Corpus Christi T-bone and Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer

WHAT IS A T-BONE ACCIDENT?

A t-bone accident can be one of the most devastating types of accidents on the road today. This type of accident happens when a vehicle traveling in an intersection strikes another vehicle on its side, near or toward its rear end. When this occurs, it is typically the smaller car that bears the brunt of the damage since it is hit on the side, where there is no structural reinforcement. This is what forms the “T,” hence the name of the accident. You may also hear of this type of accident as a broadside collision.

Some of the most common and dangerous accidents are T-bone accidents, and these types of accidents can be fatal.  They are viewed as more dangerous in accident types because of the point of impact. Unlike other types of vehicles like head-on-collisions or rear-ends, the amount of vehicles between the crash victims is minimal. Rear-ends have the trunk of the car and the front with the engine, and head-on-collisions have both front ends of the vehicles between the victims, so each is about a car length of space for impact. Broadside collisions are only separated from the point of impact by a thin door and window.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 25 percent of all car accidents yearly involve T-bone car crashes. It is stated that these dangerous accidents claim the lives of more than 8,000 drivers and passengers and leave tens of thousands of accident victims with serious personal injuries.

This type of accident is ranked second, right after head-on-collisions, regarding the damage they cause. They are estimated to result annually in more than $200 billion worth of medical expenses and lost productivity for the accident victims and other costs.

If someone else’s carelessness or disregard for safety caused your T-bone car accident injuries, we are sorry you have experienced this painful ordeal. You should not have to bear the financial consequences of someone else’s mistake. You may have the right to demand compensation to cover your medical bills and other losses. An experienced Corpus Christi attorney can explain your legal options and demand the money you need from the at-fault driver and their insurance company.

WHAT MAKES A CORPUS CHRISTI T-BONE ACCIDENT SO DANGEROUS?

Typically, when a driver crosses an intersection, they must yield to oncoming traffic; if there is no traffic approaching, then they are allowed to go through — which means that in Texas (and most other states), if an accident occurs in the intersection, it is very likely that the other driver was at fault.

However, if a car has stopped at an intersection and you are headed toward them, slow down or stop to avoid hitting them. Such accidents are often referred to as “right-of-way” collisions.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 123,169 car crashes in 2014. This is a significant decrease from the 2013 crash figure of 191,081. Of these accidents, 5,338 resulted in fatalities, and 104,145 resulted in injuries. These figures equate to about 3 percent of all road traffic accidents resulting in death and approximately 7 percent resulting in injury.

We already know that this type of motor vehicle accident is one of the most dangerous accidents. As mentioned above, these accidents differ greatly from most other motor vehicle accidents. The point of impact is the main reason.

Other factors that make these t-bone accidents so dangerous compared to different types of car accidents include lack of protection, the speed at which they frequently occur, and the force of impact.

Compared to the front and rear end, the side doors and panels provide much less resistance in a car crash. While some vehicles do have side airbags and other safety precautions, it is not nearly as common as standard airbags located in the vehicle’s front for the driver and passenger.

T-Bone accidents occur more in intersections. Many intersections have a tendency to be busy with high traffic. With that, it is easy to assume that drivers usually travel at higher rates of speed and may have little to no advanced warning. With little warning, drivers have less time to apply brakes before impact, causing more severe damage.

The force of impact is always a significant factor in the severity of these dangerous car accidents. Motor vehicles are equipped with bumpers on the front and rear ends of them. The bumpers on the front and rear ends provide cushioning. More importantly, these bumpers help disperse the impacts more evenly throughout the vehicle when a collision occurs. In T-bone accidents, the impact is more focused on one area. Even at relatively slower speeds, these accidents can have the same effect as being struck by a 20-pound object.

How Do Corpus Christi T-Bone Collisions Happen?

A T-bone accident is always the result of a driver’s carelessness and negligence. They can result from:

•         Failing to yield the right of way
•         Running a red light
•         Dangerous left turns -assuming the other driver will stop at a yellow light.

Common Causes of Corpus Christi T-Bone and Side-Impact Collisions

In many T-bone car accidents, one driver causes the collision by misjudging the speed of an approaching vehicle or disregarding a traffic signal and violating the other driver’s right of way.

Another big reason T-bones occur is that the driver is distracted instead of focusing on the road and staying aware of their surroundings. There are many distractions.

