When you get behind the wheel of a car, you probably place safety first. There’s a good chance that you expect other drivers to do the exact same thing. Therefore, it can be frustrating when this doesn’t happen. One of the most common car accidents that takes place in Florida is called a T-bone accident. If you have recently been involved in a T-bone accident, you should focus on your medical recovery first. Then, you should think about who is at fault in a T-bone accident. What are some of the most important points that people should keep in mind?
Defining a T-Bone Accident
First, understand that a T-bone accident can also be labeled a side-impact collision. This takes place when the front end of one car or truck strikes the side of another vehicle. The ultimate shape forms a T on impact, thus the name.
Usually, T-bone accidents will take place at intersections. Because there is less protection for the individuals involved when compared to other car accidents (such as rear-end collisions), injuries occur more frequently and with greater severity. Often, the wreck of the original accident carries into oncoming traffic, leading to additional collisions. It is also not unusual for one car to strike a guardrail or telephone pole. Therefore, it is important to take these accidents seriously every time.
How Often Do T-Bone Accidents Take Place?
Unfortunately, T-Bone accidents are among the most common collisions that someone might be involved in. According to recent information that has been published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities in T-bone accidents have actually jumped from just over 30 percent to just over 50 percent during the past 20 years. Even though there are a lot of potential reasons why, researchers believe that this jump in fatality numbers can be attributed to higher travel speeds. A few other points that people should keep in mind include:
- Individuals who are struck by another vehicle in a T-bone accident have a greater chance of suffering an injury
- Drivers of passenger vehicles are far more likely to suffer serious injuries when compared to those driving a truck or an SUV
- A common cause of fatalities in T-bone accidents is drivers running a red light, entering an intersection without warning
- More than 40 percent of car accidents that take place on an annual basis take place at intersections, where T-bone accidents occur
For all of these reasons, it is critical for everyone to understand why T-bone accidents take place and how they could be avoided.
Why Do T-Bone Accidents Take Place?
Similar to other types of motor vehicle accidents, there are multiple reasons why a T-bone accident might take place. Of course, a T-bone accident occurs when a driver fails to obey rules regarding the right of way on the road. For example, a vehicle may run a stop sign or red light, leading to a T-bone accident. Some of the most common causes include:
- One driver may have misjudged the gap in traffic
- A driver might have also misjudged the speed of the oncoming traffic
- The driver might be distracted by food, other people, or cell phones
- The driver could be driving recklessly
- The driver may have been entering an intersection with an obstructed view
With all of this in mind, who is actually at fault if a T-bone accident takes place?
Assigning Fault in a T-Bone Accident
According to information that has been published by the Florida Driver’s Handbook, it is the responsibility of every driver to do everything possible to avoid a car accident. If a driver approaches a stop sign or a red light, it is his or her responsibility to yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians. Furthermore, if there are two vehicles that reach an intersection at the same time, the driver who is located on the left must yield the right-of-way to the other vehicle.
If a driver does not yield the right-of-way to the other vehicle, a T-bone accident could potentially develop. The driver who does not yield right-of-way appropriately is the one at fault. In some cases, this will be assigned by the police officer at the scene of the accident. And other cases, insurance companies might be involved in assigning blame.
What Injuries Might Someone Suffer in a T-Bone Accident?
Unfortunately, there is a high chance of someone suffering serious injuries in a T-bone accident. Some of the most common injuries that someone might suffer include:
- Potential back injuries such as compression fractures, pinched nerves, or herniated discs
- A traumatic brain injury such as a concussion, a cerebral contusion, or even a brain herniation
- A neck injury such as a stinger, whiplash, or cervical ligament sprain
- Potential amputation or disfigurement injuries
- Serious knee injuries including damage to the ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL
- Serious chest trauma, including shattered ribs or damage to the heart or lungs
Anyone who has been involved in a T-bone accident has to seek medical care right away. In some cases, symptoms might not show up until significantly after the motor vehicle accident. Do not delay medical care.
You Do Not Have To Face This Situation Alone
If you have been involved in a T-bone accident, you do not have to go through this alone. After seeking the best medical care possible, reach out to a trained Florida Car Accident Attorney to assess your options.
