What Are the Typical Injuries Sustained In T-Bone Accidents?
T-bone accidents are among the most common types of car accidents. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most devastating. A motor vehicle collision from the side can result in serious injuries for the victims.
If you get into a T-bone accident, you need to understand your legal options and how to protect your rights. Having the right information can help you get full and fair compensation for your losses. A lawyer for t-bone accidents can guide you through the complexities of these cases.
Understanding T-Bone Accidents and Their Causes
A t-bone accident is when one vehicle strikes another on the side. These types of accidents are also known as side-impact collisions or broadside accidents. As one vehicle strikes the other from the side, they make the shape of the letter “T”, and that is where the name comes from.
The reason T-bone accidents often result in severe injuries is that the side of the vehicle is a vulnerable spot. While modern-day vehicles have safety reinforcements on the side, they still might not be enough to protect from a high-speed collision or an accident with a truck or large vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle that gets hit on the side are at a higher risk of serious injuries.
A high number of T-bone accidents occur due to driver distraction. Anything that takes the driver’s focus from the road, even for a few seconds, could be enough to cause a car accident. The common forms of driver distraction include texting while driving, eating or drinking, paying attention to GPS or smartphone maps, or trying to fetch something in the car.
Aggressive or reckless driving is another common cause. For example, speeding or running a red light can lead to a t-bone collision.
Common Injuries Sustained In T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents often result in severe injuries due to the dynamics of the accident including the angle of impact and the lack of safety equipment on the side of the vehicle. Here are some of the most common injuries following a motor vehicle accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury, such as a brain bleed or concussion, often occurs when the head collides with the doors, windows, or other objects in the interior. While minor concussions may heal on their own and might not be severe, all head injuries are serious and can result in permanent disability. Direct impact isn’t always required. The force of the impact could be enough to cause rapid deceleration, resulting in the brain hitting the skull walls.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones could be a result of direct impact, deceleration, ejection, or crushing injuries. In severe cases of fractures or broken bones, surgery might be needed. The most common areas for fractured and broken bones include the collarbone, ribs, legs, arms, pelvis, and skull. In case of an extremely serious injury, an amputation may be required.
Whiplash
Whiplash happens when the head is forcibly jerked forward and then backward, resulting in injuries to the soft tissues of the neck. While whiplash is a common injury in motor vehicle collisions, victims are often unaware of it and often ignore the symptoms. However, whiplash can result in complications, so it’s best to get examined by your healthcare professional.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a vulnerable spot of the body and can be damaged in a T-bone crash. Unfortunately, even a minor injury to the spinal cord can cause severe pain, temporary or permanent paralysis, and other conditions.
Psychological Trauma
We often associate car accidents with physical injuries. However, victims can also suffer damage to their mental health in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other forms of psychological trauma. While the symptoms of psychological trauma might take some time to become evident, they can be more long-lasting and must be given the same level of attention as physical injuries.
The impact of t-bone collisions on victims’ lives goes well beyond injuries. It can impact the work life, personal relationships, financial standing, and other aspects of life. To ensure you minimize the impact of t-bone accidents, you must take steps after the collision.
Steps to Take After a T Bone Car Accident
If you have been in a t-bone accident, your first step should be to ensure your health and safety by moving to a safe location and getting all the required medical treatment. You must exchange information with other parties involved in the accident. All readily available evidence at the crash site should be documented. This includes photos of the crash site, witness information, and any physical evidence that could strengthen your claim. You also need to obtain a copy of the police report and notify your auto insurance company about the accident. Involve an attorney early in the process to ensure you have legal guidance at each step.
Compensation Options Available to T-Bone Accident Victims
If you are successful in your claim or lawsuit, you can receive compensation for your losses from the accident. The most common compensation includes the following:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and impairment
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
It is important to accurately assess your damages to ensure you get full and fair compensation. Keep records of all your expenses and work with an attorney to determine what compensation you should seek for your losses in the T-bone accident.
Contact Hipskind & Mcaninch, LLC For Legal Guidance for a T-Bone Accident
Hipskind & Mcaninch, LLC is proud to be a leading personal injury law firm focusing on T-bone accident cases. Our team can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses resulting from the accident. We take a personalized approach to each case, so we will perform a comprehensive assessment of your case to guide you toward the best course of action. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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