T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are one of the most severe types of collisions. These collisions happen when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a T-shape.
The outcome of these accidents is disastrous, as the victims involved may sustain severe physical injuries due to the limited protection available on the sides of the vehicle. And these injuries resulting from the accident can alter the lives of the victims forever.
If you or a loved one are victims of a side-impact collision, then it is crucial to consult an experienced T-bone accident lawyer to guide you on how to get fair compensation.
Understanding T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact collisions are often caused by impaired or distracted driving, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to yield the right way.
When these collisions occur, the vehicle that strikes first will exert force on the side of the vehicle that it hits.
The impacted vehicle has limited structural protection in comparison to the front or rear. This exposes the victims in the vehicle to absorb significant impact forces that can lead to head, neck, chest, and abdominal injuries.
The severity of these injuries increases if the colliding vehicle is moving at a higher speed.
Simply put, the danger is greater at a higher speed as more kinetic energy transfers during the accident, and the angle of collision can push the force on vulnerable areas of the body.
Common Injuries Sustained in T-Bone Accidents
These are some of the injuries victims of T-bone accidents are likely to suffer.
Head and Brain Injuries
Victims may suffer injuries such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures if, during the accident, their heads strike the windows, airbags, or other hard surfaces in the vehicle.
They may also suffer potential long-term effects, such as memory loss or cognitive impairments.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of a T-bone accident may sustain whiplash. The unexpected side-to-side motion of the neck during the crash causes this severe injury. The resulting impact of the accident can also cause spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis or chronic pain.
Chest and Rib Injuries
The impact of side airbags or the force of impact of the other vehicle can cause the occupants in the vehicle to sustain rib injuries. The impact can also cause internal injuries, such as punctured lungs or damage to the heart.
Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries
The pressure from the seat belt or intrusion from the colliding vehicle can cause internal bleeding or organ damage for the occupants in the car.
Pelvic fractures are another terrible injury that can result from a T-bone collision. Most times, these injuries require immediate surgery and an extensive recovery process.
Injuries to the Limbs
During impact, the occupants of the car are susceptible to injuries such as broken arms, legs, wrists, or even worse, crushed limbs, which can potentially lead to amputation of the victim’s leg.
Psychological Trauma
Most survivors of a T-bone collision are known to mostly suffer from emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety. It might take a while for the victims to recover from these conditions.
Seeking Medical and Legal Assistance
After surviving a side-impact accident, it is crucial to seek immediate attention, whether you sustained a minor or significant injury. Keep in mind that an early diagnosis is important to prevent future complications.
Take, for instance, whiplash and internal bleeding. These conditions do not manifest immediately; they can appear days after the accident.
Make sure you document your medical records, as they will be needed for your insurance claims. Additionally, don’t forget to consult an experienced attorney to help with your case.
