A T-bone accident while driving a motor vehicle refers to the position in which the vehicles colliding with each other remain. When receiving a blow from the side of the vehicle, both form a T, which gives rise to such a common image on the streets of large cities.
Drivers frequently neglect important safety tips for driving in the city, resulting in accidents and harm to others. Prioritizing the well-being of everyone on the road and avoiding causing injuries is crucial.
Unfortunately, many drivers only recognize the significance of these aspects when it is too late. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of everyone on the road and avoid causing injuries.
The best way to avoid such accidents is to be attentive to intersections and speeding. Speeding that does not allow vehicle control in such a case can even aggravate the situation and generate irreversible damage.
We have collected important information about T-bone car accidents in Queens. This information is intended to help protect our clients and community on the streets. Here are some key points that we would like to share with you.
At The Ward Law Group, we are driven by the desire to serve our community constantly. To serve God, to serve our co-workers, and to serve the place where we live. We believe the information we share will be useful and help you feel less alone in this network of vehicle accidents in the big city.
Understanding T-Bone Accidents
These types of T-collisions are also called lateral collisions or collisions with some degree of impact on the lateral side of the vehicle. As we described, these happen when the front of one motor vehicle hits another, forming the typical T-shape.
The worrying thing is that the lateral sides of motor vehicles are not necessarily equipped to provide the same protection as the front of the vehicle. Hence, a blow from that side is even riskier and could lead to fatal consequences.
Common Causes and Scenarios Leading to Side-Impact Accidents
With our years of experience in the field, we have generated groups of ideas and more relevant facts so that now we can share this knowledge that has taken us years of research and dealing with this type of situation. Some of the most common causes that accompany T-Bone accidents are the following:
- Failure to Yield at Intersections: Failure to yield the right-of-way at intersections is one of the main causes of side-impact collisions. This can occur when a driver disregards the traffic signs and runs a stop sign or a red light. These events may cause vehicles to collide at an acute angle, creating the recognizable T-bone shape.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions can cause drivers to lose focus on the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems. This can result in failing to see a change in the traffic light or a vehicle coming up from the side, which can cause a side-impact collision.
- Speeding: Driving too fast shortens a driver's response time and increases the force of an accident's impact. The consequences of a speeding driver failing to stop at a stop sign or red light can be disastrous, particularly in side-impact collisions.
- Driving while intoxicated or impaired affects a person's judgment and coordination, making it more likely that they will disregard traffic signals and signs. This behavior significantly increases the likelihood of side-impact collisions.
- Poor Visibility: Poor visibility due to weather conditions like snow, heavy rain, or fog may make it difficult for drivers to see traffic lights or oncoming cars. At intersections, this may lead to erroneous judgments and collisions.
- Driving aggressively puts both the aggressive driver and other road users in danger. Examples of aggressive driving include tailgating and running red lights. As a result of these actions, side-impact collisions are more likely to occur.
- Mechanical Issues: When a vehicle's brakes, steering, or other mechanical components fail, it can be challenging for drivers to maintain control of their cars at intersections, which could lead to side-impact collisions.
All these scenarios help us remember the need to take measures such as driving attentively to what is happening around us and avoiding reaching very high speeds in spaces with high pedestrian traffic or where many vehicles circulate.
Do not face this situation alone. Contact our experts with many years of experience in these cases, and you will receive precise advice. In this way, we will work together towards deserved and fair compensation that is more than just covering medical bills.
Injuries Associated with T-Bone Collisions
Several times, we have needed to list the most common injuries, even when we are not professionals in the health field. However, many of our clients ask us about it and want to identify if their ailments fit with any of the most frequent types of injuries we list.
Over the years, we have identified that these injuries are usually the same and that, many times, immediate medical attention is required. We do not pretend to be doctors. However, we feel the responsibility of listing these physical consequences to encourage further prevention and awareness about the importance of protecting our integrity and health.
It will be up to us to build a much safer community in Queens for everyone. Here are some of the injuries commonly associated with T-bone collisions:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: A sudden impact in a T-bone collision can cause the head and neck to jerk violently, resulting in whiplash. Milder strains to more serious conditions that limit mobility and provoke chronic pain are all possible neck injuries.
- Head and Brain Injuries: During a side impact, a driver or passenger may strike their head against a window or door frame, which could cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures. These wounds may have physical, mental, and emotional effects that last a lifetime.
- Chest and Torso Injuries: The force of impact can result in fractures and internal organ damage as well as chest and rib injuries. Airbags may inflate and save lives but can also hurt the arms, face, and chest.
- Spinal injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage, can result from the body's sudden movement. Serious spinal injuries can cause paralysis and present lifelong difficulties.
- Hip and Pelvic Injuries: The side impact may cause fractures and other painful injuries that require extensive medical attention to the hips and pelvis.
- Leg and Knee Injuries: Impact on the side of the vehicle can cause legs to be pinned or trapped, leading to fractures, knee injuries, and ligament damage.
