What Makes T-Bone Car Accidents Different from Other Collisions?

When the front of a car or truck strikes the side of another vehicle, that type of side impact collision is often referred to as a “T-bone” collision. It can also be called a broadside collision. These types of accidents differ from many other types of crashes for several reasons that can impact the ability to recover compensation afterward.

Experienced personal injury lawyers know that the injuries people suffer in T-bone collisions are often much more serious than in accident situations. Victims may not be able to remember what happened or work to collect evidence that will be needed to demonstrate liability and recover compensation. It is a good idea for a loved one to contact an attorney for advice and assistance as soon as possible if someone is injured in a T-bone collision.

The Sides of Vehicles Lack the Same Protections

Cars and trucks are designed to withstand impacts at the front and rear. For instance, the designs include “crumple zones” that absorb the force of a collision to protect those inside from the full effects of that force. Powerful airbags are set up to deploy from the front to cushion the impact on the driver and passengers.

When a vehicle is hit on the side rather than the front or back, the full force of the impact often transmits directly to those inside the vehicle because there is next to no crumple zone. Similarly, side airbags offer considerably less protection than frontal airbags. In addition, those in the back seat are often likely to be projected sideways, hitting their heads and arms against the doors and windows.

The Potential for Chain Reactions is Less Predictable

When a vehicle is hit on the side, it is frequently pushed off course in ways that can be extremely dangerous and difficult for other drivers to anticipate and avoid. Often, vehicles that are hit broadside are pushed into oncoming traffic and are liable for secondary collisions and additional chain reactions.

In a rear-end collision, by contrast, one vehicle will often push vehicles into one another in a straight line—the front end of one hits the rear end of another as the momentum continues. While this often results in property damage and minor injuries, the secondary collisions are minor and confined to a single lane. The chain reaction caused by a t-bone collision can be much more powerful, damaging, and hard to evade.

Right-of-Way Issues are Often Critical to Determining Liability

No matter how severe the injuries are in a car accident, victims cannot recover compensation from those responsible until they are prepared to prove why those parties are responsible. This requires extensive evidence and often assistance from accident reconstruction experts who can show how a driver’s irresponsible actions caused the accident and resulting injuries.

In many t-bone collisions, failure to yield right-of-way is a critical source of liability. Right-of-way issues can be complex and are often misunderstood. It is important to work with a legal team who is prepared to explain right-of-way responsibilities clearly so that there is no doubt about liability.

Causation Can Often Be Traced to Specific Actions

T-bone collisions are often triggered by certain specific actions. For instance, they frequently occur while one vehicle is making a left turn, but the driver of the turning vehicle is not necessarily at fault. Left turn side impact crashes occur in two primary ways: the driver making the turn may hit a vehicle that is traveling straight along the road, or a vehicle moving straight may hit a left-turning vehicle broadside.

Another situation that commonly leads to t-bone collisions is an inadequate stop at a stop sign or stop light. If a driver is obligated to stop and wait for an adequate opening in traffic before proceeding and they continue without waiting, then they may be held responsible for the accident even if they were hit.

Reckless driving, including speeding and trying to “beat” a red light, are also situations that frequently lead to a t-bone collision with serious injuries.

Injuries are Often Much More Severe

Emergency medical personnel know that t-bone collisions are generally the most deadly type of car accidents, causing more harm than even head-on collisions. The damage can be particularly devastating for children.

Potentially catastrophic injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Damage to the vertebrae of the neck and back
• Internal organ damage
• Crush injuries to limbs
• Fractures to the pelvis and ribs

In a side impact collision, the force of impact is so strong that it is not just the type of injury that causes devastation but the incredible severity of the injury. Victims are often left with a lifetime of pain and disability that prevents them from working. The reduced quality of life with no hope of improvement causes hardship for the entire family and changes the course of everyone’s life.

An attorney cannot restore health, but by seeking justice and compensation, a dedicated injury attorney can help ensure that the quality of life remains as high as possible.

After a T-Bone Collision, Put Michael M. Day Law Firm to Work for Your Family

In the wake of a disastrous accident, you don’t want to be harassed by insurance companies trying to trick you into admitting liability or devaluing your claim. Let us handle the insurance representatives and investigators while you focus on rebuilding your life. At Michael M. Day Law Firm, LLC, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families with the full range of needs that arise after a serious injury. We limit the number of clients we assist so that we can focus on you as a person rather than a case. If you or a family member suffered injuries in a t-bone collision or any type of accident that could have been prevented, contact us now for a free case evaluation and consultation to learn more about the ways we can assist at this difficult time.