T-Bone Car Accidents
Posted on January 30, 2022
Dangers of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents occur when the front of a vehicle crashes into the side of a second car. According to statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, T-bone collisions, also known as broadside collisions and side impact car crashes, accounted for 24% of fatal traffic crashes during 2019.
Generally, these car accidents occur when a driver fails to yield to another driver who has the right-of-way, for example, when one driver makes a dangerous turn at an intersection or fails to stop at a red light or stop sign. They can also occur because of:
- Distracted driving, as a result of arguing with a passenger, texting, or fiddling with the radio.
- Mechanical failures, especially brake failures.
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Drowsy, sleepy, or drunk driving
Side crashes can occur anywhere and at any time but are much more common at intersections. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the majority of crashes that occur at intersections are T-bone collisions.
T-Bone Collision Injuries
Broadside collisions can cause serious injuries even at low speeds. These accidents usually cause more serious injuries to the occupants of the car struck on the side and they include a wide variety of injuries. The type and severity of those injuries depend on the speed, force, and angle of impact.
These are the most common:
- Whiplash and other spine injuries, produced by the sudden movement of the neck during impact. This type of injury is very common and can cause severe damage to muscles and soft tissue, as well as herniated discs. Signs of whiplash can take several days to appear, so it is important to seek medical attention after a T-bone collision, even if you feel fine.
- Broken bones, commonly ribs, shoulder, arms, and even hip and legs.
- Contusions and brain trauma, caused by impact against car windows or airbags. They are extremely dangerous and can cause anything from simple disorientation to death. These injuries are usually accompanied by cuts to the head and neck due to broken glass.
- Back injuries, caused by violent compression of the muscles and pressure on the bones during impact. These injuries can result in disabling fractures, both temporary and permanent.
- Lacerations and cuts, usually caused by shattered glass shards and debris.
- Internal injuries can result in complications, including death, if left untreated.
Other common consequences from T-bone car accidents include:
- Nerve damage
- Sprains
- Anxiety
- Loss of coordination
- Disorientation
- Loss of memory
The passenger on the impacted side usually suffers the most severe injuries. In many cases, the accident is fatal. If you are traveling with a passenger, please be especially careful at intersections and traffic lights.
Who is at fault in a T-Bone accident in Florida?
Fault in broadside collisions depends on which driver had the right-of-way at the time of the accident. The car without the right-of-way will always be at fault for the collision. Fortunately, T-bone accidents often occur at intersections with traffic control devices, where there are usually plenty of witnesses and cameras that can help you prove you are not at fault.
Jason Recksiedler is Board Certified as an expert in Trial Law by the Florida Bar and has recovered millions for clients injured in car accidents because of the negligence of others. Contact us today for a free consultation. If you were T-boned, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages caused to your person and vehicle. We can help you file a claim and protect your interests while you recover. Call us today to speak with Jason Recksiedler or Caroline Fischer Espi. You can also send us an email at info@firstchoicelaw.com or fill out the online form and we will contact you shortly.
If you or someone you love has been injured because of another person’s negligence, please call Jason Recksiedler, certified as an expert in civil trial law by the Florida Bar, or Caroline Fischer Espi. We are available at 321-999-1111 24 hours a day. You may also send us an email or fill out the online form located on this page and we will contact you back shortly.