What Are The Common Causes Of T-Bone Accidents?
T-Bone accidents can happen due to different causes. In some cases, T-bone accidents occur as a result of a combination of factors. The victims of T-bone accidents often suffer serious accidents and might struggle to deal with the financial impact of the accident.
Unfortunately, T-bone accidents are also common. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), T-bone accidents accounted for nearly one-fourth of all fatal accidents in 2020. Understanding the reasons behind T-bone car accidents can help you avoid them, and if you do get involved in one, it can help you make informed decisions about how to determine fault, establish liability, and build a strong case to recover compensation.
Definition of T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident is when one vehicle hits another from the side. At the point of impact, the two vehicles make the shape of the letter “T”, and that is why such accidents are known as T-bone accidents. A T-bone accident is also known as a broadside accident or a side impact accident.
The reason T-bone accidents are so dangerous is that the side of the vehicle generally has less protection for the occupants. Compared to the front and rear of the vehicle, the side does not have protection from the frame of the vehicle. This means T-bone accidents often means someone will suffer severe injuries. Seat belts and airbags can help, but might not be enough to protect the occupants from serious injuries, especially in high-speed crashes.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
While there can be many causes for T-bone accidents, here are some of the most common reasons.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of T-bone accidents is distracted driving. Even a few seconds of distraction can undermine the ability of the driver to respond to changes in traffic, emergency situations on the road, or to follow basic traffic rules such as stopping a red light.
The most common distractions include using cell phones, eating, drinking, engaging in overly involved conversations with passengers, and fiddling with the controls on the dashboard.
Trying to grab something can also be considered distracted driving. While the driver may feel they can multitask while being behind the wheel, that is often a big mistake. With the increasing prevalence of smartphone usage and data coverage, driver distraction is becoming a major issue.
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit increases the chances of a T-bone car accident. When a vehicle is moving at a fast speed, it takes more time to come to a complete stop. It also makes it more difficult for a driver to control the vehicle if they need to avoid an obstacle on the road by changing lanes. If a driver approaches a red light at speed, they may not be able to stop their vehicle on time, and that could result in a T-bone collision.
Not only is overspeeding a major contributing factor in t bone accidents, but it also increases the risk of suffering a serious injury. The force of a high-speed impact can cause serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries.
Failure to Yield
Drivers are required to yield to traffic based on right-of-way rules, traffic signs, and signals. Failure to yield is a top cause of T-bone collisions. For example, not stopping at a red light or at a stop sign can cause a side-impact collision. Contributing factors such as blind spots, poor lighting or driver distraction can make it more challenging for drivers to judge the speed or distance of oncoming traffic.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility at intersections is another common cause of T-bone accidents. While drivers are required to be extra cautious at intersections, if there is inadequate visibility, it can make it significantly more challenging for the drivers. Poor visibility could be a result of poor lightning, or it could be related to the weather. Overcast conditions or obstructed views can also reduce visibility. The design of the intersection could also play a role in poor visibility.
Potential Liable Parties in a T-Bone Crash
If you are seeking compensation for your suffering, one of the key aspects to your success is being able to establish liability, with the insurance company or the courts. If you can prove that your losses were a result of someone else’s fault, you have a strong case to recover compensation.
There are several potential parties that could be liable for a bone accident. The driver who is at fault for the accident is the most obvious liable party. However, other drivers may also share liability for the accident. The vehicle manufacturer could also be responsible if the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect with the vehicle. Defects with the tires, steering, or brake system could compromise the safety of the vehicle, leading to a motor vehicle accident.
A poorly designed intersection or bad road conditions could be the fault of the government entity responsible for the maintenance of that road. Other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists could also be at fault. You will have to work with a personal injury lawyer to determine who was at fault, and how you can establish liability.
Consult with an Attorney for T-Bone Accident
If you suffered injuries and lost wages in a T-bone accident, you must take action to protect your rights. Any type of accident can be a scary experience, however, T-bone accidents can often leave T-bone accident victims shocked and uncertain about what steps to take in the aftermath of the accident.
While sometimes it is easy to tell who is at fault and build a strong case in motor vehicle collisions, you are likely going to need the assistance of an experienced attorney. We invite you to consult with us at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC. We offer a free case evaluation for T-bone accidents. Our T-bone accident lawyers can guide you on your best legal options. We can also share information about T-bone accident causes and prevention.
Category:
Tags: