T-bone collisions are among the most dangerous, but what exactly are they? A T-bone accident happens when one vehicle is struck on the side by the front of another vehicle, forming the shape of a “T.”  These kinds of accidents are fairly prevalent and, depending on the nature of the accident, can result in severe injuries or even death.

They typically occur near crossroads and, on occasion, in parking lots. As you might expect, the driver and occupants of the automobile that is hit on its side are usually the ones that suffer the most damage because the only thing between them and the front of the other car are the doors of the vehicle they are in. Whereas, the driver and passengers of the other car have the protection of the front side of the vehicle, seatbelts and airbags, that help a lot in reducing the impact. Because these crashes are so common and can be so dangerous, it is not uncommon for victims to face massive medical expenditures. If you have recently been involved in a T Bone accident and you are concerned about getting the compensation you deserve and dealing with the insurance company, do not hesitate in contacting an accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Who Is Usually at Fault In a T-bone Accident?

It is not always easy to determine who is at fault in a T-Bone accident. Normally, you would assume that the motorist who hits the other car on the side is at fault, and while this is true in many circumstances, it is not always the case. In many cases one of the drivers disregards a red light causing the car that was crossing the intersection to hit that vehicle on the side. T-Bone collisions do not simply occur at traffic lights. A broadside collision in a parking lot is also possible. For example, if a driver is backing out of a parking space, another motorist may hit that car on the side. It is not always feasible to identify who is at fault simply by looking at the position of the cars, as you can see. In most circumstances, authorities will need to conduct additional investigations to determine culpability. In most cases both parties will try to blame the other and without witnesses it might be difficult to know who is responsible for the crash. Fortunately, nowadays it is fairly easy to find cameras that can capture the moment of the collision. Many intersections have cameras and sometimes businesses like convenience stores have surveillance cameras that make it possible to see the street. 

In some circumstances, guilt may be shared among the parties involved, and in others, an external entity may be found partially accountable. For example, if a car’s brakes fail to respond in time, leading the driver to disregard a red light and cause an accident, the manufacturer or the shop where the car was serviced might be held partially accountable for the accident.

Common T-Bone Car Accident Causes

Here is a list of the 5 most common causes of T-Bone accidents:

1. Drivers disregarding the right of way: 

T-Bone crashes are fairly common as a result of one driver failing to yield the right of way. There are several intersections without traffic lights, forcing cars to wait for the opposite car to cross. The right of way will determine the sequence in which cars must cross.

2. Running a stop sign or red light: 

Running a red light or a stop sign will cause one of the drivers to hit the other one on the side. When this happens the liable party would be the one that ran the red light regardless of the final position of the car in the “T” shape. 

3. Speeding: 

Needless to say, one of the primary causes of car accidents is speeding. Many things can go wrong when one of the drivers is traveling at high speeds. Not being able to stop in time and colliding with another vehicle, losing control of the automobile and crashing with another vehicle crossing the intersection, and many other circumstances can be caused by speeding.

4. Distracted driving: 

There are just too many things in our cars these days that can cause drivers to become distracted. It is common to become absorbed while changing the radio station, talking on the phone, or applying makeup. It is critical that you never take your eyes off the road. Many car accidents can be avoided simply by remaining focused while driving.

5. Driving while intoxicated: 

It is well known that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the likelihood of getting involved in an automobile accident. The use of drugs and alcohol reduces our ability to act swiftly and impairs our reflexes.

Common Injuries in T-bone Car Accident

T-Bone accidents can cause a variety of lesions but some of them can be severe.As previously stated, these kinds of incidents are extremely dangerous due to the lack of protection that drivers and passengers in the side-impacted vehicle have. Neck and back injuries are some of the most common injuries caused by broadside collisions. The violent movement that our body and head experience during the crash, can cause our ligaments and tendons to stretch more than usual. Head injuries are also common; drivers and passengers are prone to hitting their heads against the car’s window or door. TBI and concussions are two prevalent types of head injuries. Pelvic, abdominal and chest injuries can also occur after a T-Bone accident. 

How Frequently Do T-Bone Accidents Occur in New York City?

T-Bone accidents are very common in New York City as in any other city in the United States. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 25% of all deaths related to motor vehicles accidents are caused by side impact collisions. Even with all the technology and safety measures that we can find in modern vehicles, side collisions still represent a great danger. 

New York Personal Injury Lawyer

Broadside collisions can not only cause great damage to our bodies, but they can also represent a big financial burden. The injuries caused by these accidents can be very serious and can cost thousands of dollars. On top of that, it can be very stressful to negotiate with insurance companies and sometimes the compensation offered does not cover all the expenses related to the accident. At Greenberg and Stein P.C. you will find some of the best personal injury lawyers in New York. Our attorneys have dealt with all kinds of car accidents and we have helped countless accident victims collect fair compensation after a collision. If you are currently struggling because of a car accident, contact us at 212-969-8785 to schedule a free case review with one member of our legal team. Each of our associates is passionate about helping others and they will do everything to see justice done.