T-BONE ACCIDENT LAWYER PHOENIX

Any type of car accident has the potential to be fatal or cause severe injuries when negligence is involved. However, certain types of car accidents are much more likely to result in serious injuries or even a wrongful death claim. T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are among the most common types of fatal vehicle crashes that we see in Arizona. If you suffered injuries as a result of a T-bone car accident, you need a qualified Phoenix personal injury lawyer on your side.

At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we act as staunch advocates for the families we serve. We understand that, after a T-bone collision, you may feel unsure of where to turn. We’re here to help families and victims of car accident cases fight for their right to just compensation. It can be difficult to prove liability without the skills of an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney. Our law firm pledges to give you the means to fight for your legal rights. To schedule a free consultation with us, please call our Phoenix law office at 602-910-4040 today.

What Is a T-Bone Car Accident?

A T-bone collision occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. They happen for a variety of reasons, but negligence is often at the heart of these dangerous car crashes. Another name for a T-bone accident is a side-impact collision.

Many people associate T-bone accidents with traffic intersections. This is partially because many T-bone crashes occur at a stop sign, a green light, or a red light. However, they can even occur on highways and other busy roadways. For example, if a driver loses control of their vehicle, causing it to skid sideways, this could result in a broadside collision.

A T-bone accident can even happen in a busy parking lot. Let’s say one driver backs out of their parking space, unaware that the other vehicle is behind them. If the rear of the first vehicle strikes the side of the other car, this is considered a T-bone accident.

T-Bone Car Accident Statistics

A T-bone collision is one of the most deadly types of collisions. In fact, data from the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration reveals that T-bone collisions account for 13% of all accidents in the country. Additionally, these same crashes account for around 18% of all fatal car accidents.

Approximately 8,000 people die each year as a result of side impact accident cases. The number of deaths per year has been steadily increasing due to a few reasons. Firstly, travel speeds on roads and highways have increased. Secondly, more SUVs are on the road now than there were previously. Thus, T-bone accident cases tend to be more deadly than other types of crashes. But why is this? What makes a T-bone crash so deadly to passengers?

Why Are Side Impact Accidents So Dangerous?

Let’s first consider the differences between a head-on collision and a T-bone collision. When a car is struck from the front, there’s a sizable buffer zone between the front of the car and the car’s occupants. This is called the crumple zone, and it also applies to the rear of the car. The sides of a car, however, are much thinner than the front and the rear. This means that the occupants of the vehicle have far less protection between themselves and the approaching vehicle.

Additionally, a T-bone crash often results in broken windows and crushed doors, which can also lead to injury. This lack of protection on the sides of vehicles is what primarily causes T-bone accident injuries, as the occupants of the vehicle absorb much more of the blow. While nearly any traffic accident can result in injuries, a T-bone accident is much more likely to result in injuries or even death.

How Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?

As with any car accident case, there are a number of different factors that can contribute to a T-bone accident happening. While negligence is often at the heart of these accidents, other circumstances can also contribute. Below, we outline some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents.

• Running a stop sign or a red light: Sometimes, a T-bone accident can happen after one driver runs a stop sign or a red light. If another vehicle is already proceeding through the intersection because they had a green light or the right of way, this could result in a T-bone car accident.
• Loss of control of the vehicle: If the at-fault driver loses control of their vehicle, this can also cause a T-bone accident. When a loss of traction or control occurs, the vehicle could skid sideways into oncoming traffic. This could result in a T-bone collision.
• Reckless or distracted driving: A T-bone accident case could also result from the other driver’s negligence. Running a traffic light, making a wrongful left turn, ignoring stop signs, and drunk driving are all examples of reckless driving.

Types of T-Bone Car Accident Injuries

Due to their serious nature, T-bone collisions have the potential to cause not only vehicle damage, but also serious injury to any passengers or drivers involved. Below, we list some of the most common injuries sustained by victims in T-bone accident cases.

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Internal injuries
• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord injury
• Chronic pain
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Crushing injuries
• PTSD related to the accident

This is not a comprehensive list of all possible injuries that could occur in a T-bone accident. If you suffered other injuries when your accident occurred, our personal injury attorneys are here to help you fight for just compensation.

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?

As with other car accidents, it is possible for the drivers of all vehicles involved to be partially liable for the accident. Maybe one driver was completely at fault, or maybe both drivers played a role in causing the crash. In general, we will begin by determining who had the right of way at the accident scene. If you were making a left turn at a green light and the other driver blew through a red light, causing an accident, they will be at fault.

It’s important to note, however, that the driver of whichever car hit the other car is not always automatically at fault. Below, we outline potentially liable parties after a T-bone accident.