A T-bone accident is a side impact collision between two cars, which resembles the formation of a “T”, hence the name. Also, it’s an accident you certainly don’t wish you find yourself in for several reasons! Unlike many types of car accidents, when a car is T-boned, the only thing separating you from the impact is a door and a window. The injuries one can sustain from such an accident can be anything from severe to even fatal and either party can be at fault!
Most of your cars these days are fully equipped with the safety features needed to protect you when you’re in a car accident. However, there are still many that only come with airbags equipped to protect you from a front or rear collision. That means that a T-bone accident is one of the most dangerous collisions you can be in, and it’s crucial that we understand how to avoid them.
Causes of T-bone Accidents
Statistics show that side impact collisions are the cause of approximately a quarter of all motor vehicle accident deaths in the U.S. per year. We all have an obligation to avoid accidents as much as possible, but often they’re unavoidable. Let’s take a look at the most common causes behind this notorious accident type:
- Failing to yield
- Speeding Distracted Driving
- Wet and slippery roads
- Brake failure
- Jumping a red traffic light
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Turning across a traffic lane
Common Injury Types During T-bone Accidents
A T-bone accident can cause serious injury and in almost all cases, the medical attention is extremely high. Medics and hospitals typically treat the following after these nasty crashes:
- Neck injuries
- Head trauma
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Brain trauma injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Broken and fractured bones
- Body tissue injuries and severe bruising
- Paralyzation
How to avoid being in a T-bone accident
Exercise Caution at Intersections
This particular accident is witnessed mostly during a busy intersection. Approach and cross these areas with caution. Slow down, and be aware of the traffic all around you, if you see that someone is coming at speed or going to cross you without the right of way, make way for the driver to avoid a collision.
Choose Good Car Safety Features
Most cars have excellent safety features, but not all protect you from injury in every single instance. While this particularly doesn’t prevent the accident from happening, choosing a car with a good side-impact rating will mean safer protection from injury in a T-bone accident.
Obey Road Traffic Rules
Stop at red lights, stop at stop signs, slow down when you see an amber light, and you’re less likely to be involved in an accident. Even with the right of way, be aware of those around you.
Certain situations have unforeseen hazards, which makes an accident unavoidable, but in most cases, this accident type can be avoided.
Who’s to blame for a T-bone Accident?
As mentioned, we all should avoid accidents on the road. Exercising caution whilst behind the wheel is considered good driving behavior. Proving which party was driving negligently, evidence of the following at the T-bone accident would most likely have to be true:
- The driver at fault had a civil obligation to drive safely
- The driver failed to do so and was driving recklessly
- The driver failed to yield the right of way
- The was inattentive to traffic signs
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
What to Do After Getting into a T-Bone Accident
Whether it’s you or someone you know that you’re trying to help, there are people in your corner to assist in taking care of you. Where there are disputes, you will need an attorney on your side and they can also guide you in terms of how to protect yourself and your future.
Look for an attorney that has seasoned experience in T-bone accidents to avoid lengthy paperwork and processing. Insurance companies will try and find a way to not pay you out, hence knowing your rights moving forward is critical to your financial and medical wellbeing.
Need more advice?
The physical pain and financial pain that you go through when you’re involved in a T-bone accident are not pleasant. There are ways to go about handling each case through professional services that deal with accidents such as these. If you need more information and would like to discuss this topic further, call us today and one of our team members will assist you with everything you need to know! You can also reach out to us with any questions you may have by visiting our Contact Page.
