A T-bone accident is one of the most serious situations you can find yourself in on the road, as they often lead to significant property damage and injuries to the driver and passengers in the vehicle that is hit.
If someone else was negligent and that’s what caused the accident, a St. Louis car accident attorney who knows how St. Louis handles T-bone accident claims can step in and help you recover compensation for your injuries — call now.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident is when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another car. It earned its name because it forms a “T” shape upon impact. They can be especially dangerous because the sides of most vehicles offer little protection compared to the front or rear; the doors and thin metal panels don’t absorb impact as well as bumpers. Essentially, there’s less protection between you and the other vehicle.
Common Injuries in a T-Bone Accident
T-bone accidents often lead to especially severe injuries because passengers sitting on the side of the impact have almost no buffer from the oncoming car. Victims may experience:
- Broken bones, especially in the arms, ribs, and pelvis
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash or spinal trauma
- Internal bleeding or damage to organs
- Cuts from shattered windows
- Nerve injuries or paralysis
Recovering from a T-bone collision may require emergency medical treatment and ongoing care, often changing a victim’s life for months or even permanently. Having legal support early ensures your injuries and losses are fully documented and properly valued.
Where T-Bone Accidents Commonly Occur and Why They Happen
T-bone accidents occur suddenly and generally occur in places where traffic is coming from multiple directions. Here’s where and how they often occur:
Intersections
Most T-bone collisions happen at busy intersections. Drivers may run red lights, ignore stop signs, or turn left across traffic out of impatience or distraction. As a result, they might hit another vehicle in the side, causing a serious crash.
Parking Lots
Side-impact crashes are also common in large parking lots. Cars are pulling out all the time and cutting into the traffic lane, which could lead to a side impact collision. While these are generally at lower speeds, they can still cause serious damage.
Driveways and Business Entrances
T-bones frequently take place when vehicles exit driveways or commercial entrances and misjudge oncoming traffic. Hidden sightlines and the rush to turn when traffic is heavy can lead to dangerous side collisions on busy streets.
Rural or Poorly Marked Crossroads
Less-traveled rural intersections or intersections with faded signs or missing stop lines can also lead to accidents. Drivers unfamiliar with the area can unintentionally enter traffic while another vehicle is coming and cause a T-bone collision.
By understanding where T-bone crashes happen and what small mistakes set them in motion, drivers and victims have a better idea of what went wrong and can also determine if they may have a personal injury claim. If you have any questions about a possible insurance claim or lawsuit, contact a St. Louis personal injury lawyer today to schedule your free consultation — call now.