•         Texting and Driving
•         Looking up directions on your phone
•         Lack of sleep causes fatigue
•         Eating and drinking while driving
•         Changing the radio station

The road is not safe when drivers’ eyes or minds are not focused on the task at hand – driving. Aside from distracted driving, other possible causes of broadside collisions include the following:

• Running a red light or stop sign – This is one of the top causes of T-bone car accidents. When drivers run a red light or stop sign, they violate the right of way of other drivers. This type of driver error and lack of caution often causes T-bone car accident injuries.
• Reckless driving – Too many people operate vehicles as though they are the only ones on the road. Speeding, swerving, and disregarding road rules can result in painful and costly T-bone car accidents.
• Poorly timed left turns – Drivers waiting to turn left at an intersection must make sure that there are no oncoming vehicles that have the right-of-way. Some people misjudge the speed of approaching vehicles and turn in front of them, leading to a side-impact accident. A driver turning left may think he or she has enough clearance to make a turn when in fact, the other vehicle is closing the distance more quickly than recognized.
• Driving while intoxicated – Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and recognition of traffic hazards and slow the driver’s reflexes. Even with long-standing laws in Texas that impose serious punishments for those convicted of driving while intoxicated, some people still get behind the wheel after drinking. A drunk driver may barrel through a red light and cause a T-bone accident.
• Distracted driving – Distractions can take a driver’s focus off the road and approach traffic. Cellphones, navigation systems, and in-car entertainment systems are all a part of the modern driving experience. Distracted drivers may fail to see that a light is changing or overlook oncoming vehicles.
• Speeding – Speed is one of the leading causes of car accidents, including T-bone car accidents. Many people ignore posted speed limits at their own and others’ peril. When drivers speed, they have less time to react to avoid an accident.

Common Injuries Caused by Corpus Christi T-Bone Accidents

Modern cars provide better protection for drivers and passengers. The front and back of automobiles are designed to crumple and absorb much of the impact of a collision. Unfortunately, the sides of vehicles lack the mass to absorb the impact of a collision. The lack of protection on the sides of cars makes serious injuries more common in T-bone car accidents.

With T-bone accidents being very damaging, there are almost always serious injuries. In side-impact accidents, the other motor vehicle driver is protected by standard safety devices such as a seat belt, an airbag, and front-end chassis. Hopefully, they are wearing their seat belt. Once their airbags deploy as they should, they are more likely to suffer from minor sprains and injuries to their neck. Lacerations to their face are also possible.

However, the victims of the car that the negligent driver hit will sustain much more devastating injuries due to the accident. The injuries that the victims of this kind of accident could be broken bones, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, and other severe conditions, just to name a few. These are the more common physical injuries vehicle passengers and drivers may have when hit from the side by another vehicle.

Drivers and passengers may experience serious side-impact car accident injuries, including:

• Whiplash and neck injuries – In a side-impact car accident, the accident can force an occupant’s head forward quickly, then backward. These sudden movements can cause internal neck injuries, pain, and limited movement.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common T-bone car accident injuries. These injuries can result in permanent disabilities and death. TBIs range from concussions to catastrophic puncture injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries – The spinal cord conveys nerve signals throughout the body. Even a small injury can cause permanent harm. After a forceful T-bone accident, crash victims can face paralysis and other life-long disabilities.
• Internal and soft tissue injuries – The violent force of a side-impact accident can increase the likelihood of injuries to soft tissues and joints.
• Broken bones – In addition to soft tissue injuries, the force of a collision may cause bone fractures, which can require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Scarring and bleeding – Jagged metal, shattered windows, and other debris from a collision can cause cuts and lacerations. That could cause blood loss that requires immediate emergency surgery.

Experiencing such accidents will often cause other psychological injuries as well. Once one has gone through such a traumatic event, there will more than likely be emotional damage. The violence and shock of the accident will likely leave long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma for all those involved.

After a T-bone car accident, seek medical care even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. The symptoms of some injuries, including closed head injuries, may take some time to appear. If you’ve suffered a side-impact car accident injury, you should speak with a lawyer to understand your options for seeking compensation for medical bills and other expenses.

AFTERMATH OF T-BONES

Dealing with everything after an auto accident is not an easy task. In more severe cases, the accident victims must undergo various invasive medical procedures to survive the crash. After these invasive procedures, the victims will have to stay in the hospital for some time for the doctors to monitor them as they progress and heal until they recover. The recovery time will depend on the severity of the injuries and the number of procedures they underwent. After surgeries and procedures, the crash victims will still likely need to go through therapy or rehabilitation. With the time spent in the hospital and rehab, the victim will likely need medication to deal with the pain of the injuries. There may also be secondary conditions that develop as a result of the initial injuries. Needless to say, it is a long and stressful road to recovery for the injured crash victims.

