Side impact or T-bone collisions are some of the most devastating types of car accidents because there typically is very little “cushion” between the driver/passenger and the oncoming vehicle. When a car is hit from the front or back, a passenger is usually protected by the bumper, engine, trunk, and/or additional seats. A side impact doesn’t absorb the same amount of impact as other types of accidents. In fact, it is estimated that 8,500-10,000 Americans die in side impact car accidents each year.
Drivers running red lights or stop signs are two of the most common causes of side impact car accidents. When a car is side-swiped in the middle of an intersection by a larger car with a high bumper, the results are often devastating. The speed and size of the car typically determine the severity of the accident. T-bone collisions can also occur when a driver is distracted, doesn’t yield, or doesn’t follow traffic laws.
Injuries to the head, stomach, chest, and pelvis are common in side impact car accidents. Other potential injuries include:
- Concussions
- Brain injuries
- Rib Fractures
- Lung punctures and contusions
- Pelvic and femur fractures
If you’re involved in a side impact crash, it’s important to call 911 immediately. As with any accident, gather insurance and contact information from the other driver, get contact information from witnesses, and take photos of the scene. If the accident occurred in the intersection with traffic signals, try to take note of the time of the accident. You may be able to compare the time to the signal’s automatic programming to the time of your accident. While this isn’t always guaranteed evidence, it could help your attorney prove you weren’t at fault.
It’s important to seek advice from a trusted car accident attorney in Sacramento before settling a side impact accident case. If you have further questions or would like to speak with one of our car accident attorneys, give Eason & Tambornini a call today.
