T-bone car accidents, also known as broadside, angle, or side-impact collisions, can happen in an instant but leave lasting consequences. T-bone car accidents represent a disproportionate share of serious and fatal injuries. There is less protection in a side impact compared to a rear-end or head-on collision.
These crashes often raise many questions for victims trying to understand their rights and what comes next.
1. What Is A T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone collision, also known as a broadside or side-impact crash, happens when one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. Side-impact collisions are dangerous because the sides of vehicles don’t offer much protection. Passengers in the struck car are often at higher risk of injury because there’s less distance between them and the point of impact.
2. How Is Fault Determined After A T-Bone Car Accident?
Determining fault can be tricky and depends on the circumstances of the crash. Proving liability requires showing one driver was negligent. This means they had a duty to act in a reasonable way to avoid injury to others and breached their duty, causing the crash. Violating a traffic law, such as running a red light or failing to yield at an intersection, are examples of negligence.
The injured plaintiff who brings a claim has the burden of proof to show the other party is legally responsible for damages.
To establish fault, you will need to show evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Dash cam or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Damage patterns on the vehicles
An experienced attorney can analyze this evidence and work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to prove liability. In Louisiana, the pure comparative fault statute applies. You can recover compensation even if you share some blame, but your recovery is reduced in proportion to your own degree of negligence.
3. What Are The Most Common T-Bone Accident Injuries?
Injuries from side-impact collisions can range from minor to life-threatening or fatal. Near-side occupants sitting next to the side of the car that’s hit are more likely to suffer serious injuries compared to far-side occupants.
In an IIHS study, the most common serious injuries in near-side occupants were:
- Serious chest injuries (59%)
- pelvis or hip injuries (33%)
- Head or brain injuries (30%)
- Abdominal injuries (18%)
- Neck and spinal cord injuries (15%)
Without side airbags, pelvis or hip injuries were more common.
About 67% of far-side occupants suffered at least one serious chest injury, and 41% suffered a head injury.
Near-side occupants are more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a T-bone crash. Fatalities usually involved contact with the struck-side interior. A separate study found the most common fatal injuries were to the brain, heart, and thoracic aorta.
4. What Causes Most Side-Impact Accidents?
Most T-bone crashes happen in intersections, but they can also happen in parking lots or when one motorist is backing up.
The most common causes are:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield at intersections
- Speeding, especially when turning left or approaching intersections
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- Poor weather or road conditions, such as slick roads or low visibility
Driver behavior is the most significant factor in these crashes. Defensive driving and paying attention to traffic signals can help prevent accidents. Before proceeding into an intersection, always check cross traffic for drivers who may fail to yield or run a red light.
5. What Should I Do After A T-Bone Collision?
Taking these steps after a T-bone car accident is crucial for your safety and your legal case:
- Check for injuries. Call 911 for medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety. If possible, move your car out of traffic to avoid another crash. Do not exit your vehicle without assessing the surroundings. It’s safer to remain in the vehicle if there is traffic until emergency personnel respond unless you see smoke or flames. Do not stand outside your vehicle on the side of the road; other motorists distracted by the crash may inadvertently steer toward your car.
- Call the police. The responding officer will complete an accident report to document the crash and conditions. They may also issue a citation.
- Exchange insurance and contact information. Get information from the other driver. Take a picture or note the vehicle’s license plate, make, and model.
- Gather evidence. When it’s safe to do so, take photos to document the scene, the position of the vehicles, damage to both vehicles and road conditions. Take pictures of any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, get checked out to document injuries and start treatment.
A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate an insurance claim, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation from the at-fault driver.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’re Injured in a T-Bone Collision
Have you been injured in a T-bone accident caused by a negligent driver? A car accident lawyer can help. Schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer. They will guide you through the next steps and help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
Contact a Baton Rouge, LA Car Accident Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
318 Harrison Avenue Suite 107
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991