Car accidents can happen in many ways. The severity of a car crash often depends on the location and force of impact of the collision. When the front of one car hits another on the side, people usually call it a T-bone car crash since the two vehicles resemble the letter “T.”
Also called broadside accidents, T collisions can be severe. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that side-impact accidents accounted for 23% of vehicle occupant fatalities in car accidents in 2020.
When a T-bone car crash occurs, victims need to understand their legal options. Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm helps you determine the fault in a T-bone car crash, what types of common injuries occur, and how those harmed can obtain compensation for their losses with the help of an attorney.
Understanding T-bone Car Crash
What Is a T-bone Accident?
A T-bone car crash occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. It is also called a side-impact accident or broadside accident due to the location of the impact. Most of the time, a T-bone motor vehicle accident is an accident at an intersection, but it can also happen any time a car crosses a road or street.
The key in this type of car accident is that the cars are going perpendicular to each other. It is at this point that determining fault becomes critical. If this happens to you, you should contact the accessible car accident attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case.
How Do T-bone Accidents Happen?
As with any car accident case, several factors can contribute to a T-bone car crash. While negligence is often at the heart of these accidents, various circumstances can play a role. Below, we outline some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents.
Running a Stop Sign or Red Light:
One of the primary causes of a T-bone car crash is a driver running a stop sign or a red light. If another vehicle is already proceeding through the intersection with a green light or has the right of way, this can lead to a severe T-bone collision.
Loss of Control of the Vehicle:
A T-bone accident can also occur if the at-fault driver loses control of their vehicle. When a driver experiences loss of traction or control, their vehicle might skid sideways into oncoming traffic, resulting in a T-bone car crash.
Reckless or Distracted Driving:
T-bone accidents can be the result of reckless or distracted driving. Actions such as running a traffic light, making an improper left turn, ignoring stop signs, or driving under the influence all increase the likelihood of a T-bone car crash.
Understanding these common causes can help drivers stay vigilant and reduce their risk of being involved in Arizona traffic accidents.
The Dangers of T-bone Collisions
Why Are Side Impact Accidents So Dangerous?
A T-bone car crash is one of the most dangerous types of collisions on the road. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, T-bone accidents account for 13% of all vehicle collisions nationwide. Alarmingly, these crashes are responsible for approximately 18% of all fatal car accidents. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness and safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents.
When a T-bone car crash occurs, it means that there is usually not enough vehicle to protect the passenger from the brunt of the force. Typically, the hit part of the vehicle collapses around the passenger compartment, failing to protect the person. Since a T-bone car crash occurs on the side of the car, there is simply not enough protection for the passenger. This results in T-bones being severe accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained in T-bone Crashes
Due to their serious nature, T-bone car crashes can lead to significant vehicle damage and severe injuries for any drivers or passengers involved. Below, we list some of the most common injuries sustained by victims in T-bone accident cases.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Internal Injuries
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Bone Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Chronic Pain
- Nerve Damage
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Crushing Injuries
- PTSD Related to the Accident
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible injuries that could result from a T-bone car crash. If you experienced other injuries during your accident, our t bone accident lawyer are here to help you fight for just compensation.
Determining Fault in T-bone Accidents
Identifying the Responsible Parties
In a T-bone car crash, the car that did not have the right of way will always be at fault for the side impact accident. This is what Arizona Law says. However, the car that did have the right of way may also be at fault for failing to recognize what the other driver was doing. Unfortunately, there is rarely evidence at the scene to help determine which vehicle had the right of way. In this type of side impact accident, In most cases, authorities will determine who is at fault based on the statements of the drivers and witnesses. When both drivers claim they have the right of way, they will decide who seems more credible.
Challenges in Proving Liability
In a T-bone car crash settlement, your car accident attorney will need to prove fault before determining your settlement amount. This is because fault laws in each state will determine how much your potential T-bone car accident settlement can be. One thing that is important to remember during this process is that the other driver’s insurance companies will try to trick you into making statements that will allow them to place more blame on you.
Legal Representation for T-bone Accident Victims
How Our Attorneys Can Help Prove Your Case
In a T-bone car crash, it is necessary to conduct a proper investigation to determine liability. The car accident attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm are skilled at obtaining the evidence to support your case and help you receive fair compensation. Our car accident attorneys will use evidence and testimony to prove that the other driver was at fault for your accident and secure you adequate compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in T-bone Accidents
If you suffer significant T-bone car crash injuries due to another person’s wrongful actions, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Medical bills for doctor visits, medications, lab tests, hospitalization, and other necessary treatments related to your T-bone car crash injuries
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Ongoing medical treatments for recovery
- Personal property damage
- Replacement of at-home services
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
Because these damages encompass both easily verifiable expenses and more difficult-to-quantify losses, it’s essential to review the details of your T-bone car crash with a skilled car accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you determine the full extent of your losses, identify applicable damages, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Our Phoenix T-bone Accident Attorneys?
Our Experience and Success with Side Impact Collisions
This personal injury case arose from a careless driving accident. W.V. was driving Northbound on Dobson Road, having just passed through the intersection of Warner Road in
Chandler, Arizona. W.V. was driving a 2006 Dodge Charger in the number two lane when he
saw the at-fault driver’s vehicle coming towards him on the left. When W.V.’s vehicle was struck from the side by a car, he sustained injuries to his leg, hip, and back. A 32-year-old male, W.V., went on to incur almost $34,000 in medical bills as a result of this accident. His ongoing pain eventually culminated in a $47,500 award to W.V. as the victim of the accident.
Client Testimonials and Case Results
“I came to Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm right after my car accident. The other insurance people were giving me the runaround, and I didn’t know what to do. They got right on top of everything. They really impressed me. They always called me before they did anything to make sure that I said yes or no.”
FAQs About T-bone Car Accidents
Where Does T-bone Car Crash Most Often Occur?
T-bone car crashes often occur at intersections. The design of intersections creates the perfect environment for a side collision, especially when drivers are not paying attention.
When multiple vehicles pass each other at an intersection, there is a high risk of a T-bone car crash. Although intersections are designed to provide the safest possible environment for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone else using them, they are considered the most dangerous places on the road.
However, side collisions can also occur anywhere on the road and are especially common at the meeting points between an alley and a lane and inside parking lots.
What Happens to Your Body in a T-bone Accident?
The severity of injuries resulting from a T-bone car crash largely depends on the impact’s force and the overall circumstances of the accident. Generally, the greater the effect, the more serious the injuries are likely to be. In a minor T-bone collision, you might experience whiplash or a mild concussion. However, in a more severe accident, the consequences could be life-altering, such as a traumatic brain injury. Understanding the potential risks associated with T-bone car crashes is crucial for all drivers on the road.
Contact Our Expert T-bone Accident Lawyers
How to Reach Us for Immediate Legal Assistance
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ, for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. Our dedicated team is here to offer expert legal assistance and guide you through your case.
Schedule Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm, we proudly serve clients across the greater Phoenix area, including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria. Contact us today to discuss your situation and discover how our experienced T-bone collision attorney can assist you—completely free of charge for your initial consultation. Let us help you navigate your path to recovery.
