Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: Definition, Causes, Injuries & Legal Options

All auto accidents have the potential to be disastrous. With automobiles being the second deadliest mode of travel behind motorcycles, the average number of U.S. car or truck accidents amounts to 6 million each year. Among the many types of accidents, side-impact, or “T-Bone” collisions, are some of the worst.

When a victim is involved in a car crash, it’s essential to understand the issue’s legality. This guide will break down side-impact collisions and present you with your potential next course of action to cover the physical, emotional, and property damages.

If you or a loved one has just suffered a side-impact (T-Bone) collision or other auto accident, don’t delay—contact an car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach, VA to review the facts, identify the at-fault driver, and receive maximum compensation.

What Is A Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collision?

Also known as broadside accidents, T-Bone collisions happen when one driver fails to yield to the right away, resulting in a T-shaped impact. Typically, one car will head-on collide with the other perpendicularly, causing damages from the front and side.

T-bone collisions can be deadly. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates 23% of vehicle occupant deaths in 2020 were from side-impact car accidents. When a car “t-bones” another, the severe strike puts both drivers in a much more vulnerable position than average rear-end accidents.

What Causes T-Bone Accidents?

T-Bone collisions commonly occur at busy intersections, where a driver makes a failed attempted turn from a side street onto the main road. For example, a driver may make a turn thinking that the other driver will stop at a yellow light. If the other car or truck drives through the yellow light, a collision will occur. The driver may also undershoot the other driver’s speed, falsely believing there’s enough time to make a safe turn.

Along with driver error being a primary cause, other factors may be involved. Most side-impact cases result from the following:

Distracted driving (leading cause)
Texting while driving
Eating or drinking while driving
Drowsy driving
Intoxicated or impaired driving
Reckless driving
Speeding
Running a red light
Icy or slippery roads

Whether the accident was caused by motorist error or carelessness, it’s important to configure the full details of the story to decide who’s at fault.

Far-Side and Near-Side Impact Collisions

Side-impact auto accidents fall into two different categories: far-side and near-side. A far-side collision occurs when the driver is seated on the opposite side of the strike. Alternatively, a near-side impact directly hits the occupant’s side.

The imposed severity is self-explanatory—near-side accidents have a higher risk due to the closer proximity. Even so, both scenarios are vulnerable to severe injuries, even death.

pact Collision Injuries

Injuries vary depending on vehicle speed, cause, location of the strike, and other factors. Overall, side-impact auto accidents commonly cause these types of injuries:

Mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Neck Injuries or whiplash
Broken hands, fingers, and forearms
Broken ribs
Broken legs, ankles, or other lower body bones
Lacerations, burns, and bruises
Abdominal and pelvic injuries
Spinal cord injuries or paralysis

What Victims Can Do After a T-Bone Auto Accident

After a side-impact crash, make your safety your main priority. If you’re hurt, seek medical attention immediately to stop the progression of your injuries. After you’ve tended to your wounds, you should record the damage, collect information, and assess the evidence to defend your case. With the proper evidence and an auto accident lawyer, you can receive maximum compensation to cover medical costs, loss of salary, disability, and pain and suffering. For more information on the personal injury claims process, Breit Law’s Virginia Beach legal team outlines it in a blog here.

How Breit Law Can Help

If you’ve experienced a side-impact collision, you may face many challenges—physical pain, emotional suffering, and extensive medical bills. At Breit Law, we understand how devastating a side-impact crash can be to your finances, career, relationships, health, and goals. By connecting you with a Virginia Beach auto accident lawyer, we guide you through the lawsuit process from initial claim to final compensation.

Serious injuries deserve serious compensation. We bring 36+ years of professional service with the results to show for it. Contact us to start your claim today.