T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact crashes, occur when the front end of one car hits either the driver’s side or 
passenger side of another car, usually at a high rate of speed. Often, these accidents are caused by:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving while drunk or on drugs
- Driving while distracted
- Driving in a reckless or an aggressive manner
- Driving in poor weather conditions
Common Injuries of Side-Impact Accidents
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that nearly 25 percent of traffic deaths in 2014 were caused by T-bone crashes. Common injuries sustained in side impacts are:
- Whiplash. Though commonly associated with rear-end accidents, whiplash can occur with a T-bone crash, also. Often, whiplash results in torn neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Internal bleeding. Because T-bone crashes happen so close to the driver or passenger, the impact will often jerk the body around at a force hard enough to cause internal bleeding. Sometimes, internal bleeding can go unnoticed and may lead to death.
- Spinal injuries. A victim of a T-bone crash may suffer from a fractured, slipped, or herniated disc, which is a serious injury that needs immediate medical attention.
- Punctured eardrums. If a car has no side airbags, the volume of the impact can sometimes injure a person’s eardrums.
- Head injuries. With or without side airbags, head injuries are a serious concern in side impacts. If the head hits a hard surface in the car, it can result in a skull fracture, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or concussion.
The injuries sustained in a T-bone accident can continue for months or years after the crash. If you have questions about insurance policies, police reports, or compensation for injuries, the skilled lawyers at Tavss Fletcher can help. Fill out the contact form on our website to get started on your case today.
|
Related links: |