T-bone car accidents, also known as broadside crashes or side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle hits another vehicle on its side, in the shape of a "T." One of the most common types of accidents, broadside collisions made up 21.5% of total collisions in the United States in 2018, and 18% of fatal crashes, second only to head-on collisions.
How do T-Bone Accidents Happen?
T-bone crashes occur in many different ways. Most side-impact crashes occur at intersections when one of the vehicles does not yield the right of way. In many broadside accidents, drivers are T-boned while making a left-hand turn, with the other vehicle striking their passenger side. In other cases, drivers making a u-turn do not see oncoming vehicles from the opposite direction and are hit on the side as they pull into traffic. Many side-impact car accidents also occur when drivers ignore traffic signs and collide with other vehicles.
The majority of broadside car crashes are caused by negligent drivers guilty of distracted driving or reckless behavior. Aggressive driving and driving over the speed limit are the most frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents.
Other possible factors that may contribute to a broadside accident include:
- Poor Road Conditions - Road defects like large potholes and hazards like construction material left at roadside construction sites can easily cause vehicle collisions.
- Broken Traffic Lights - Drivers must obey traffic laws, but government authorities must also maintain traffic signals and road signs.
- Defective Auto Parts - when an accident is even partially due to defective auto parts, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for property damage and bodily injury.
Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Collision?
In many side-impact collisions, there is no doubt about who was the at-fault driver responsible for the accident. If the other driver is guilty of breaking traffic rules, such as running a red light or rolling through a stop sign, they are likely to be considered the liable party in the collision. In other cases, an investigation into the events that occurred will help determine who was the at-fault party.
Common Injuries Suffered in Side Impact Collisions
Side impact car accident victims often suffer a range of significant and even life-threatening injuries that cause both physical pain and emotional trauma and often require significant medical treatment.
Although many cars now have safety features like side impact airbags, vehicle occupants remain vulnerable to many injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury & Other Brain Injuries - T-bone or broadside collisions can lead to debilitating head injuries or even fatal injuries.
- Spinal Cord & Neck Injuries - The sudden jolts caused by side-impact accidents can cause back and neck injuries by throwing bones and discs out of alignment.
- Broken Bones - Though airbags reduce the risk of severe bone fractures, broken bones remain a common injury in many types of collisions.
- Internal Injuries / Damage to Internal Organs
- Gash Wounds due to Broken Glass
A personal injury attorney can assist you in recovering compensation for these and other types of injuries.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I've Been in a T-Bone Collision?
Following a broadside car crash, it is natural to want to settle the matter quickly on your own. But navigating the legal process by yourself will place you at a serious disadvantage in trying to obtain fair compensation for your injuries and medical costs.
It is essential to retain a T-bone accident attorney with vast experience in handling car accident cases who can stand up to an insurance company. When the opposing side knows that experienced auto accident lawyers are representing you and pursuing your insurance claim, they are likely to make a better offer right from the start. Our auto accident attorneys will take your injury case on a contingency fee basis, which means we are only compensated following a successful recovery on your behalf.
Call a T-Bone Collision Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a broadside car accident, consider contacting the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP to discuss your legal options. Our T-Bone accident attorneys have decades of experience with T Bone intersection accidents and have helped thousands of clients recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and medical expenses. Our T-bone collision attorneys approach the attorney-client relationship with compassion and are ready to help injury victims navigate the legal process during a very challenging time.
Speak with an experienced attorney for a confidential consultation and free case evaluation by filling out a contact form online at InjuryLawyer.com or by calling our phone number, 1-800-624-8888.
When we take on a new client, we adopt them as part of our family, and we fight for them in every way possible. That has been our motivating force in capturing hundreds of millions of dollars in financial compensation through settlements and jury verdicts for clients we have represented during the past 50-plus years.
Your initial consultation with our side-impact car accident lawyers will always be FREE of charge. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we agree to handle your case, there are no legal fees unless we are successful in getting you financial compensation.
