Side impact or T-bone collisions are some of the most devastating types of car accidents because there typically is a tiny “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 additional seats. A side impact doesn’t absorb the same impact as other accidents. 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 car’s speed and size typically determine the accident’s severity. 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 inessential 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 at an intersection with traffic signals, try to note the time of the accident. You may be able to compare the time of 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 Sacramento car accident attorney 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.
