No one ever fully anticipates getting into an accident while driving. However, collisions occur, so knowing how to respond to these matters is critical. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with one of the most dangerous crashes, a T-bone accident. If you aren’t sure what you must know about these, you’ll want to keep reading. Additionally, you’ll learn the importance of connecting with an experienced Broward County car accident lawyer to help you through this matter.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another. These are called T-bone crashes because the cars look like a capital T at the point of collision. However, you may find these are also referred to as side-impact collisions.
These accidents most often occur at intersections but can also happen in driveways and in parking lots. Though rare, they can transpire on highways if a driver loses control of their vehicle.
What Injuries Can I Sustain?
Unfortunately, T-bone accidents are some of the most serious and can lead to devastating injuries. The severity of the injuries will depend on several factors, including the size of the vehicles involved, where the impact occurred, and the speed at which they were traveling. For example, if someone in a small sedan is struck by a very large truck traveling at a high speed on the driver’s side of the vehicle, the injuries will likely be more severe than if a driver in a small sedan t-bones a large truck on the passenger side while driving at a low speed through a parking lot.
Regardless, the following injuries can occur as a result of this collision:
- Bone fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord damage
- Back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Limb loss
- Death
These injuries can be severe, as there is not a lot of material to absorb the collision. In many instances, there is only a thin metal door between the driver and the other vehicle.
Who Is Generally At Fault?
Determining fault in a side-impact collision can be complex, as you’ll need to determine who had the right of way at the time of the accident. For example, if the accident occurred near a stop sign or traffic light, the driver with the stop sign or red light would likely face liability, as they did not have the right of way at the time.
For example, if a driver strikes another vehicle because they did not stop at a stop sign, the driver at the bottom of the T shape would be liable. However, the driver who was struck could also face liability if they ran a red light and caused the driver with the right of way to crash into them. As such, you must take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
If injured by a negligent driver, the most crucial thing you should do is connect with an experienced personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, determining who had the right of way and who is liable can be challenging, so ensuring you have an experienced attorney help you with this process is critical. At the Finizio Law Group, we understand the complexities of this matter and we will do everything we can to assist you through these challenging times. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
