T-Bone Accidents

A T-bone accident is also called a broadside or side impact collision. This type of crash occurs when one vehicle strikes another on the side, forming the shape of the letter “T.” When the full weight and size of a truck collide with a smaller vehicle, like a car, results can be catastrophic. Often, these accidents leave behind significant injuries, substantial property damage, and, in the worst-case scenarios, even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need to have the right legal representation to help you seek justice.

At the Trucking Injury Law Group, we have earned a reputation as passionate advocates for victims’ rights. Our mission is to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your crash-related injuries and lost wages. Contact us by email or phone to discuss how we can assist you in filing a claim or lawsuit that allows you to secure a financial settlement for your losses.

Why Do Broadside Collisions Occur?

There are many different contributing factors that can cause a broadside collision. Some of the common causes include:

Failure To Yield

One of the biggest factors that can lead to T-bone collisions with trucks is the failure of one driver to yield to the right-of-way of another motorist, especially at intersections or when making turns. For example, a motorist planning to make a left turn might misjudge their timing to do so and collide with an oncoming vehicle.

Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,308 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2022. Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating or drinking, and even daydreaming can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading them to miss a traffic signal or fail to notice a stop sign, causing a T-bone crash.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. All these factors can increase the risk of T-bone collisions. When truck drivers are not alert, they put everyone’s safety at risk.

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit is one of the top causes of accidents. According to the National Safety Council, speeding was the main factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden or unexpected situations. Along with that, it also makes it difficult for them to control their vehicle.

Many times, the driver will fail to stop or swerve in time to avoid a collision with another vehicle at an intersection. Also, high speeds can cause a driver to misjudge distances. In turn, they might not be able to accurately estimate the time needed to stop before entering an intersection.

Weather Conditions

When it rains, snows, or ices over, the roads become slick and slippery, making it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. This can be especially dangerous at intersections, where drivers are often required to make sudden stops or turns. Additionally, rain, snow, or ice can reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to see other vehicles or pedestrians.

Where Do Side-Impact Truck Accidents Occur?

As suggested above, these crashes often occur at intersections, especially on a highway or another type of busy road.

These crashes often involve a motorist making a left turn failing to yield to the right of way of an oncoming driver. This often leads to a turning driver colliding into the side of the vehicle of the motorist proceeding straight.

It’s not uncommon for these accidents to happen at intersections with traffic lights and stop signs. Most commonly, they occur when a driver fails to stop as they’re supposed to. The T-bone crash occurs when one party who doesn’t have the right of way to proceed through the intersection at that time does.

Common T-Bone Accident Injuries

Trucking accidents that occur at intersections can result in a variety of injuries to different parts of the body.

The impact of the collision can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures. Any forceful blow to the head can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being.

Neck and spinal injuries are also prevalent in these crashes. Whiplash, cervical fractures, and spinal cord damage are all possible. Any of these injuries can result in significant pain and discomfort for the victim. In severe cases, they can even lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.

The force of an accident can also cause chest and abdominal injuries. Sometimes, this can result in damage to internal organs, broken ribs, and other injuries to the chest. Often, they cause internal bleeding and other serious complications.

A side-impact collision can also result in injuries to the pelvic and leg regions. Fractures in the pelvis, hips, and legs are all possible.

Any of the injuries described above can leave victims who’ve been involved in T-bone truck crashes with significant medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. So, if one of these broadside collisions has left you seriously injured, be sure to reach out to us at Trucking Injury Law Group to find out what legal options are available to you for securing a financial settlement. Consultations with our attorneys are free.

Why Are T-Bone Crashes Involving Trucks Dangerous?

T-bone truck accidents are dangerous and can be incredibly deadly due to several reasons, including:

• Large commercial motor vehicles are often much heavier and larger than passenger vehicles, leading to a more forceful collision.
• The sheer mass transfers a substantial amount of energy to the other vehicle involved. Unlike head-on truck crashes or rear-end trucking collisions, where the hood or trunk absorbs some of the impact, there’s no protective buffer like this in an intersection accident like this, making them much more dangerous.

Unfortunately, the side of a vehicle doesn’t absorb much force during a T-bone crash. This means that the occupants of the struck vehicle are at high risk of injuries from direct impact to their bodies.

Determining Liability in a Side-Impact Truck Collision

Truck driver negligence, as outlined above, is one of the most common causes of T-bone crashes. As professionals, truck drivers are held to a higher standard of care than the average driver due to the size and weight of their vehicles. When they fail to uphold their duty to drive safely, it can lead to catastrophic consequences.

However, truck driver negligence is not the only factor that can lead to T-bone accidents. Negligent mechanics or trucking companies can also share liability. For example, if a fleet or logistics company fails to maintain its fleet properly and a mechanical failure causes an accident, it may be held responsible. This is why the steps you take after a crash are so critical. It aids in determining who is liable for your crash.

If you’re involved in a T-bone crash, gather as much evidence as possible, such as:

• Eyewitness statements: This testimony helps reconstruct the sequence of events.
• Traffic camera footage: If available, traffic camera footage captures the exact moment of impact, vehicle positions, and any traffic violations committed.
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records: ELDs track driving hours, speed, and other data for commercial trucks. These records reveal whether the truck driver adhered to regulations or engaged in risky behavior.
• Truck maintenance and inspection reports: These records indicate whether the truck was properly maintained. Also, inspection reports reveal any pre-existing issues that might have contributed to the accident.
• Driver mobile phone records: Records can show whether the truck driver was using their phone at the time of the collision.
• Truck Event Data Recorder (EDR) or “black box” files: Like an airplane’s black box, trucks have event data recorders. EDR data includes speed, braking, and other critical information during the accident.
• Records of past driver violations and traffic citations: Any history of traffic violations or citations by the truck driver can demonstrate patterns of behavior that may contribute to negligence.
• Drug and alcohol test results: If there’s suspicion of impaired driving, test results are vital. Positive results strengthen your case against the at-fault driver.

Collecting this information can be challenging, especially when commercial vehicle companies try to conceal or alter facts.

At Trucking Injury Law Group, we have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in truck accidents, including T-bone collisions. Let us unravel the complexities of your case and pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us for help now.

Possible Available Compensation for Your Claim

Since these accidents occur at the side of a vehicle, there is not as much structural support as in the front or back. As a result, the force of impact can directly affect the driver and passengers.

If you find yourself as a victim of a T-bone accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including for:

• Medical bills: Reimbursement for medical expenses related to injuries suffered in the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensation for missed work due to the accident, including future loss of earnings if you have long-term effects on your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
• Vehicle damage: Coverage of repair costs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a T-bone collision, the surviving family members may be able to receive compensation.

Sometimes, even punitive damages may be awarded for extremely reckless and negligent behavior on the part of the defendant. However, this type of compensation is rare, but it is an option for the courts to financially punish the defendant and defer any future behavior.

The type and amount of available compensation will depend on the specific elements of your case. Contact the Trucking Injury Law Group to learn more about your rights and securing a possible monetary award.

Why You Need Trucking Injury Law Group on Your Side

While the trucking company is looking out for itself and the driver, who’s looking out for you? You deserve the help of an experienced T-bone accidents lawyer who understands your situation and values you as a person who sees you as more than just a legal case.

At Trucking Injury Law Group, we understand the devastating impact that a truck accident can have on your life, and we want to help. Our team of experienced attorneys takes a client-centered approach to help you get the compensation you deserve.

During your initial consultation, we’ll assess why your accident occurred and go over your legal options. We’ll also answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on what to expect throughout the legal process.

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.