Research suggests that the type of injury most commonly associated with T-bone accidents is blunt force trauma, particularly to the chest and head. T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of a vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a T shape. Injury patterns in T-bone accidents are consistent among adults and children, who often suffer severe injuries from the impact occurring on the side on which they are seated or the vehicle rolling over.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that angle collisions, such as T-bone accidents, accounted for nearly one in five of all accidents in the United States in 2017.
Blunt Force Trauma in T-Bone Accidents
Blunt force trauma, which refers to a type of injury caused by sudden force to the body, leads to more deaths than penetrating trauma, in which an object pierces the skin and creates an open wound. Injuries commonly associated with T-bone accidents include blunt force trauma, particularly to the upper half of the body.
Head Injuries
In a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), researchers found that the second most common injuries in side collisions were head injuries.
Trauma to the brain led to more fatalities in these instances than injuries to other organs. Another study by the organization found that children in side-impact collisions experienced more head injuries than any other type.
Spinal Injuries
The sudden force experienced by vehicle passengers in an accident can disrupt inertia, leaving the body little to no time to adjust to the impact. These abrupt movements can lead to serious spinal injuries, including those of the back and neck. Less clinically serious injuries such as whiplash can lead to extended periods of pain that can prevent the victim from working or participating in other daily activities, while fractures of the cervical bones in the neck and spinal cord injuries may cause paralysis or even death.
Injuries to the Chest and Abdomen
Data from the same study reveals that nearly half of the T-bone accident victims involved suffered blunt force injuries to the chest and/or abdomen, primarily to the thoracic aorta, heart, and spleen. Injuries to the chest led to mortality in most cases. Although seat belts save lives in side-impact collisions, they can also cause injuries to the abdomen in the process.
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How T-Bone Accidents Occur
T-bone accidents typically occur when a driver turns and strikes the side of another vehicle in oncoming traffic. They take place more commonly during left turns, which involve making a wider turn across an intersection and take more skill and attention to maneuver properly. Some causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Driver inattention
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Misjudging another driver’s speed
Essentially, if a driver fails to yield the right of way to an oncoming vehicle, they may cause a side-impact collision.
A Lawyer Can Help You with Your T-Bone Accident Injury Claim
If you suffered injuries as a result of a T-bone accident or lost a child, spouse, or another family member, you can file a claim against the liable party on your own, but the complex system can be difficult to manage without professional legal assistance. A lawyer can help you by:
- Exploring the details of your case
- Collecting evidence from the scene and those involved
- Proving the liability of the at-fault driver
- Assessing the value of your damages
- Seeking fair compensation for your injuries or loss
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Keeping you updated on the progress of your case
Settling out of court is typically ideal for accident victims, as it helps them avoid the trial process, which can be long and complicated. However, if your lawyer cannot achieve adequate financial awards in settlement negotiations, they can take your case to court.
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If the injuries or loss that resulted from your Pittsburgh, PA T-bone accident left you with significant damages, the lawyers at Berger and Green can handle your case for you and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call our legal team today at (412) 661-1400 to get started on your free case evaluation.
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