T-Bone Car Accident Attorneys in Burlington, VT 

You’re driving through an intersection, and out of nowhere, another car slams into the side of your vehicle. That’s a T-bone accident—terrifying and unexpected. These crashes usually occur when someone runs a red light, ignores a stop sign, or makes a bad judgment about how fast another car is coming. Unfortunately, intersections of busy streets like Burlington's Main Street or Church Street Marketplace can be hotspots for these collisions. 

The damage to your car, the pain from your injuries, and the questions racing through your mind—it’s a lot. T-bone accidents can cause serious harm because there’s less protection on the sides of vehicles. You might be dealing with physical injuries, emotional shock, and the financial fallout all at once. 

Hiring the experienced team of car accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, can be the best step you can take at the outset to protect your rights. 

How Do T-Bone Accidents Happen? 

Most T-bone accidents happen because someone wasn’t paying attention. Drivers are running red lights, blowing through stop signs, or making careless turns. These reckless actions put everyone on the road at risk, especially at intersections.  Each year over 60 people die on Vermont's roadways.

Another cause is distraction. Maybe the other driver was texting, fiddling with the radio, or just zoned out. It only takes a second of inattention for a crash to happen. Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, drugs, or even fatigue, makes it even harder for someone to make safe decisions behind the wheel.  

At intersections like those near Church Street, where traffic can already be chaotic, one careless act can lead to life-altering consequences. Sometimes, it’s not just the driver’s fault. Burlington has its share of confusing intersections, and some are outright dangerous. 

We believe Burlington deserves safer streets. While we can’t redesign every tricky intersection, we can make sure those responsible for dangerous conditions are held accountable when their negligence causes harm.

And if you’ve lived through a  Burlington, Vermont winter with its 70"+ annual snowfall, you know how tricky the roads can get. Snow, ice, and slush turn intersections into sliding zones. Even the most cautious drivers can struggle to stop in time on slippery surfaces, especially on steep ramps like those leading to I-89. 

Did You Suffer These Injuries After a T-Bone Car Crash? 

The force of another car smashing into the side of yours can leave you with serious injuries—broken bones, concussions, and even spinal cord damage. And let’s not forget about the whiplash and disc herniations that might seem minor but hurt like crazy the next day. 

You might face chronic pain or lose the ability to move the way you used to. Suddenly, you’re scheduling surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments, all while trying to adjust to a new normal. It’s exhausting. Although the state of Vermont has found seatbelts and airbags have “dramatically improved the safety of vehicle occupants,” serious injuries continue to follow after a T-bone car crash.

It’s not just your body that takes a hit in an accident. The emotional toll can be just as heavy. Maybe you’re scared to get back in a car, or you’re reliving the crash every time you close your eyes. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression are real struggles after something so traumatic.

Then there’s the financial mess. Hospital bills pile up fast. You might not be able to work, which only adds to the stress. Between doctor’s appointments and missed paychecks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

Peeling Back the Layers: Assigning Fault in T-Bone Car Accidents 

When it comes to figuring out who’s at fault, the details matter. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, and even skid marks at the scene can tell the story of what really happened (you could even perform your own calculations using a skid mark speed calculator). Every piece of evidence helps build your case. 

Eyewitnesses can be especially valuable. Maybe someone saw the other driver speed through a red light or fail to stop at a sign. Traffic cameras? They’re like having a silent witness that doesn’t miss a thing. Our personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, fight hard to look for any witnesses to the crash to help prove your case. 

If the crash was complicated, accident reconstruction experts might step in. These professionals analyze everything—from impact angles to vehicle speeds—to show exactly what caused the accident. 

Vermont has what’s called a “modified comparative fault” rule under 12 V.S.A. § 1036. What does that mean? Basically, if you’re partly at fault for the crash, your compensation gets reduced by your share of the blame. 

Let’s say you’re 20% responsible because you rolled into the intersection a little late. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck—it just means your award will be reduced by 20%. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything. 

What Can You Recover After a T-Bone Car Accident? 

When you’ve been in an accident, the costs add up fast. Medical bills, rehab sessions, and time off work are just the beginning. All of these are considered economic damages, and they’re the foundation of most claims. 

But what about the pain and suffering? That’s where non-economic damages come in. These cover the emotional and physical toll of the accident, recognizing that the impact goes far beyond dollars and cents. 

Here’s something important: Under 12 V.S.A. § 512, Vermont gives you three years to file a personal injury claim for negligence after a car accident. It might sound like a lot of time, but trust us, it flies by when you’re focused on healing. 

Miss that deadline, and your chance to recover compensation disappears. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly, even if you’re not sure where to start. We’ll guide you through every step, making sure no deadline is missed, and no opportunity is overlooked. 

Stop Before it Starts: Preventing T-Bone Accidents in Burlington 

Stay focused. Defensive driving, especially at intersections, can make all the difference. There's a reason why insurance companies can reduce your premiums by 20% for completing a defensive driving course. Slow down, look both ways, and always yield when you’re supposed to—it’s simple, but it works. 

Perhaps accidents would be less frequent and further between if every driver exercised greater caution. Sadly, some people have little to do with ensuring our safety. This is when the extra alertness around Main Street comes in handy. 

Driving isn’t merely about getting from point A to point B—it’s about getting there safely. Let’s all do our part to keep the roads safer. 

Why Choose Horn Wright, LLP? 

We know how much is at stake after a T-bone accident. You’re hurt, stressed, and looking for answers. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’re here to help. We’ve helped countless Burlington residents recover after serious crashes. Put one of the best law firms in Vermont behind you. We're ready to listen and provide you with the guidance and representation you deserve during this difficult time.

Call Horn Wright, LLP, today for a free consultation.