T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle impacts another vehicle or vulnerable road user at a 90-degree angle. Also known as side impact crashes, they often result in severe injuries to occupants in both vehicles. Even when a t-bone collision occurs in a parking lot or at low speeds, it is common to see broken windows, deployed airbags, and injuries. If you are the victim in a t-bone collision, the Bradenton personal injury attorneys at Hale Law can assist you in recovering compensation to cover the damages you sustained.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 5,350 vehicle occupants died in 2018 as a result from side impact crashes across the United States. The fatality rates are higher for car occupants compared to SUV or truck occupants because of the difference in the vehicle’s heights and weights. While occupants in larger vehicles tend to fare better in traffic collisions, other factors influencing how severe a t-bone collision will be include:
According to the StudentEdge.org, side impact crashes often result in injuries to the thorax and upper body. Rib fractures are common and depending on the height of the other vehicle’s bumper, pelvic fractures are a possible outcome. A car door is not very thick and if there are no side airbags, it leaves the vehicle’s occupants rather unprotected from injury. The impact occurs near the rear of the car, rear-seat passengers are at significant risk of injury because they often lack the same safety features as provided for the front-seat occupants.
T-bone collisions frequently happen because one driver fails to abide by the rules of the road and does not give the right of way to another road user. Some scenarios that lead to side impact crashes include:
It is often not easy to distinguish which party is liable immediately after a t-bone collision, which is why it is important that you seek legal representation early. The Bradenton t-bone collision attorneys at Hale Law know how to collect crash scene evidence to prove the other party is liable and will compile all of the necessary documentation to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 561-277-3397 to learn how we can assist you in filing a personal injury claim.