Although T-bone auto accidents – also known as side impact or broadside accidents – often occur in intersections or at stoplights where drivers tend to drive more slowly, they can cause victims to suffer life-altering injuries or die. They occur when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. These wrecks can be even more deadly if the force of the impact pushes the hit vehicle into other vehicles or a stationary object.
Common Reasons Negligent Drivers Cause Side Impact Crashes
Broadside collisions are almost always the result of driver errors, making these accidents even more tragic when people suffer serious injuries or die. Common ways negligent drivers cause them include:
- Failing to yield
- Running a red light
- Failing to stop at a four-way stop
- Crossing traffic lanes
- Not gauging or failing to see oncoming traffic when making a turn
- Engaging in distracted driving
- Driving aggressively
- Not driving for weather conditions
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to repair braking or steering problems
Serious Injuries Victims Suffer in Broadside Wrecks
T-bone collisions cause more serious injuries than people may expect. This is because only a door and window protect the victim. While airbags and seat belts are important safety features, they do not offer sufficient protection in these accidents. Common injuries victims suffer include:
Leg and arm injuries.
If the impact is to the lower portion of a vehicle, the door can be crushed and cave in on the victim’s lower body and legs, causing lacerations and broken or crushed bones. If the impact is higher up, the person could suffer broken or crushed arm bones, lacerations, or a devastating amputation.
Hip injuries.
Broken, displaced, or crushed hips are common injuries in side impact wrecks. This can be especially dangerous for elderly victims who are more likely to suffer long-term complications from these injuries.
Shoulder injuries.
When the victim on the opposite side of the vehicle from the point of impact slams into his door, his shoulder can take the brunt of the force. This can cause shoulder muscle tears, dislocated shoulders, broken or crushed bones, or severe lacerations.
Back, neck, and spinal injuries.
Victims can suffer a wide range of injuries to their backs, necks, and spines, including pinched nerves, slipped disks, whiplash, herniated disks, spinal compression, and partial or complete paralysis. They could need long-term physical therapy and other expensive medical treatments to manage their chronic pain.
Head injuries.
When the door crushes and hits the victim’s head, an airbag deploys into it, or the head smashes into the window, a person can suffer serious lacerations, a concussion, or traumatic brain injury with life-altering changes to his emotions, reasoning, decision making, vision, and more.
Death.
Sadly, many victims of these crashes die from their injuries.
Have You Been Involved In A Henderson Or Las Vegas Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free initial consultation.