Car accidents can range from minor fender benders and rear-end collisions to rollover crashes that result in catastrophic injuries. A common type of car accident involving a side impact collision is often referred to as a “T-bone” crash, as the two cars form a “T” shape at the impact point. Side impact collisions are also referred to as broadside crashes, and often occur at intersections.
Scenarios resulting in T-bone car accidents can include a driver failing to heed a red light signal and striking another vehicle traveling through a green light, or left turns at intersections when a light is changing. Failing to monitor the roadway due to texting or talking on a cell phone is another common factor leading to side impact or T-bone collisions.
T-bone car accidents are classified as either near-side impact or far-side impact crashes. A near-side impact crash involves the opposing vehicle striking the other car on the side occupied by a driver or passenger. A far-side impact crash involves the opposing vehicle striking the side of the other car with an empty seat. Far-side impact crashes allow for a greater barrier between the driver/passenger and the point of impact, and the injuries sustained in near-side versus far-side impacts often range in severity.
Near-side impact crashes commonly result in the driver or passenger suffering chest injuries, as well as injuries to the lower extremities. Injuries to the head, abdomen, and pelvis are also commonly reported in near-side collisions. Far-side crashes typically result in head injuries, as well as chest lacerations or bruises.
T-bone car accidents can be quite dangerous, and pose a specific threat to children. A Study by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine found that 23% of children involved in T-bone or side impact collisions sustained clinically significant injuries. The study also found that children age 5 to 9 who were involved in near-side impacts sustained injuries with a maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS*) score of 2+ (a far greater rate than any other type of impact).
The most common children’s body regions injured in the study were the face (29%), extremities (29%), and head (18%). 50% of the significant head injuries were sustained in crashes with either minimal or non-existent intrusion. 50% of significant head, face, and spine injuries (and 29% of abdominal and thoracic injuries) were sustained by children despite being appropriately restrained for their age and weight.
T-bone accidents frequently result in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the trajectory of the crash. Unlike rear-end or head-on collisions, side impact accidents leave the driver or passenger vulnerable to injury or death due to the limited space between the individual and the impact point. In a head-on or rear-end collision, the structure of the vehicle – engine, seating, trunk, etc. – serves as a barrier that can help protect an individual in an accident. In a T-bone collision, the door/window is all that stands between the driver or passenger and the oncoming vehicle. As a result, T-bone car accidents can often result in fatalities.
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) indicates that side impact collisions represent 27% of all occupant fatalities. Moreover, in a study analyzing police reported crashes, side impacts represented 19% of the incidents, but 32% of the fatalities. Nearly 10,000 Americans are killed every year in T-bone collisions.
In a T-bone collision, at least one of the drivers must be at fault (although in some cases both drivers can share fault). As T-bone accidents are not always clear-cut, it’s important that injured victims take steps and gather evidence to help prove their case.
Firstly, if you’re injured in a T-bone car accident it’s imperative to immediately address your health. Seek proper medical attention and ensure that you follow your doctor’s guidance and instructions. Be sure to gather records of all of your medical care, including any rehabilitation or ongoing therapy that is required.
Once your health is properly managed, it’s important to collect any evidence that will help support your version of events and prove who was actually at fault for the T-bone accident. Supportive evidence can include photos or videos of the scene of the accident, closed circuit video of the location, police reports, witness statements, pictures of any injuries you sustained, and all available medical records and documentation.
Never, under any circumstances, admit fault following a T-bone or side impact collision. Before making any statement, it is recommended that you consult with a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney who has successfully handled a considerable volume of car accident cases.
Proving fault in a T-bone collision can be a difficult task, particularly in cases where the other driver denies fault and places the blame on you. In such scenarios, having an experienced personal injury lawyer fighting on your behalf can give you the advantage you need to win your case and recover the financial damages you deserve. Don’t try to prove your T-bone collision case on your own and risk incurring additional fault due to inexperience with the law. Let the experts at DLG handle every detail and guide you through the legal process following a side impact car crash.
Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert car accident attorneys.
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