Reports provided by the National Safety Council show that around 44% of fatal motor vehicle accidents reported each year in the United States are T-bone collisions. In 2021 alone, these accidents claimed the lives of more than 9,000 people across the country.
We see many of these accidents on our roadways in Texas. Our Fort Worth car accident attorney is here to provide facts and information about these accidents and why they are so dangerous.
T-Bone Accidents Can Happen at Any Time
T-bone accidents can occur at any time of the year, but several factors can increase the likelihood of these collisions.
T-Bone Crashes in the Summer
- Increased Traffic Volume: During the summer months, there tends to be a surge in road travel due to factors such as vacations, holidays, and outdoor activities. With more vehicles on the road, the likelihood of T-bone collisions at intersections rises.
- Tourist Activity: Many parts of Fort Worth experience an influx of tourists during the summer, leading to unfamiliar drivers navigating local roadways. These drivers may be less accustomed to local traffic patterns and road regulations, increasing the risk of T-bone accidents.
- Construction Projects: Summer is prime time for road construction and maintenance activities. Construction zones often disrupt traffic flow and alter familiar driving routes, creating confusion and increasing the potential for T-bone crashes, especially at intersections near construction sites.
- Driver Distractions: With longer daylight hours and pleasant weather, drivers may be more inclined to engage in distracting actions or enjoy scenic views.
T-Bone Crashes in Winter
- Inclement Weather: Winter in Fort Worth can bring icy roads, snowfall, and freezing rain, creating hazardous driving conditions. Reduced traction and visibility increase the likelihood of vehicles skidding or sliding through intersections, leading to T-bone collisions.
- Black Ice: Black ice, a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on road surfaces, is particularly treacherous during winter in Fort Worth. Drivers may encounter black ice at intersections, where sudden braking or turning can cause vehicles to lose control and collide with cross traffic.
- Decreased Daylight Hours: Winter months are characterized by shorter daylight hours, which reduce visibility during peak commuting times. Diminished visibility at intersections can make it challenging for drivers to judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, increasing the risk of T-bone accidents.
Given the point of impact during T-bone collisions, they can be some of the most deadly.
High Risk of Severe Injuries and Fatalities
Unlike rear-end collisions, which typically result in severe but non-life-threatening injuries, T-bone accidents are often fatal. This heightened risk can be attributed to basic principles of physics.
When the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, occupants in the latter vehicle are left vulnerable to the full force of the impact. Unlike rear-end collisions where the bumper can absorb some kinetic energy, there’s no such protection in T-bone collisions.
Fatalities are common outcomes of T-bone crashes. Even in non-fatal incidents, victims often sustain severe, life-altering injuries, such as:
- Back and neck injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Internal organ damage
- Bone fractures
- Severe burns
Factors that Make T-Bone Crashes so Deadly
T-bone accidents pose significant dangers compared to other types of crashes due to several key factors:
Limited Side Protection
Most vehicles lack sufficient protection on their sides, making side doors and panels less impact-resistant than the front and rear ends. Side airbags and other safety features are also less common, although some newer vehicles offer them as optional extras rather than mandatory safety standards.
High Speeds
Side-angle collisions tend to be some of the most deadly because many vehicles involved in these accidents are traveling at a high rate of speed. T-bone accidents often occur at intersections, where drivers may travel at higher speeds and have limited time to react. This reduces the opportunity to apply brakes before a collision, increasing the severity of the impact.
Concentrated Impact Force
Unlike front and rear collisions, where bumpers disperse impact forces, the impact is focused on one area in a T-bone crash. Even at lower speeds, this concentrated force can have a significant effect, akin to being struck by a substantial object weighing 20 pounds.
Understanding the Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Texas
In many cases, T-bone crashes in Fort Worth result from driver errors. Some of the leading factors in Texas T-bone collisions include:
- Failure to Yield: One of the leading causes of T-bone accidents in Texas is the failure of drivers to yield the right of way at intersections. Driving through a stop sign or a red light can cause a severe injury accident.
- Distracted Driving: Motorists using their phones or other distractions may fail to notice traffic signals or approaching vehicles, leading to collisions at intersections.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is another common cause of T-bone accidents in Texas. When drivers fail to obey posted speed limits, they often do not have enough time to react to traffic changes, drastically increasing the likelihood of collisions at intersections.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers who are impaired by intoxicants, such as drugs or alcohol, is a severe problem in Texas and is a leading cause of T-bone accidents. Impaired drivers often exhibit slowed reaction times and difficulties making responsible decisions while behind the wheel. As a result, they are more likely to run red lights or fail to yield the right of way, resulting in collisions with other vehicles.
- Weather Conditions: Drivers who fail to adjust their driving behavior to account for inclement weather conditions can cause severe accidents at intersections.
If another person’s negligence causes a T-bone accident that left you hurt or claimed the life of your loved one, car accident lawyers in Fort Worth can help you pursue a legal claim against them.
Is One Party Automatically Liable for a T-Bone Accident?
No, responsibility for a T-bone accident is not automatically assigned to one party. Either driver involved could be deemed at fault.
For instance, the vehicle entering from the front may be responsible for disregarding the other vehicle’s right of way at an intersection. Conversely, the car attempting to turn without proper right of way might be considered at fault for the collision.
At Patterson Law Group, our experienced Fort Worth car accident attorneys will investigate the cause of your collision and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Fault in T-Bone Car Accidents in Texas
Determining fault in a T-bone car accident in Texas involves understanding the state’s comparative negligence system, which allows multiple parties to share liability for damages. Even if another driver bears primary responsibility, you might still be found partially liable.
Establishing the other driver’s fault requires evidence demonstrating their violation of traffic laws or negligent actions. The types of evidence that are helpful in these cases include:
- Witness testimonies
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction reports
These are all helpful evidence for proving negligence in your Texas T-bone car crash claim.
Additionally, it is imperative to establish a direct link between the other driver’s negligence and the accident itself. For instance, their unlawful behavior is evident if they ran a red light and collided with your vehicle at the intersection. However, shared liability might apply if they were speeding and you made an unsafe turn in front of them.
The police accident report plays a significant role in fault determination. Law enforcement officers gather statements from involved parties and witnesses, document evidence through measurements and photos, and issue citations for traffic violations. Obtaining a copy of the official police report can bolster your case.
Although the at-fault driver is typically responsible for damages, your insurance provider may initially compensate you and then seek reimbursement from the negligent party.
To ensure you recover fair compensation for your losses and damages, seek assistance from an experienced Fort Worth car accident attorney immediately. As your Fort Worth car accident lawyers, we will gather evidence for your case as you get the medical care you need to recover.
Call Our Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Now
Taking legal action after being hurt in a T-bone accident is imperative. A personal injury claim will help hold the negligent party accountable for their actions and provide financial relief to help you through this challenging time.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth car accident attorney has experience helping car crash victims protect their rights after being harmed. Schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss your options.
