious injury and wrongful death during a motor vehicle collision, these safety features are meaningless when a vehicle is overloaded beyond the capacity of safety equipment to protect vehicle occupants.  Riding in the back of a pickup truck is particularly dangerous because it is especially easy to be catapulted away from the vehicle and slam against the hard surface of the roadway.  The truck bed also provides no structural protection from the impact of a serious crash.  Although sitting in the bed of a truck can be fun and appealing to kids, you should never allow children to ride in the bed of a pickup even for a short distance or at low speeds on residential streets.

When motor vehicles are overloaded with passengers, the available safety options for vehicle occupants are reduced considerably.  The risk of catastrophic injury and wrongful death is always present when traveling in a motor vehicle, the danger increases exponentially when vehicle occupants overload a vehicle and ignore safety equipment. The experienced Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing effective legal representation to Mississippi auto accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide careful investigation, thorough analysis of the law and facts and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

 

While they often transport children to youth activities like church camp or boy scout outings, 15-passenger vans are extremely hazardous vehicles.  These vehicles were never intended to transport large groups of people like a mini-bus but were solely developed to function as a cargo vehicle.  Because 15-passenger vans are not used as intended, they pose a substantial risk of being involved in a rollover collision, especially when fully loaded with passengers.  Rollover accidents are among the most deadly types of vehicle crashes because vehicle occupants are often ejected from the vehicle where they have no protection from injury.

Despite the fact that there are still many 15-passenger vans on Mississippi roadways, the danger they pose to vehicle occupants is well-established.    Many schools no longer permit 15-passenger vans to be used for transporting students, and a growing number of insurance companies refuse to provide coverage for these vehicles.  Although the vans have similarities to other vans, they are longer so there is more seating capacity.  When these vans were extended to add more seating, the vehicle manufacturers never redesigned the vans to make them safe for the purpose of transporting large numbers of vehicle occupants.

Ironically, the very characteristics that 15-passenger vans were intended to provide also play a substantial role in their propensity to rollover.  The vehicles are most dangerous when loaded with more than ten passengers.  The vehicles do not have a wide enough wheel base and are top heavy.  This tendency to be top heavy is magnified when the vehicle is more heavily loaded down with passengers.  Passenger vans share many of the characteristics of SUVs, which are also prone to rollover accidents.  However, 15-passenger vans have an additional feature that makes them prone to rollover crashes.  When the vehicle is full loaded, four passengers sit behind the rear axle.  This means that when the driver of a 15-passenger van must veer sharply to avoid a collision the back of the vehicle is heavy and tends to swing around leaving the vehicle exposed to rollover crashes.

15-passenger vans are hazardous because of this tendency to be top heavy and back heavy.  This danger is more significant because many passenger vans do not have seatbelts installed for all passengers.  A seatbelt is never more urgent than when a vehicle is involved in a rollover accident because there is a high risk of a vehicle ejection.  The importance of seatbelts in 15-passenger vans is reflected by the fact that less than 15 percent of all passenger van fatalities involved occupants that were wearing seatbelts.  If you are injured in an accident involving a 15-passenger van in Mississippi, there are a number of parties that may be responsible including:

  • Other negligent motorists
  • Inexperienced passenger van drivers
  • Manufacturers of these defective vehicles
  • Owners that fail to check for proper tire pressure or old tires

If you or someone you love is injured in a collision involving a 15-passenger van, our experienced 15-passenger van accident attorneys at Barrett Law understand the unique design characteristics that make these vehicles particularly dangerous to occupants.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

 

Most children have been transported in a 15-passenger van to church youth group outings, youth club events, sporting events and other activities.  Parents who send their children on outings in these vehicles often are blissfully unaware of the enormous danger.  A 15-passenger van is particularly vulnerable to rollover accidents.  These vehicles were originally designed to transport cargo.  The design of the vehicles was not appropriately modified to safely transport large numbers of vehicle occupants.  15-passenger vans combine a high center of gravity with unsafe weight distribution when loaded with passengers to make them especially likely to rollover in a motor vehicle collision.

