Richardson T-Bone Truck Accident Lawyer
T-bone accidents, also known as broadside collisions, are a leading cause of injury and death. These accidents occur when the front of one car hits the side of another car. The final wreckage makes a perpendicular “T” shape.
T-bone crashes range from minor collisions to major accidents. They are common in intersections, parking lots, and other areas where vehicles frequently pass. Usually, driver negligence causes the collision. This driver is almost always at fault.
In 2008, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that t-bone accidents caused 23% of all vehicular fatalities. Side-impacts are also responsible for the majority of passenger injuries and child injuries. Smaller vehicles, like compact cars and sedans, have a higher mortality rate in T-bone accidents than larger vehicles like SUVs.
Richardson drivers should take precautions to avoid T-bone accidents. However, if you do get T-boned, our Texas accident lawyers can help. We have experience helping drivers just like you get the compensation they deserve. We’ll determine how much you could receive in an accident settlement.
Reach out today for a free consultation. Call (214) 740-4556 or use our online contact form to speak to a Richardson, TX accident lawyer about your T-bone crash.
Why Are T-Bone Accidents So Dangerous?
T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. These collisions account for 13% of total car crashes in the United States. They are particularly dangerous to children. Child car seats offer limited protection because the child is still in the impact zone during these accidents.
Over the past two decades, broadside collision fatalities have increased by approximately 20%. Experts believe this rise corresponds to the increasing popularity of SUVs and pickup trucks. There are more large vehicles on the road than ever before. Unfortunately, these cars do worse damage in an accident.
When you’re t-boned, there isn’t much protecting you from the other vehicle’s impact. Your car’s doors can only sustain limited impact. Even with side airbags, there isn’t much separating you and your passengers from the force of the crash. Most cars don’t have reinforced side doors. The thin metal frame protecting you may crumple.
A side impact can also send your car sliding or spinning out of control. T-bone accidents often involve multiple vehicles. You may be pushed into oncoming traffic or collide with a car in another lane.
Often, broadside collisions also turn into rollover accidents. The momentum from the crash can cause your car to skid, hit a divider or guardrail, and flip over. This is another reason why t-bone accidents have such a high fatality percentage.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-boning happens between vehicles on intersecting paths. Although these accidents are usually preventable, they occur frequently. Aside from general negligence, here are some of the common causes of broadside collisions:
Running Red Lights
There’s a reason why running a red light carries one of the heaviest traffic fines in Texas. Reckless driving through intersections endangers others. Often, drivers who speed through a red light cause a broadside collision.
When this occurs, the car in violation of the traffic signal is the one at fault. However, some drivers don’t realize they’re running a red light. They may be speeding up when the light turns yellow. Although this may be legal, it’s still risky behavior. You could be t-boned by a car turning left.
If you’re driving in the middle of an intersection when the light turns yellow, keep going. But if you’re still approaching the intersection, stop. It’s always safer to wait for a green light.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused over 2,800 fatalities in 2018 alone. This is reckless behavior that all drivers need to take more seriously.
When distracted, you could cause a side-impact collision. You’re also more likely to be the victim of an accident. Although you can’t always avoid a t-bone crash, alert drivers can stop, speed up, honk their horn, or change lanes if they see a vehicle that’s about to hit them.
Distracted driving includes driving while using a smartphone, talking to a passenger, eating, shaving or applying makeup, or looking at maps. Try to avoid these behaviors. Use a hands-free device for your phone, and don’t check texts or emails behind the wheel. Keep your eyes on the road as much as possible.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are also responsible for many t-bone accidents. Drugs and alcohol impair driving ability. They slow your reaction time, affect decision-making, and reduce physical coordination.
Someone driving under the influence could cause a t-bone accident because they can’t control their vehicle. They could also misjudge their speed or distance. Additionally, they could be so disoriented that they don’t notice when a light turns red.
Confusion About Right-Of-Way Laws
When an intersection has a traffic signal, it’s obvious who has the right-of-way. Cars with a green light or arrow get to go, while vehicles who have a red light must wait. What about intersections with stop signs, or no signs at all?
In Texas, the right-of-way laws are simple. If you approach an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, observe their position. Is the car on your left or your right? If they’re on the right, you must wait and let them go.
Unfortunately, confusion about right-of-way laws causes many t-bone accidents. If both drivers believe it’s their turn, they may end up in the intersection at the same time — with one car smashing into the side of the other. Liability can be difficult to prove in these accidents.
If You Get T-Boned, Accident Lawyers Can Help
Whether you need help determining liability or getting compensation, our Richardson accident lawyers are here for you. Schedule an appointment for your free consultation online or call our offices at (214) 740-4556.
Remember, consultations are always free, with zero obligation. If we don’t win your t-bone accident case, you won’t pay for our legal services. Don’t wait. Fight for your rights today.
