When a car gets hits the side of another vehicle head-on, it is known as a “t-bone” accident. T-bone collisions are hazardous because they focus their impact on one side of the vehicle. When you are in a high-impact crash, your airbags will likely deploy. These airbags are typically in the dashboard and steering wheel. Unfortunately, when you are in a t-bone collision, your body is jolted to the side, where there may not be airbags to help protect you.
Additionally, the sides of vehicles have the least ability to absorb impacts, meaning you will feel more of the force of the hit in a t-bone collision than most other types of crashes. As a result, t-bone collisions can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
Causes of T-Bone Collisions
There are several reasons that a t-bone collision may occur. However, the most common causes of t-bone collisions are:
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers may cause t-bone collisions because they are not paying attention to traffic signals or other vehicles.
- Running red lights: Running red lights is the most common cause of t-bone crashes. This is because you may not see or expect a driver to be coming through an intersection when you have the right of way. Additionally, people who run red lights may not be paying attention to the road, so they may not see you entering the intersection.
- Poor visibility: T-bone collisions are more likely to happen where there is less visibility, such as in areas with obstructed views or poorly lit roads. For example, if someone cannot see traffic coming around a corner, they may believe they can legally and safely cross the street, causing a t-bone accident.
- Vehicle defects: Defective parts like brakes or tires may fail and cause a t-bone collision. This may result in a car breaking down in the middle of an intersection unexpectedly.
- Speeding: When drivers are speeding, they may cause a t-bone collision because they may not have enough time to stop and avoid it.
Common Injuries Caused by T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions can lead to various severe injuries, depending on the speed and exact location of impact. Common injuries that may result from a t-bone crash are:
- Traumatic brain injuries: They may cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI) because the impact can cause your brain to bounce back and forth in your head. The severity of a TBI can range from a minor concussion to something life-threatening.
- Spinal cord injuries: T-bone collisions can also cause spinal cord injuries because they can cause damage to your neck or back, affecting your spine. Spinal cord injuries can lead to weakness in parts of your body, paralysis, or other long-term disabilities.
- Broken bones: T-bone collisions can cause your body to slam into the steering wheel, door, or window. That impact can lead to broken bones, especially in your arms, legs, and ribs.
- Soft tissue injuries: The collisions can also cause soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, because of the jolt caused by impact. These injuries can be painful and take a long time to heal.
Recoverable Compensation for T-Bone Collisions
If you were injured in a t-bone collision caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, you can seek compensation for your losses. This compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical therapy expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you want to seek compensation for a collision, it is essential that you retain a personal injury attorney. Having one of Deering Hedrick’s attorneys fight for your best interests can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. With our experience, we can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court. So, if you sustained injuries in a t-bone collision caused by someone else, don’t wait to pursue the compensation you deserve. Instead, call us today at (757) 383-6848 to discuss your case and get your claim started.
