Side impact collisions, also called “T-bone” and “broadside” collisions, happen when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. Many people talk about head-on collisions as the most dangerous type of car accident. Head-on collisions are dangerous, but a side-impact accident can be just as dangerous. Side-impact collisions are most common at intersections and can cause catastrophic injuries and death.
Working with an attorney is crucial if you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a T-bone accident. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC have helped many accident victims recover the total and fair compensation they need and deserve. Contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your legal options.
Why Is A Side-Impact or T-Bone Car Accident So Dangerous?
Side impact collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle collisions. When a vehicle collides with another vehicle’s side, the collision can cause the vehicle’s exterior to collapse into the passenger compartment. This collapse can cause the driver and any passengers on the side that was struck severe injuries. Side impact collisions can be particularly dangerous because the initial impact causes the vehicle to roll over or spin, sometimes leading to a secondary bicycle, pedestrian, or vehicle accident that injures even more victims.
Many vehicles do not have side airbags that can offer another layer of protection because they’ve only recently become standard or options on new vehicles. Additionally, the initial impact can push the stricken vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic. Collisions with other vehicles can cause a victim’s injuries to be exacerbated. They can even cause the ejection of occupants from the stricken vehicle, especially among backseat passengers who were not wearing seat belts.
Causes of a Side-Impact Accident
There are many causes of motor vehicle accidents, but many accidents are caused by driver negligence. For example, running a red light is one of the most common causes of side-impact collisions. When a driver runs a red light, he or she may collide with the side of a vehicle making a lawful turn.
Drivers who run red lights may be recklessly trying to beat the yellow light before it turns red, or they may be distracted by texting or talking on the phone and unable to stop in time. Other issues include driving under the influence, texting while driving, and distracted driving.
A side-impact collision can also occur when a driver makes a left-hand turn without paying attention to oncoming traffic. However, the driver who made the left-hand turn may not be at fault. The accident could have been caused by or contributed to by the oncoming vehicle, especially if that vehicle was speeding or running a yellow light.
Similarly, failure to yield to oncoming traffic causes T-bone accidents. In some cases, uncontrolled intersections contribute to side-impact collisions. Municipalities have a legal obligation to make their intersections reasonably safe for drivers. When unsafe intersections lead to an accident, victims can pursue compensation from the responsible municipality.
Injuries Caused in T-Bone Collisions
Side-impact collisions have a likelihood of causing serious injury and death. Passengers seated in the rear and located on the side of the impact are more likely to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries than passengers on the other side. The severity of a victim’s injury may depend upon the type of vehicle, the weight and type of vehicle that strikes the victim’s vehicle, and the speed of both vehicles.
The likelihood that injuries are permanent, serious, and sometimes fatal is higher in side-impact cases than in other types of auto accidents. Injuries that are commonly associated with T-bone collisions may include the following:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries that can consist of paralysis
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Injuries to the victim’s arms and legs
Compensation Available in a Side-Impact Accident
You may be entitled to compensation through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit if you have been injured in a side-impact collision. After the collision, it’s important that you do not sign a settlement agreement with the insurance company until you’ve discussed your case with your attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for contacting victims quickly after the accident and pressuring them to accept settlements that are too low. Their first offer will likely not include all the compensation you need for your injuries and damages.
When you work with Ceja Law Firm PLLC, you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate your case and accurately determine your past and future expenses. Once we understand the total value of your claim, we will begin aggressively negotiating with the insurance company for the best settlement possible. After our investigation to gather evidence and facts that will strengthen your case, we will pursue the following damages on your behalf:
- Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses
- Expenses for occupational and physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings due to disability
- Physical disfigurement and impairment
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
If the driver who caused the accident was intoxicated, using extremely high speeds, or otherwise driving recklessly, you may be able to pursue additional punitive damages. The injuries from a side-impact collision are often life-changing. Medical expenses can be crippling for victims and their loved ones. Working with an experienced attorney will increase the likelihood of obtaining the total compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Houston Car Accident & Personal Injury Attorney
The attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC have a proven track record of successfully advocating for victims of car accidents in Houston. When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate the accident, work with financial and medical experts, and negotiate strongly for the most compensation possible in your case. Contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC today to schedule your complimentary consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Ceja Law Firm PLLC helps clients with t-bone or side-impact car accident cases throughout Harris County and the Greater Houston Area including Pasadena, Baytown, Sugar Land, Bellaire, Galveston, Texas City, Jacinto City, and more.
