Side-impact collisions happen in the blink of an eye. Most T-bone accident victims do not even see it coming. But what is a T-bone collision, and what causes it? What injuries do vehicle occupants suffer from after getting T-boned? Let’s explore the definition, causes, and common injuries sustained in T-bone car crashes.
If you were recently involved in a broadside collision, contact a personal injury lawyer at Unity Law Group. Call us at (844) 864-8939 today.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front end of one automobile strikes the side of another, creating a “T” configuration. These types of crashes frequently occur at crossroads when a motorist fails to give the right of way, ignores a red traffic signal, or disobeys stop signs. Because of the angle of the impact, individuals in the vehicle struck from the side face a heightened risk of serious injury or fatality.
T-bone collisions occur mostly in intersections, but they also take place in other locations. Sometimes, T-bone accidents happen on freeways when one driver loses control and the vehicle slides sideways. This type of accident may also occur in parking areas when one driver reverses out of a parking spot and another car strikes them from the side.
Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
To prove liability in a T-bone accident personal injury claim, the plaintiff must prove the other driver’s negligence. Negligence means failing to behave as a reasonable person would under similar conditions.
When making a T-bone accident fault determination, investigators typically review the following types of proof:
- Accounts provided by both motorists
- Details documented in the official police report
- Location of stop signs and other roadway indicators
- Testimony from bystanders who witnessed the event
- Tire skid impressions
- Traffic surveillance video
The responsibility to present evidence lies with the plaintiff, not the defendant. After getting T-boned in a car crash, securing a personal injury attorney is a crucial step for any auto accident victim so they can gather and organize all available evidence.
Although a court may hold one motorist responsible for a T-bone crash due to violating traffic regulations, in some situations, both drivers can share the blame. Let’s examine potential at-fault drivers in a T-bone car accident.
The Drivers
If one motorist proceeds through an intersection with a green light while another runs the red light and collides with them from the side, then the driver forming the base of the “T” shape bears responsibility. Conversely, if the vehicle struck from the side disobeyed the signal, while the other had the right of way, then the court will likely hold liable the motorist forming the top of the “T” shape.
Based on the specific details of the crash, either driver involved in a T-bone collision may bear partial responsibility. The motorists may disagree over who had the legal right of way. Hiring an attorney to gather crucial proof can assist you in satisfying the legal standards necessary for your T-bone accident claim.
The Car Manufacturer
If one vehicle involved in a T-bone car wreck had defective parts that played a role in the accident, such as malfunctioning brakes or a jammed accelerator, the automaker may bear partial or complete responsibility for the damages and injuries.
According to product liability regulations, injured parties can hold manufacturers accountable for harm resulting from their products. Your personal injury lawyer may examine the details of your collision, including the condition of the other vehicles at the time of the incident, to assess whether the manufacturer bears any portion of the responsibility.
A Third Driver
In some cases, the driver responsible for a car crash completely avoids the impact. For instance, a motorist may execute an unlawful left turn in front of an approaching vehicle, forcing that driver to swerve to prevent a crash, which then results in a collision with another car. The driver who initiated this sequence of events through an improper turn is still considered liable, even if their vehicle never physically came into contact with the others.
In situations like this, the motorist who triggered the crash has a legal obligation to stay at the accident scene. By speaking with eyewitnesses and recording the immediate aftermath of your T-bone accident, you can assist your lawyer in identifying any responsible party who may have left without accepting accountability.
The Government
In rare cases, the government may bear some responsibility for a T-bone accident. Examples include faulty signals, illegible signage, or potholes that the government had reason to know about and did not fix. If government negligence causes an accident, hiring an attorney becomes even more important because the statute of limitations for such cases is shortened to six months to reduce government liability.
Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions
Multiple elements affect the determination of fault in T-bone collisions. Failure to yield, excessive speed, distracted driving, breaches of traffic regulations, and driving under the influence all contribute to identifying the responsible party.
Each of the following potential causes of a T-bone car accident helps establish responsibility:
- Careless Driving – Operating a vehicle irresponsibly may involve violating traffic laws or engaging in hazardous actions that initially caused the crash.
- Driver Impairment – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs reduces coordination and slows reaction times. It also increases the likelihood of engaging in dangerous driving actions. In these situations, the driver may be deemed responsible for the T-bone accident.
- Excessive Speed – Driving too fast is dangerous because it reduces reaction time and amplifies the severity of a collision. Only about one-third of drivers confessed to consistently following the speed limit. If a driver travels above the legal speed, they could be held responsible for the incident.
- Right of Way – The motorist who disregarded the right of way is typically held accountable for a T-bone collision. Right-of-way violations may involve failure to stop at a stop sign or driving through a red traffic signal.
- Traffic Regulation Breaches – Disobeying traffic rules, such as using a cellphone for texting or taking calls while driving, can distract you and prevent you from noticing an approaching vehicle in time. Over 17% of drivers involved in accidents participate in at least one non-driving activity during the incident.
