T-Bone Car Accidents: Side Impact Crashes
Certain types of car accidents are deadlier than others. One of the deadliest is the T-bone crash. Also known as a side impact crash or broadside collision, T-bones occur when the side of a vehicle is struck at a perpendicular angle. The majority of these accidents occur in intersections.
Our Arlington, TX law firm would like to go over T-bone crashes in a bit more detail. This should help you understand why these kinds of accidents must be taken so seriously.
T-Bone Car Crash Statistics
According to numbers compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), single-vehicle and multi-passenger vehicle T-bone crashes accounted for 5,866 fatalities in 2016. That makes up 25 percent of all auto collision fatalities that year.
T-bone crashes were the second deadliest type of auto accident. Its numbers were surpassed by head-on crashes, which resulted in 54 percent of all auto accident fatalities in 2016.
The Dangers of Side Impact Crashes
T-bone accidents are so dangers because of how vulnerable the driver’s side and passenger sides of vehicles are to impact. Doors may crump inward from the force of the collision, seriously injuring those within in a vehicle who experience the brunt of the blow. Seatbelts and safety restraints will not prevent the harm done in such collisions.
Thankfully new safety standards across the country have caused the auto industry to add side-impact airbags. These can save lives and reduce the amount of harm experienced in T-bone crashes.
Why Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?
There are many reasons why a T-bone accident may occur. Some examples are as follows:
- Running Red Lights - Running a red light and barreling through an intersection is a sure way to get into a T-bone accident.
- Vehicle Is Blocking the Intersection - If a vehicle is partially blocking or totally blocking the intersection, it is more likely to be struck by another motorist.
- Pulling Out of a Driveway - Backing out of the driveway requires attention to oncoming traffic. If you aren’t careful, you might hit the side of an oncoming vehicle or be struck yourself by oncoming traffic.
- Driver Distraction - Cellphones, texting while driving, grooming, and eating can all lead to less attention on the road. Whenever people are distracted, they are more likely to get into accidents.
- Problems with Traffic Signs/Signals - Without a stop sign present or properly working traffic signals, the chances of an auto accident are much higher, particularly T-bone crashes.
- Poor Road and Weather Conditions - Poor weather can make braking much more difficult. The same is true of debris in the road.
How an Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
If a negligent motorist struck your vehicle, resulting in serious injuries, they should be held accountable for the damage they’ve done to your car as well as your medical expenses. An attorney can hep prove who was at-fault in the accident, and help you seek damages for the injuries you have sustained. These legal damages can play an integral role in your accident recovery and long-term rehabilitation.
Contact Our Law Firm
For more information about your legal rights and options following an auto accident, we encourage you to contact The Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C.. Our team is here to offer legal counsel and to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.