In the first 11 months of 2022, there were more than 340,000 vehicle accidents in Florida. These accidents resulted in almost 3,000 deaths. Injuries were recorded in around 140,000 of these accidents, with more than 216,000 people sustaining injuries.
One of the most common types of road traffic accidents is the t-bone accident. In this blog post, we will highlight everything you need to know about this type of accident and the common injuries that people typically sustain. We will also look at how fault is determined in a t-bone accident and why RHINO Lawyers is your premier choice for legal support in Florida.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A t-bone bone accident, also known as a side impact crash, occurs when one vehicle “t-bones” another vehicle. The name of this accident derives from the fact that a “T” shape is formed at the point of impact (i.e. when one vehicle collides with the side of the other).
This type of accident often occurs at intersections, though they can and do occur in a variety of other situations when one vehicle loses control for some reason. There are a number of possible causes of t-bone accidents, including:
- Driving recklessly (speeding, ignoring rules of the road, etc)
- Distracted driving (texting while driving, etc)
- Driving while intoxicated (under the influence of drink, drugs, etc)
- Operating a defective motor vehicle
- Mechanical error
- Poor weather conditions
- Poorly maintained road
As we will highlight below, t-bone impacts can be extremely serious and result in life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
Common Injuries From T-Bone Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, t-bone accidents are the second deadliest type of road traffic accident. According to statistics from the United States in 2020, almost one-quarter of vehicle occupant deaths (23%) occurred as a result of t-bone accidents. Only frontal impacts (58%) accounted for more passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
Given how deadly this type of car accident is, it is clear that the injuries that people sustain are often serious and life-changing. Below, we will consider some of the most serious types of injuries that occur when one vehicle is t-boned by another.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord serves a number of critical roles within the body. These include coordinating reflexes, sending sensory information from the body to the brain, and sending motor commands from the brain to the body.
Given the nature of a side impact collision, the sudden force that vehicle occupants experience can lead to serious spinal injuries. The trauma can result in surrounding tissue becoming dislocated or crushed, causing vertebrae to break, and damage to the nervous system that interferes with motor function.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is a form of acquired brain injury. It occurs when there is a sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain.
It commonly occurs when the head is violently and suddenly hits an object or when an object strikes the skull and enters brain tissue. There are mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries.
Common types of brain injuries that occur from car accidents include concussion, brain contusion, skull fracture, brain penetration, and contrecoup brain injury.
Broken Bones
Another common type of injury from t-bone car accidents is broken bones. When one vehicle collides side-on with another, there is very little to soften this impact. Common injuries here include broken arms, legs, ribs, hips, pelvis, clavicle, and skull.
Tissue Injuries
Tendons, muscles, and ligaments often suffer damage as a result of side-impact collisions. One of the most common types of tissue injuries is whiplash, which occurs when a person’s head suddenly moves backward and then forward (or sideways) with great force.
The sudden motion causes the ligaments and tendons in the neck to tear and stretch. Some of the main symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, problems with memory and concentration, inability to sleep well, and constant tiredness.
Determining Fault in a T-Bone Accident
As we have highlighted above, there are a number of different causes of t-bone accidents. Let’s highlight a few specific examples:
- When a driver runs through a red light at an intersection and collides with another vehicle
- A driver collides side-on with another vehicle in a parking lot
- A driver cut right in front of a vehicle on a left turn, causing it to collide side-on with another vehicle
While the first driver in these instances is likely at fault, proving fault is not always easy. That is why it is so important to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer.
A lawyer will be able to build a strong case and work toward the best outcome for their client. This includes:
- Organizing medical records and bills
- Communicating with healthcare providers
- Obtaining evidence pertaining to fault
- Proving damages and liability
- Presenting evidence of injuries and fault
- Negotiating a satisfactory settlement
Here at RHINO Lawyers, we are a no-win, no-fee law firm. That means if you don’t win your case, you don’t pay us anything.
T-Bone Accidents: Understanding the Common Injuries
As this blog post highlights, some of the most common and serious types of injuries from a t-bone accident include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and tissue injuries such as whiplash.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation and justice. For expert legal representation, your premier choice is RHINO Lawyers.
We have recently recovered more than $34 million for our injured clients. Contact our friendly team today for a free video consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