With such a long road to recovery, victims will most likely have a significant financial burden. Medical expenses will begin to pile up from day one of being in the hospital and likely after that. A loss of income may arise for those affected. Some may even lose their job from having to be out so long or possibly unable to return to their job. This is due to the injuries sustained from an accident.

Negligence in a Corpus Christi Side-Impact Crash

All drivers have an obligation to drive with reasonable caution to avoid endangering others. Texans must follow the law, avoid speeding and never take actions that put others at risk. But some drivers don’t exercise the caution that they should be behind the wheel. Irresponsible or careless drivers who cause side-impact crashes can be held legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause.

If a driver’s disregard for safety hurts you, you may claim compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company. You’ll need to show how the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. A thorough investigation of the crash by Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., can document the reckless or negligent actions that the driver took and how they caused the accident.

How to Reduce the Risk of a Corpus Christi T-Bone Collision

Whenever you are on the road, you should watch for other drivers. That is particularly true when crossing intersections or turning out of side streets or driveways. To help reduce the risk of a side-impact car accident:

• Stay alert and watch your surroundings. Whether you’re on the road or in a parking lot, always be aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t assume that other people will act the way they should. Some drivers disregard traffic rules. Protect yourself by watching others carefully and reacting defensively.
• If your line of sight is obstructed while waiting to turn left and you cannot see whether vehicles are approaching, don’t take risks. Lack of visibility is a factor in many T-bone car accidents.
• Move through intersections cautiously. Most T-bone car accidents happen at intersections, so approach them with caution every time.
• Come to a complete stop when required. Red lights and stop signs mean stop. It’s a simple rule, but too many people ignore traffic signals.

Even the most cautious driver can be injured by another driver’s carelessness. T-bone accidents happen without warning. Don’t wait to get the help and support you need.

Who Is at Fault in a Corpus Christi Side-Impact Crash?

The fault for a T-bone car accident depends on the facts of the accident. While a negligent driver is often responsible for side-impact car accidents, other factors can also play a part. For example, faulty brakes or other mechanical failures could contribute to an accident.

To determine who was at fault, attorneys and investigators look at many different types of evidence. Documentation such as photos and videos of the accident and the scene, witness statements, and police reports can help establish the cause of a side-impact accident. In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists may help explain how the accident occurred.

If you’ve been injured in a collision, don’t assume anything about the accident. Talk with a knowledgeable lawyer at Herrman & Herrman to understand how car accident fault laws apply to your case. You may be owed significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. In certain circumstances, you may have a right to seek punitive damages if the other driver’s conduct was outrageous or intentional.

How An Experienced Corpus Christi T-Bone Accident Attorney Can Help

When one is involved in a traumatic event, like a side-impact accident, the last thing on their mind is getting all the facts from the accident. The injured party is lost and scared. They could even be unconscious as a result of the impact. An experienced Texas T-Bone accident attorney can help by acting quickly to obtain and preserve evidence and contact and speak to eyewitnesses. They can also obtain the black box in the vehicle to get more data about the incident. These things will be crucially needed to determine fault and build a case on their behalf. All this will be done while the victim is in the hospital, focusing on recovering. Time is of the essence when it comes to T-Bone accident cases.

Herrman and Herrman is a company built on trust and compassion. The attorneys are experienced in tackling even the most complicated accident cases for their clients. Choosing an attorney, you can trust and rely on in a stressful and challenging time does not have to be complicated. Herrman and Herrman has offices in Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, and Houston. We also have four different offices throughout Corpus Christi. For a free consultation, contact Herrman and Herrman’s attorneys to assist you with your Texas T-Bone car accident. You can call one of our offices or schedule an appointment to speak with an attorney.

Our firm has over 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases across Texas. Our outstanding record of favorable settlements and verdicts includes over 20,000 successfully resolved cases. As a result, we are relentless, and you can rely on us to pursue full compensation for you.

• You can trust our attorneys to be compassionate and professional.
• We will fight hard to obtain a fair settlement for you.
• Our firm represents the injured and families who have lost a loved one due to others’ negligent acts.
• We serve as counsel in various injury cases – including car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian accidents, premises liability cases, product liability cases, and medical malpractice claims.

Contact a Corpus Christi T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone car accident in Corpus Christi, contact the expert car accident lawyers at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., now. With decades of combined experience and a commitment to results, we’ll always put you first. We’re ready to start right away. We can quickly dispatch our accident investigative team to gather crucial evidence before it disappears. The quicker we start working on your truck case, the better able we will be to protect your rights to seek full compensation.

If you have questions about your rights after a Corpus Christi car crash, we are available to assist you. Start by contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (361) 882-4357 or online now.