T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions, are a type of car accident that occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. These accidents can be particularly devastating, as the side of a car does not provide the same level of protection as the front or back of a car. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, side-angle accidents, including T-bones, accounted for 18% of fatal car accidents in America in 2020. That was more than any other type of vehicle accident, including accidents involving pedestrians.
In this blog post, we examine the types of injuries one may suffer in a T-bone collision and what to do if you are involved in a T-bone accident in Arizona.
Types of Injuries in T-bone Collisions
Head and Brain Injuries: In a T-bone collision, the force of the impact can cause a person's head to strike the side window or door, resulting in head injuries such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures. Side airbags may also cause head injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden jolt of a T-bone collision can also cause damage to a person's spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other serious injuries. Fractures to your cervical spine, which is the top of your spine, can be extremely serious. Injuries such as whiplash can still result in long-lasting impacts on your life and should be addressed by a medical professional as soon as possible. Strains and sprains of your lumbar, thoracic, or cervical muscles may also not be apparent immediately
Chest Injuries: The force of impact in a T-bone collision can cause a person's chest to strike the steering wheel or dashboard, resulting in chest injuries such as broken ribs, punctured lungs, or cardiac injuries.
Abdominal Injuries: The sudden impact of a T-bone collision can also cause damage to a person's abdominal area, resulting in injuries such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or hernias. Spleen injuries are also common in these types of accidents (1).
Limb Injuries: In a T-bone collision, a person's arms or legs may be crushed or pinned by the force of the impact, resulting in fractures, dislocations, or amputations. It is important to understand that, like with spine muscle strains and sprains, you may not immediately notice symptoms of a limb injury, but that does not mean that you should not consult a medical provider right away after a T-bone accident in Arizona.
How Long Will I Experience The Effects of T-Bone Accident Injuries?
The most severe consequences of T-bone accidents can leave victims debilitated for life. But even with less severe injuries, you may experience pain, soreness, loss of strength, or loss of mobility for months to years without proper medical treatment. Additionally, even minor injuries can return years later as your body ages.
Your injury case is not just dependent upon the pain you are feeling, though. Loss of income due to your injuries, lower quality of life, such as lack of sleep, and loss of companionship if you are married or have children are all factors that go into the value of your Arizona T-bone accident case.
What Happens When a T-Bone Accident Results in Death?
T-bone crashes are, unfortunately, the most deadly type of motor vehicle accident. If a loved one has been killed in a T-bone accident in Phoenix, Tucson, or anywhere else in Arizona, it is important that you consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. At The Dr. Lawyer Law Group, we have the experience and resources to be your and your loved one’s best advocates.
Why Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?
Unfortunately, side-angle accidents like T-bone collisions often occur due to avoidable driver negligence. Distracted drivers, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers who are speeding, drivers who disobey traffic signals like red lights, and drivers who misjudge another’s speed are all susceptible to causing a T-bone accident.
How Do I Prove Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
If you want to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages after a T-bone accident in Arizona, you will have to prove that the other driver is at-fault for your injuries. Using evidence such as photos, videos, witness testimony, and expert opinions like accident reconstructionists, the Phoenix car accident attorneys at The Dr. Lawyer Law Group can help you prove your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
To succeed in your car accident claim, we will help you prove:
The other driver owed you a duty of care;
The other driver breached that duty of care (see Why Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?);
The other driver’s breach caused the T-bone accident;
You were injured, lost wages, and incurred medical bills as a result of the other driver’s fault.
What The Dr. Lawyer Law Group Will Do For You.
At The Dr. Lawyer Law Group, our mission is to get you the best medical treatment and the highest settlement or jury verdict possible, all with the least amount of stress for you. When you choose our Arizona personal injury firm for your car accident, we front all costs of your case, and you pay nothing unless we win.
We expertly handle all aspects of your case, including:
Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident and those involved;
Interviewing witnesses;
Connecting you with the best medical providers in your area;
Negotiating with insurance companies for you;
Keeping you constantly updated and ensure we always know how you are feeling and how your injuries are healing;
We are never afraid of taking a case to trial and have an exceptional track record when we do.
In conclusion, T-bone collisions can be incredibly dangerous and can result in a wide range of injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Arizona T-bone collision, it is important to seek medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights and interests. The Dr. Lawyer Law Group is committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve. You can always request a free, no-obligation case strategy session here.
(1) Aldaghlas, TA, Burke C, Stadter G, Greene D, Fakhry SM, Rizzo AG. Major Splenic Injury Resulting from Minor Side Impact Crashes Journal of Trauma Nursing vol 18(1) 2011 March: 24-28.