T-bone car accidents (also called side-impact collisions) happen when the front of a car collides with the side of another motor vehicle. This type of car accident mainly occurs at intersections, where one driver fails to yield the right of way to the other driver by ignoring a traffic light or stop sign. If you are involved in a situation like this, you may be wondering who is at-fault in a T-bone car accident.
Car Accident T-Bones: Proving Fault
Sometimes, a side-impact car accident appears cut and dry because the other driver ran a red light and admits fault. In some cases, however, the question is very much contested. Common questions may be “who had the right of way?” or “who had to yield to traffic?” The answer is not always clear when both drivers claim they had the right of way.
Determining fault in a car accident T-bone requires the use of evidence, such as an official police report, eyewitness accounts, photographs and/or videos of the damage and accident scene. After a car crash, take numerous photographs of both damaged vehicles. Additionally, take pictures of the car accident scene from multiple angles to include as much visual information as possible. The official police report will provide specific details about the car crash that can be used to determine fault.
A car accident attorney can investigate the collision and help identify who had the right of way. This investigation may entail Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests to obtain footage from street or vehicle cameras. The investigation may also identify potential accident witnesses or call for an accident re-constructionist to recreate the car accident scene.
In any case, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney may help you make your case, especially when it may be challenging to do so.
Common Injuries in T-Bone Car Accident
Injuries sustained after a car accident T-bone may vary due to factors such as speed, airbags, seat belts, the angle of the collision, and the vehicle type. Here are some injuries commonly associated with side-impact collisions:
Neck - The neck is vulnerable to injuries in a T-bone car accident because of the sudden “jerk” involved, depending on the impact and severity of the collision. Neck injuries can range from a strain, sprain, whiplash, or broken bones.
Back - A severe impact can cause back injuries, including sprains, breaks, herniated disks, pinched nerves, and other spinal cord issues.
Head – In a car accident T-bone, a head injury can happen if the head strikes the door, an airbag, or debris during the crash. Common head injuries include concussions or brain contusions.
Broken Bones - The sudden trauma of a side-impact collision can lead to any number of broken appendages depending on the impact, such as the pelvis, hips, arms, and ribs.
Emotional Distress - The emotional trauma of a T-bone car accident can have long-term effects on a person’s everyday life. Victims of a T-bone collision may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can lead to panic attacks, trouble sleeping, mood swings, depression, and disassociation.
Hurt In A T-Bone Car Accident? Call William Mattar.
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Injuries sustained in a T-bone car crash may last for months or even years after the collision. At William Mattar Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys may be able to help after your accident. If you sustained personal injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Serving Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, and Long Island. Call our car accident attorneys today at 844-noswap444-4444.