These vehicles are similar to other vans except that they are longer so that more occupants can be transported.  These 15-passenger vans are designed with a high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase.  While most people presume that these vehicles are designed to carry a large number of passengers, the reality is that 15-passenger vans are much more prone to rollover when carrying more vehicle occupants.  The vehicles typically sit 4 passengers behind the rear axle when fully loaded, but this creates more weight behind the rear axle.  This makes the vehicle not only top heavy but also back end heavy so that when a van must swerve to suddenly avoid an obstacle the back end of the vehicle will swing around toward the front of the vehicle.  15-passenger vans are so prone to rollover accidents that 85 percent of the time they rollover in accidents when loaded with 10 or more passengers.

These motor vehicles also may lack seatbelts, which makes rollover accidents especially dangerous.  If a vehicle occupant is involved in a rollover accident without a seatbelt, there is a high risk of suffering serious injury when being slammed against the interior of the vehicle or suffering vehicle ejection.  If you child is traveling in a 15-passenger van, you should warn your child that seatbelt use is absolutely required.   It is important to be aware that less than 15 percent of fatal accidents with one of these vehicles involved occupants wearing seatbelts.

While manufacturing defects may contribute to collisions involving 15-passenger vans, there are other factors that also contribute to the danger associated with these vehicles.  The weight distribution in such a vehicle means that it reacts differently than an ordinary passenger vehicle so only professional drivers should operate 15-passenger vans.  Many times youth organizations permit these vehicles to be driven by coaches, counselors, parents or other inexperienced drivers.  Tire pressure or worn out tires are also dangerous so the tires on a 15-passenger van should be checked prior to a trip.

If you are injured in a 15-passenger van in Mississippi, you may have a right to seek financial compensation against any responsible parties.  This may include the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle owner, inexperienced driver, organization arranging the transportation or other vehicle drivers.  If you or your loved one suffer serious injury or wrongful death, we invite you to call contact us to learn how we can assist you in seeking compensation for your loss and injuries.  The experienced Mississippi 15-passenger van accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing tenacious representation to victims of motor vehicle accidents for over 75 years.  We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

There are about 500,000 15-passenger vans that are used on our roads in the United States.  These types of vans are used by shuttle van services, hotels, churches, school groups, and other organizations.  Unfortunately, there has been an increase in rollover accidents in recent years associated with these types of vans resulting in serious injury and even wrongful death.

The Dangers of the Design

These vans are susceptible to rollovers due to their lengthened design and the fact that they are inherently top heavy and unstable. With most 15-passenger vans, the back end was merely extended to provide for more seating room, however, the rear axle of the van remained in the same position. This results in seating for 4 people behind the rear axle of the van.  If the van swerves, then the van has a tendency to swing around in the back because of the extra weight behind the axle.

These vans have a high center of gravity and when fully loaded with passengers they become super top heavy. When the increase in weight in the back seating area is combined with the heavy top weight of the vehicle, it makes the 15-passenger van more likely to tip over. The vehicle also becomes very difficult to control in any sort of emergency situation.

When 10 or more people ride in a 15-passenger van, the risk of a rollover crash increases greatly according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Additionally, many 15-passenger van accident victims are injured or killed due to the fact that they do not have their seat belts on when one of these vans rolls over.  It is recommended that organizations that insist on using these vans confirm that enough functioning seat belts are present and urge their passengers to wear a seat belt.

Poor maintenance and driving inexperience can also contribute to Mississippi 15-passenger van accidents.  The high rollover risk makes it imperative that tires not be allowed to become worn or old and that tire pressure be maintained.  Old tires or tires with improper air pressure may lead to a tire blowout which can start a dangerous rollover accident.  These vans also do not handle like an ordinary passenger vehicle because of their extended length and weight distribution so organizations should use an experienced driver to reduce the risk of rollover accidents.

These vans are not that safe for group travel, and there are other vehicles like mini vans and small school buses that are safer to use for the transport of large groups.  If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury or has been killed in a 15 passenger van accident, contact our personal injury attorneys at the Mississippi law office of Barrett Law PLLC.  Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge of the design defects associated with these vans to effectively represent Mississippi 15 passenger van accident victims. We offer a free case evaluation so call us today at (662) 834-2376 so that we can explain your rights and options.