Side-Impact or T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact or “t-bone” car accidents occur when the front of a vehicle impacts the side of a vehicle. These car accidents can be especially dangerous because of the lack of protection the side of a vehicle provides. Unlike the front and rear of a vehicle, there is no bumper or fender to protect the driver or passenger. The front and rear of vehicles have reinforcement bars and energy absorbers designed for this specific purpose.
In addition, in a side-impact car accident drivers and passengers are seated closer to the point of impact. The sides of vehicles do not typically have the substantial crumple zones and additional spacing that trunk and engine compartments provide. As a result, when a vehicle is impacted from the side, the striking vehicle can penetrate into the cabin and make contact with the occupant. Likewise, the striking vehicle can deform and bend the doors of a vehicle causing them to impact the individuals inside.
The sides of vehicles also provide less protection in a crash because they consist of the doors. Unlike the rear and front of the vehicles, the doors must open and close. This prevents these components from being fixed in place and makes them less rigid and more vulnerable in a crash situation.
Side-impact collisions can be especially dangerous when the striking vehicle is higher than the vehicle being impacted. When the striking vehicle is a large truck or raised SUV, and the vehicle being impacted is lower to the ground, the difference in vehicle heights can lead to disaster. In these situations, the vehicle being impacted is struck in the window area of the vehicle where there is even less support and reinforcement. Serious and even fatal injuries may result.
Although most modern cars have side impact airbags to help protect occupants, these safety systems cannot always prevent injuries. This is especially true if the impact is at a high speed. Simply put, a severe side impact crash is likely to cause an injury even if a side impact airbag is activated. Obviously, if the vehicle is one with no side impact airbag, the resulting injuries will likely be even worse.
Side-impact or t-bone car accidents often occur in intersections or parking lots. These are areas where vehicles are commonly driven perpendicular to one another. These accidents are usually the result of another vehicle failing to stop or failing to yield the right of way. These accidents are frequently the result of a driver’s failure to pay attention and negligence.
If you or a loved one was involved in a side-impact car accident and harmed as a result, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Arizona law provides that if some is negligent in the operation of a motor vehicle, then they are also responsible for the resulting damages they cause. This is not just limited to property damage. This also includes, emotional damage, physical injury, monetary loss, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, among other things. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury as a result of a side-impact collision, contact our Scottsdale car accident attorneys today. We will help you recover the money you are entitled to for your injury.
