The Dangers of T-Bone Accidents and How to Stay Safe After a Crash

A t-bone accident can often lead to catastrophic injuries.

A t-bone accident occurs when one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. It gets the name t-bone due to the letter T shape formed after the collision. 

A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that t-bone accidents accounted for 23 percent of all occupant deaths in vehicle crashes. This is the second largest percentage amongst the accident types in the study. 

When a driver finds themself in a t-bone accident, they run the risk of many severe injuries. The impact of another vehicle, especially on the drivers’ side, can be devastating. 

Common injuries from a t-bone accident include:

• Neck pain or injuries (whiplash, broken neck, damaged vertebrae)
• Torn ligaments or muscles
• Head injuries (concussions, skull fractures, hematoma)
• Lacerations deep enough to damage muscle and reach the bone
• Internal injuries (bleeding, kidney damage, punctured lungs)
• Back injuries (herniated discs, chronic pain)
• Spinal cord injuries that affect motor and sensory functions
• Loss of limbs
• Wrongful death

Determining fault in a t-bone accident is decided by right of way. 

This is determined by whichever car had the right to move forward. Both cars cannot have the right of way. 

For example, imagine a situation where a car that goes through a red light hits another car, resulting in a t-bone accident.  The car that went through the red light is the vehicle at fault in this situation. 

Now, think of another situation where a car turns left at a green light. Another car comes barreling through the light and hits the car turning left, essentially causing a t-bone accident upon impact.

Determining fault in this situation is more complicated. Generally, the car turning left would not have the right away.

However, if the other car sped up, they should’ve maintained a normal speed, or even stopped, when the opposing vehicle turned left. 

Determining fault in a t-bone accident stems from the at-fault driver’s negligence. 

According to the American Bar Association, a judge or jury decides what an “ordinary” or “reasonable person” would have done in similar circumstances. 

A driver has a duty to use “reasonable care” to avoid injuring anyone else on the road. Failure to use reasonable care will leave the driver responsible (liable) to the victim for injuries.

If you were hit by another car in a t-bone accident:

• Getting to safety is most important. Make sure you and other passengers are safe as quickly as possible. 
• Call 911 as soon as you can.
• Don’t deny medical care. It’s not rare to have internal injuries or other potential long-term effects.
• Get information about the vehicles and drivers involved in the t-bone accident. Collect their license plate number, year, make, model, and color of any vehicle.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene. This should include any and all damages to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, as well as other potential hazards and even indicators of the accident (tire skid marks, stop signs, etc.)
• Ask other drivers involved for their contact information, driver’s license, insurance, and registration. Take photos of these documents as well.
• Make a record of how the accident happened in your phone for help with later recollection. Be sure to note location, time, date, and road conditions.

It’s imperative that you DO NOT consult with the other driver’s insurance following a t-bone accident. Other insurance companies may use unethical tactics to force innocent victims into saying something they can use against them.

The other driver’s insurance may also try getting the victim to settle the case earlier, often for a smaller amount than what they rightfully deserve.

If you need help following a t-bone accident, the Burbank personal injury attorneys at C&B Law Group are prepared to help. 

The Los Angeles car accidents attorneys at C&B Law Group will assist our clients with various issues, such as gathering and organizing proper evidence or navigating the complexities of dealing with other insurance companies.

We will work for you and with you to help you get the full compensation you deserve.

If you’re looking for a team of attorneys in Southern California with a 99 percent success rate at settling cases, contact C&B Law Group today for a free consultation about your t-bone accident.