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A T-bone car accident occurs when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These collisions often happen at intersections and can result in significant injuries and property damage. The severity of the crash depends on speed, vehicle size, and whether safety features such as side airbags are deployed.
What Causes T-Bone Car Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting in-car settings
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding through intersections
- Poor visibility due to weather or obstructed signs
Intersections are high-risk locations where drivers must pay close attention to traffic signals, signs, and other vehicles. A single misjudgment can lead to a serious collision.
Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
This depends on which driver had the right of way. If a driver runs a red light or ignores a stop sign, they are likely responsible for the crash. However, other factors, such as malfunctioning traffic signals or obscured stop signs, may contribute to the incident. Traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports are used to establish liability in T-bone collisions. In some cases, though, both drivers may share responsibility, which can affect the outcome of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
What Types of Injuries Result From T-Bone Accidents?
The injuries sustained in a T-bone collision can be severe due to the lack of structural protection on the sides of a vehicle:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma, including concussions
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash
The force of impact often throws occupants against the interior of the vehicle, leading to serious physical harm. Medical attention should be sought immediately following a collision, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
How Can T-Bone Accidents Be Prevented?
Preventing T-bone accidents requires attentiveness and adherence to traffic laws. Drivers should always obey traffic signals, yield when required, and remain aware of their surroundings. Defensive driving techniques, like slowing down when approaching intersections and checking for oncoming traffic, can reduce the risk of collisions. Advancements in vehicle safety technology, including side airbags and automatic emergency braking systems, can also help minimize the impact of these crashes. However, driver awareness remains the most effective way to avoid them.
What Evidence Do I Need to Establish Liability in a T-Bone Accident?
Establishing liability in a T-bone accident requires evidence showing which driver had the right of way and how the crash occurred. Traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, and eyewitness statements can clarify the events leading up to the collision.
Police reports can also document violations or citations, supporting fault determination. Skid marks, vehicle damage, and accident reconstruction analysis help demonstrate impact angles and speeds. Other sources of evidence are medical records linking injuries to the crash and cell phone records that reveal distracted driving. Additionally, toxicology reports can indicate impairment.
Gathering and effectively presenting strong evidence strengthens T-bone car accident claims and helps plaintiffs pursue fair compensation for their damages. Our Atlantic City car accident lawyers can handle this for you, so you can focus on the healing process.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Skillfully Represent Clients Injured in T-Bone Crashes
A T-bone accident can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences, but the experienced Atlantic City car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm can fight for fair compensation for your damages. For a free consultation, submit our online form or call our Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, office at 609-926-3300. We proudly serve clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and South Jersey.