Severity and Long-Term Implications
T-bone collision injuries can range greatly in severity from minor sprains and bruises to conditions that can drastically alter a person's life. Long-term effects could lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, psychological trauma, and expensive medical procedures.
If you have been injured because of a T-Bone accident collision or any other accident regarding a motorist vehicle, get in touch with us. A T-bone accident lawyer from our team will give you support and legal advice to benefit you in the short and long term.
Legal Considerations for T-Bone Accidents in Queens
We also want you to have some basic notions about the legal context of New York regarding these types of accidents. We have grouped some basic points so you understand your rights. These are topics that a T-bone car accident lawyer will have to know to help you.
- Identifying Fault and Liability: New York uses a comparative negligence system to share blame between multiple parties. We require evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera videos, and accident reports to determine fault in a T-bone crash. These sources can help us establish who is responsible for the accident.
- Witness statements provide firsthand accounts of what occurred during the crash. Traffic camera videos capture the incident from different angles, offering visual evidence.
- Accident reports contain official crash documentation, including details about the parties involved and any contributing factors. By analyzing these pieces of evidence, we can ascertain who is at fault in a T-bone crash.
- New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) can help you understand traffic laws and legal obligations and determine who is responsible.
- No-Fault Insurance System: In New York, accident victims must seek compensation from their insurance company regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This system should help process claims faster and cover medical benefits and lost wages. However, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault in situations where severe injuries exceed the "serious injury" threshold outlined in VTL 5102(d).
- Legal Difficulties and How to Address Them: In T-bone collisions, disagreements may arise over the events that led to the collision. It is essential to have a knowledgeable T-bone accident lawyer who is familiar with the subtleties of New York law because insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts.
To create a compelling case, attorneys can gather evidence, examine police reports, and collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists. In situations with a shared fault, a lawyer can assist in negotiating a fair settlement that considers each party's accountability level.
Another aspect of great importance is prevention. At The Ward Law Group, we have always been committed to prevention. We want our citizens to be much more informed about the measures they can take to prevent these events. Although many of them are quite intuitive and simple, we believe that they can make a difference in terms of preventing these events from happening:
- Intersection Caution: Drive slowly through intersections while observing stop signs and traffic signals.
- Yield Right of Way: When necessary, especially when there is oncoming traffic, yield the right of way.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like texting or using a phone.
- Check Blind Spots: Consistently scan your surroundings before turning or changing lanes.
- Keep a Safe Following Distance: To account for sudden maneuvers or stops, keep a safe following distance.
- Turn signals should always be used to let other drivers know your intentions.
- Monitor your speed: Follow the posted speed limits and adjust it as necessary for the weather and traffic.
- Consider taking defensive driving classes to hone your abilities and increase your awareness.
You can help make Queens' roads safer for you and other drivers by incorporating these preventative measures into your driving style and keeping up with safe driving guidelines.
Queens-Specific Data and Patterns
The following were some of the main reasons for collisions in Queens in 2021 based on a report by the NYPD:
- Driver inattention and distracted driving (5,756 accidents overall)
- Too much following led to 2,633 accidents in total.
- Giving way without yielding (2,554 accidents overall)
- Unsafe lane usage or passing (1,266 accidents overall)
- Speeding and reckless driving (1.021 accidents)
- Ignoring a traffic light or sign (909 accidents overall)
- Leaving insufficient space when passing (718 accidents overall)
- Inexperienced motorists (498 accidents overall)
- (395 accidents overall) caused by alcohol and drugs
- Driving while intoxicated (126 accidents overall)
These figures are not positive at all. They are another reason we must promote prevention and work daily to build a safer Queens. Contact us right away to build the safe community we all deserve together!
Steps Following a T-Bone Accident in Queens
We would also like to provide a guide to the steps to follow after an event of this nature in Queens. You can take into account the following measures:
- Gathering Critical Evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicle damage, and the surrounding area to serve as proof. If at all possible, get witness statements.
- Law enforcement Involved: Report the collision to the police and make sure an official accident report is filed. This report can be a useful source of information for legal and insurance claims.
- Medical Care Is Critical: Despite the appearance of minor injuries, seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Keep a regular eye on your health for any new symptoms or issues.
- Reach out to your insurance provider: Inform your insurance provider of the incident and provide complete information. Ask about your options for covering things like medical costs and auto repairs.
- Consult a T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer: If the injuries or property damage are severe, you should speak with a side-impact accident lawyer. Lawyers can guide you through the legal system, protect your rights, and help you get fair compensation.
Contact a Queens T-Bone Accident Lawyer
We have tried to summarize the most revealing aspects of T-Bone accidents. If there is any point in which you have any doubts, or you want to make a personalized consultation, you can contact The Ward Law Group by leaving your details in our contact form here on our website. We will be glad to help you.
You already know that we live to serve others. And with you, it will be no exception.
We want to see you smile when we get the compensation you deserve together. No one should take away your happiness. We will work together until the end.
Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free case consultation!