The Dangers Of T-Bone Accidents
All car accidents can lead to serious injuries and significant property damage, but some kinds of collisions are notorious for being particularly devastating. T-bone, or side-impact crashes fall under this category. T-bone accidents occur when the front end of one vehicle collides into the side of a second vehicle. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained in t-bone accidents are often severe and the property damage can be substantial.
What Does a T-Bone Accident Look Like?
T-bone crashes, which are also referred to as broadside and side-impact collisions, take place when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, making a T-shape. These kinds of crashes often occur in intersections and are usually the result of driver error, such as:
- Speeding through the intersection;
- Entering an intersection with an obstructed view;
- Failing to yield the right-of-way;
- Driving while distracted or intoxicated; and
- Misjudging the speed of or gap in, oncoming traffic.
Not all t-bone accidents, however, are the result of driver error. Some, for instance, could end up being attributed to a problem with the traffic lights, or even a vehicle defect, in which case, the city or a vehicle parts manufacturer could be held liable for the resulting injuries.
T-Bone Accident Injuries
The sides of a vehicle, unlike the front and rear portions, are one of the most unprotected parts of a car. With only a thin sheet of metal between themselves and potential impact, this leaves occupants who are struck by the front end of another vehicle at serious risk of injury, including:
- Chest trauma, like broken ribs or damage to the lungs, which can occur when the door crumples inward upon impact;
- Hip injuries, which can happen when the force of a collision is concentrated on the pelvic area, resulting in a dislocated or broken hip;
- Shoulder injuries, such as muscle tears, dislocations, rotator cuff injuries, and broken bones, which can happen when the shoulder is crushed against the door;
- Head injuries, which can occur when the head strikes the door or window upon impact and may leave victims suffering from damage to their hearing or vision;
- Neck injuries, like herniated discs or pulled ligaments and tendons, which can occur due to the whiplashing effect of striking the door or window; and
- Lacerations to the face and upper body from contact with broken glass.
Besides being painful, these injuries can be difficult and expensive to treat, which can be especially frustrating for those who weren’t at fault for their collision in the first place.
Were You Involved in a T-Bone Accident?
T-bone accidents are almost always the result of driver error. Fortunately, injured parties who sustain serious injuries can often seek compensation for their losses from the negligent or reckless driver who caused the crash. Doing so, however, can be difficult, so if you or a loved one were hurt in a t-bone accident, don’t hesitate to call the dedicated Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis for help.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217542/
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
