FAQs About T-Bone Accidents
Car accidents happen in many ways. When the front of one car strikes the side of another, this type of collision is called a T-bone accident. This name comes from the T shape that the vehicles involved in such an accident form. T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on U.S. roads and highways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2022, T-bone accidents accounted for 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
What are the common causes of T-bone accidents? What injuries result from T-bone accidents? How is fault determined in a T-bone accident? These are some of the questions the personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have heard the most about T-bone accidents. Read on for answers to the above and other questions.
What are the common causes of T-bone accidents?
T-bone accidents are most common at intersections. These accidents happen due to various reasons, including the following;
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Impaired or drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive behaviors, such as speeding, failing to signal, and sudden lane changes
What injuries result from T-bone accidents?
T-bone accidents can cause severe injuries because of the vulnerability of the vehicle’s sides. Unlike the front and rear of cars, the sides offer less protection to vehicle occupants. Often, vehicle occupants are directly impacted in T-bone accidents. Some of the most common injuries in T-bone accidents include;
- Brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Organ damage
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a T-bone accident, even if you feel uninjured or your injuries seem minor.
How is fault determined in a T-bone Accident?
Fault in a T-bone accident is determined based on the actions of the involved drivers. This means that either driver in a T-bone accident can be found liable. For example, if a driver ran a red light, failed to yield the right of way, or made an improper turn and hit the side of another vehicle, they are likely to be considered at fault. Sometimes, both of the drivers involved in a T-bone accident can be found liable. However, in some cases, neither of the drivers involved in the accident is at fault. For example, a T-bone accident could be the fault of another driver not involved in the accident, a car manufacturer, or the government. Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence are vital in determining liability in T-bone accidents.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I share fault for my T-bone accident?
Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault for your accident. However, if you are partially at fault for your T-bone accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What steps should be taken after a T-bone accident?
The following are some of the crucial steps to take after a T-bone accident;
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Document the scene by taking pictures and videos
- Gather information from the other driver and witnesses
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an attorney
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been in a T-bone accident, contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for legal help.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/passenger-vehicle-occupants#:~:text=Side%20impacts%20accounted%20for%20another%2022%25%20of%20passenger%20vehicle%20occupant%20deaths.
