Also known as side-impact or broadside collision, a T-bone accident is one of the most dangerous and deadly types of car accidents that occur here in Washington.
What does T-bone mean in a car accident? A T-bone accident is when the front of one car strikes another car on the side, which forms the shape of a “T.”
In an accident like this, there is nothing to protect the passengers in the car than a door and glass, which often shatters. T-bone car accident injuries can be severe and often result in permanent disabilities or even death.
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Causes of T-Bone Accidents
The most common causes of T-bone accidents are known as “right-of-way” violations. For example, a driver who runs a red light or fails to yield to oncoming traffic will often T-bone an oncoming car.
Sometimes a mechanical issue will cause the crash, but this is rare. Other things that cause these accidents include:
- Texting while driving
- Changing the radio station
- Eating and drinking behind the wheel
- Lack of sleep
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Running a red light
- Making U-turns or left turns across traffic
- Mistakenly thinking the light is green
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Common Injuries of a T-Bone Car Accident
T-boned car accident injuries can be severe. Often drivers and passengers sustain several injuries, including cuts and scrapes. Other common injuries include:
- Head injury
- Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Broken bones
- Chest injury
- Facial trauma
- Pelvic injury
- Internal injuries
- Concussions
- Severe bruising
Many injuries that result if you T-bone a car in an accident can be debilitating for years—some may result in permanent disability or even death. Sadly, the injured party usually ends up with medical bills, which can be difficult to pay if they cannot work.
Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Because right-of-way violations are the most common cause of T-bone accidents, determining fault can sometimes be simple. For example, if the other driver failed to yield or ran a red light, these are considered negligent in the eyes of the law.
However, determining who is at fault in a car accident T-bone can sometimes be complicated. Occasionally, both drivers are partially at fault. In rare cases, faulty components in a car can cause an accident.
Proving Fault During a T-Bone Accident
If you have been involved in a crash, whether you have sustained T-bone car accident injuries or not, it is essential to obtain as much information about the crash as possible. First, grab your phone and take as many photos as you can, if possible:
- Take photos from many angles
- Include all vehicles
- Include any pertinent landmarks
In addition to the photos, call the police. The police will also speak to any eyewitnesses and include that on the report.
Other things you will need include:
- Your vehicle’s black box (if possible)
- Medical records
Damages for Injuries Caused by a T-Bone Car Accident
Far too often, a T-bones car accident will cause severe financial strain. There will be obvious expenses such as the damage to yourself and your vehicle. However, there are many other things that could cost you, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of consortium for your spouse or partner
- Wrongful death damages
- Medication and supplies
- Future medical treatment
- Emergency medical treatments
- Survival cause of action damages (when someone is injured in the crash and later dies)
Someone else’s negligence behind the wheel shouldn’t cost you and your family. That’s why you need a trustworthy lawyer by your side.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
The weeks following a T-bone car accident are stressful. You are concerned with injuries, missed work, and a myriad of other issues. In addition to all of that, the insurance company will become involved, and things can get very confusing and more stressful.
Insurance companies don’t want to pay out settlements, even when someone else caused the crash. A qualified attorney works with you to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Get Help from Car Accident Injury Attorney to Protect Your Rights
Here at Brain Injury Law of Seattle, we have T-bone accident lawyers on standby. We know how to navigate the system, and our brain injury attorney can help you receive the highest compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
If you are in Seattle, you don’t have to deal with this alone. Call 425-307-6001 today for a free consultation.
