What Are the Most Common Factors Leading to T-Bone Collisions?

 Posted on October 25, 2022 in Car Accidents

T-bone collisions—so named because of their resemblance to the shape of a T—are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents. These collisions often occur at intersections when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. T-bone collisions can have devastating consequences, including serious injuries and even fatalities suffered by people in a vehicle that was struck from the side. If you have been involved in a T-bone collision, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Receiving medical treatment can help ensure that you will be able to pursue compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Common Causes of Side Impact Collisions

There are many reasons why T-bone accidents happen. In many cases, they are caused by human error, although other factors may also play a role, such as weather or road conditions. When driver negligence is the cause of a collision, victims will be able to hold careless drivers liable for their injuries and damages. Factors that may play a role in T-bone collisions include:

• Speeding: Excessive speed is a major factor in many car accidents, and T-bone collisions are no exception. When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to potential hazards—such as another car proceeding through an intersection—and they are more likely to cause an accident. 

• Distracted driving: Anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road can increase the chances of a dangerous collision. Common distractions include things like texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and more. Distracted drivers may fail to notice vehicles that are turning at an intersection, or they may not check to make sure the road is clear, leading to a T-bone collision.

• Driving under the influence: Intoxicated driving is extremely dangerous, and it greatly increases the risk of being involved in an accident. Drivers who are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs are more likely to make poor decisions—such as failing to stop at a red light—and they may be unable to avoid colliding with another vehicle from the side. 

• Failing to yield: T-bone collisions often occur when drivers refuse to yield the right of way to others when required. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs or make left turns into oncoming traffic are likely to cause dangerous accidents. 

• Adverse weather conditions - Inclement weather can play a role in T-bone accidents. If it is raining or snowing heavily, visibility is decreased, and roads can become slippery. Drivers who fail to account for these issues may be unable to stop in time if another vehicle enters their path unexpectedly. 

Contact Our Champaign T-Bone Car Accident Lawyers

T-bone collisions are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents. If you have been involved in this type of accident,  it is important to seek medical attention immediately and then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you recover the damages you deserve. At Kanoski Bresney, our Springfield car accident attorneys can investigate the cause of your collision and help you hold a negligent driver accountable. Contact us today at 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/about-our-tests#side-crash-test

https://getjerry.com/car-insurance/t-bone-accidents-what-they-are-and-how-to-avoid-them#common-causes-of-t-bone-accidents

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217542/