Side impact collisions are common in Florida. They are most prevalent at intersections where a driver may try to beat a red light. But in a matter of seconds, a t-bone car accident can change your life and cause a host of consequences. Of the 9,000 yearly deaths that occur due to collisions, up to 29 percent were t-bone accidents.
What is a T-Bone Car Accident?
T-bone car accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides into the side of another vehicle. This creates the familiar T shape, which led to the name.
Not only are they most common at intersections where drivers run red lights, they also commonly occur during left turns or at four-way stop signs.
During a left turn, a driver can misjudge when it is safe to make the turn. They may also have limited visibility, causing a lapse in judgment.
At stop signs, certain vehicles may fail to respect the right-of-way laws. The law dictates that cars should go in the order in which they arrived at the stop sign. When two cars driving in opposite directions decide to go at the same time, they can cause a t-bone accident.
Why are T-Bone Accidents So Dangerous?
Unlike with head-on collisions, drivers have very little protection in t-bone accidents. The only barrier they have is a door and window. While some car manufacturers have started adding side airbags and steel bars to all door frames because of t-bone collisions, not all of them do.
These accidents are especially dangerous at intersections because cars are often driving at high speeds with no expectation that they will need to stop. They may either fail to brake or not brake on time.
More often than not, the injuries you receive in a side impact collision are severe — rarely do you come away with just a few cuts and bruises.
In fact, auto accidents are the third most common cause for traumatic brain injuries. Your head may make contact with the dashboard, windshield, or side of the car, leading to a concussion, for instance.
Chest injuries are also prevalent, commonly presenting as blunt force trauma and broken ribs.
Who’s at Fault in Side Impact Collisions?
In certain situations where a driver disobeyed the traffic laws, it may be easier to determine who was at fault. For example, if a driver ran a red light or failed to obey right-of-way laws, they will likely receive most of the fault in a car accident settlement.
However, some t-bone accidents may occur when a driver is exiting a shopping center or parking lot. These situations might be less clear cut, depending on the circumstances.
When you’ve been affected by someone else’s reckless driving, it is important to call a car accident lawyer to determine who was at fault and ensure that you receive enough damages to pay your medical and car repair bills. If you’re in the hospital and unable to work, you also want to ensure that you can make up for lost wages.
To get in touch with a skilled car accident attorney, call our firm at 305-760-9085.
