When crashes occur at Newport Beach intersections, they often involve motorists converging from cross streets and one driver failing to yield the right of way. The resulting collision is a T-bone accident. When a T-bone crash occurs, drivers or passengers in the vehicle struck in its side have little protection from the impact of the collision. People involved in a T-bone crash may suffer severe or catastrophic injuries.
If you have been in a Newport Beach T-bone car accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries, costly medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and more. You should talk to an experienced Newport Beach car accident lawyer at Sam & Ash Injury Law about your options for pursuing compensation from the driver who caused the crash.
At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we are dedicated to doing What’s Right for you.
What Is a T-bone Accident?
A T-bone accident, also known as a broadside collision, occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. The colliding vehicles form the shape of the letter “T,” hence the name T-bone collision.
When a T-bone collision happens, the side of the vehicle that is struck absorbs a significant amount of energy. The impact can crush the vehicle’s door panels and cause them to collapse inward. Auto manufacturers have added side airbags to protect occupants in side-impact collisions. But the sides of cars have far less structure to absorb the impact of a collision than the front or back of a vehicle. As a result, both drivers and passengers may suffer extensive trauma from T-bone crashes.
If a T-bone accident occurs in an intersection, there is the possibility of multiple points of impact. If one or both vehicles get pushed into a nearby lane, for example, additional collisions may occur. Due to the extensive injuries that occur in many T-bone crashes, the accident victims often need substantial compensation to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and related accident expenses.
How T-bone Crashes Occur
Here are some of the most common causes of T-bone crashes in Newport Beach:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are focused on phone calls, text messages, or other distractions are more likely to disregard traffic signals and to violate someone else’s right of way.
- Driving under the influence – Drivers who are intoxicated or high may lack spatial awareness, critical thinking, and quick reflexes to react to traffic converging at an intersection and avoid a T-bone crash.
- Drowsy driving – A drowsy driver may misjudge oncoming vehicles or fail to slow down at an intersection and cause a collision.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, lane weaving, and running red lights increase the risk of T-bone crashes.
- Error or inexperience – Drivers with limited experience are more prone to errors that increase the risk of T-bone wrecks, such as failure to yield the right of way or failure to signal before a turn.
- Poor road conditions – Poor lighting, excessive potholes, and missing road signage can contribute to T-bone wrecks.
Who’s at Fault in a T-bone Accident?
Most T-bone accidents occur because a driver ignores or violates another driver’s right of way. In many cases, T-bone accidents involve one driver making an improper left turn in front of another car.
If Driver A is waiting to make a left turn at a Newport Beach intersection but fails to yield to an oncoming car that is proceeding through the intersection with a green light, Driver A may be at fault for the collision.
However, if Driver A is making a left-hand turn and collides with Driver B, who ran a red light, Driver B would likely be at fault. Either driver may be found to be at fault in a T-bone collision.
Insurance adjusters and other investigators often use the following types of evidence to determine who is at fault in a T-bone wreck case:
- Photos of the accident scene and visible vehicle damage
- Video footage from traffic cameras, security cameras, and dashcams if available
- Information from police accident reports
- Statements from passengers, pedestrians, and other eyewitnesses who saw the T-bone crash occur
- Testimony from expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists, who can professionally evaluate the causes of a crash
Common Injuries During a T-bone Car Accident
Some of the most common T-bone car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from striking the head against a window or dashboard
- Fractured or crushed bones in the arms, hips, and legs
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, from violent jerking motions
- Injuries to the pelvis, abdomen, ribcage, and chest
- Lacerations and puncture wounds from broken glass or metal
- Spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or total paralysis
- Loss of limbs or digits
Long-Term Effects of T-bone Accident Injuries
Many of the more serious T-bone accident injuries can have long-term effects. Traumatic brain injuries can have significant effects on memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. These consequences can dramatically affect someone’s ability to maintain a job, interact socially, and live independently.
Back injuries, such as herniated discs, are also common in T-bone accidents. These serious injuries often result in chronic and debilitating pain, which can make it difficult to work. Over time, a back injury can lead to numbness, nerve compression, weakness, and loss of mobility.
Even relatively low-speed T-bone accidents can cause extensive soft-tissue injuries, which can affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Strains, sprains, and tears can result in pain and restricted mobility, and difficulty with daily activities.
The long-term implications of some T-bone accident injuries can have mental and emotional effects, too. Many accident victims suffer from persistent psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, energy loss, mood disturbances, and sleep troubles.
Contact Sam & Ash Injury Law for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a T-bone crash in Newport Beach, you need a dedicated car accident lawyer who is prepared to fight for the money you need to rebuild your life. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, our attorneys have recovered more than $400 million for those who’ve been hurt in California and Nevada. Contact us for a free initial case review. Let us help you get your life back on track.
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