Keep in mind that certain scenarios may result in both motorists bearing partial responsibility. If the driver who got hit had the legal right of way but also broke the speed limit or drove under the influence, their total compensation would be reduced accordingly.
Common T-Bone Accident Injuries
Due to how close passengers sit to the point of contact during a collision, injuries from T-bone crashes often prove serious and may result in lasting physical and emotional harm. These accidents account for the second-highest number of fatalities among all crash types, following head-on collisions.
Let’s look at the most frequent kinds of severe injuries sustained by victims of T-bone collisions.
Bone Fractures
Passengers prove more vulnerable to intense, blunt-force trauma during a collision when struck from the side. The power of the crash can lead to fractures and broken bones. Commonly impacted regions include the head, cervical spine, hip, and collarbone.
Suffering from fractured bones can hinder your ability to carry out daily activities for several months until they mend completely, particularly with severe head and brain injuries.
Chest Injuries
When a T-bone collision results in the door collapsing inward or the seatbelt tightening abruptly, the chest area typically absorbs much of the force. The impact can cause contusions, broken ribs, pulmonary injuries, and internal hemorrhaging. Certain chest traumas evade immediate detection, so victims should seek immediate medical attention.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries refer to any harm not visible to the naked eye. Internal hemorrhaging and damage to vital organs represent the most critical internal traumas. Failing to get prompt medical care or ignoring symptoms in the days or weeks following your crash could endanger your life.
Identifying concealed injuries involves monitoring symptoms and treating even the slightest indicators with caution.
Examples of postponed injury warning signs to watch for following a car crash include:
- Discoloration of the skin
- Head pain
- Issues with shoulder movement
- Restricted mobility
- Spinal discomfort
- Stomach ache
- Tiredness or exhaustion
Many individuals dismiss these signs because they may not initially disrupt everyday activities, but taking immediate action is paramount. Timely medical care can prevent long-term complications and even preserve your life.
Lacerations and Contusions
A T-bone accident can cause minor, moderate, and severe lacerations and bruises. Broken glass can cut the skin on a passenger’s face and arms. Loose objects in the cabin can bruise passengers if the impact sends them flying. Some drivers even sustain bruises across the chest and hips when the seatbelt locks in place.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Herniated discs develop when the impact of a collision forces a vertebra to shift into the spinal canal, causing the discs to bulge or rupture. This shift can compress the nerves surrounding the spinal cord, resulting in persistent pain in the back and neck regions.
Up to 30% of individuals with whiplash also experience herniated discs, making it among the most frequent, life-altering injuries resulting from T-bone collisions. Serious disc herniations may require surgical intervention.
Keep in mind that not every cervical herniated disc injury will produce noticeable symptoms. In such instances, an MRI scan will confirm that you have a herniated disc.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The head proves particularly susceptible during T-bone automobile collisions due to the nature of the impact. The head may forcefully strike another occupant, a side window, the dashboard, the steering wheel, or the side airbag.
The type of harm a driver experiences can vary from concussions to potentially fatal cerebral hemorrhaging. These forms of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most profoundly life-changing, frequently resulting in lasting cognitive impairments and emotional difficulties.
Similar to whiplash, TBIs might not develop symptoms right away. Typical warning signs include:
- Amnesia
- Disorientation
- Impaired vision
- Queasiness
- Ringing in the ears
- Severe headaches
- Speech impairments
- Sudden emotional fluctuations
- Trouble with sleep
In every instance, a potential brain or head injury requires an urgent trip to the emergency room. Without quick medical attention, these serious conditions could become fatal.
Whiplash
Whiplash is commonly linked to rear-end collisions, but it also results from T-bone crashes. These neck injuries stem from the rapid, forceful motion of the neck snapping back and forth, resembling the action of a whip.
Roughly 3.2 million individuals in the United States experience whiplash annually. Whiplash injury victims may experience limited mobility, discomfort, migraines, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. If left untreated, whiplash may develop into a long-term issue.
With whiplash, symptoms may not appear until several days after the collision.
Wrongful Death
In the worst-case scenario, a T-bone accident can result in a wrongful death. The death may occur instantly at the scene of the crash or weeks later. In such cases, family members of the deceased driver may seek compensation as part of a wrongful death claim.
Damages Frequently Recovered From T-Bone Car Accidents
A T-bone vehicle collision can impose several new financial obligations on victims. Any expenditures you can verify as connected to the crash will factor into your compensation claim. These expenses may include:
- Anticipated medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy or recovery programs
- Vehicle or property repairs
Store all records connected to your costs in an organized folder where you can quickly retrieve them and provide them to your car accident lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
If you have been t-boned in a car accident and suffered injuries, consult with a personal injury attorney after you have received medical treatment and your health is stable. At Unity Law Group, we will gather evidence, deal with the other driver’s insurance company, and pursue a generous settlement. Fill out our simple online form or call Unity Law Group at (844) 864-8939 today.
