You’re driving along when suddenly another vehicle collides with the side of your vehicle. This is known as a side impact collision or T-bone accident. They commonly occur when one vehicle runs through a yellow or red light in an intersection. Unfortunately, side impact collisions often result in serious injuries and even death.
Common Causes of Side Impact Collisions
Negligent drivers cause T-bone accidents. Often, distracted drivers and people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs cause these accidents. These accidents can occur when:
- Drivers change lanes improperly
- A driver fails to yield to other vehicles
- Drivers fail to obey traffic signs or signals
- Another driver makes an illegal or improper turn
- Drivers drive recklessly or aggressively.
The Side Impact Collision Statistics
Unlike other types of collisions, the occupants in the vehicle impacted from the side have little protection from the full impact of the oncoming vehicle. Even with side airbags, seatbelts and other safety measures side impact collisions can result in serious injuries and death.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a little over 21,000 fatalities resulting from this type of collision were recorded in 2014. Unfortunately, side impact collisions accounted for a quarter of all car accident fatalities recorded in 2014. Over 70% of those killed in these accidents were the drivers.
Common Injuries from T-Bone Accidents
This type of collision frequently results in fatalities and serious injuries due to the limited protection for drivers and passengers in the vehicle. The most common injuries suffered by victims of these accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Injuries to the spine and neck
- Traumatic brain injury
- Injuries to the chest and abdomen
- Bruising from airbags and seatbelts
- Lacerations from crushed metal bits and shattered glass
Generally, the vehicle passengers closest to the impact suffer the worst injuries. Conversely, occupants on the side furthest from the collision may suffer only minor injuries. Unfortunately, even these injuries may require medical treatment at substantial expense.
Legal Representation
While not all side impact collisions result in serious or life threatening injuries, the cost of injuries caused by T-Bone accidents can break the bank. Some may even require a lifetime of medical treatment and care. Moreover, victims may have to stop working as they recover while others may never be able to return to work.
Accordingly, if you have been injured in a side-impact collision, you should always consult with an attorney to determine if you are eligible for compensation. Here in the Atlanta metro area, attorney Laurie Robbins represents victims of side impact collisions. Call her today for a free claim evaluation.