Side-impact collisions, commonly referred to as T-bone collisions, often result in severe injuries for drivers and passengers. There are various ways in which side-impact collisions occur throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and they often occur due to the careless or negligent actions of one or more drivers. Here, we want to discuss some common causes of T-bone collisions as well as the challenges victims face when determining liability so they can secure compensation.
Common ways that side-impact collisions occur
According to data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, side-impact collisions are often devastating. The DOT calls these collisions “angle crashes.” During the latest reporting year across the Commonwealth, there were more than 34,000 total angle crashes. Unfortunately, these incidents resulted in 228 fatalities and many devastating injuries. In total, side-impact collisions were responsible for approximately 27.4% of all vehicle crashes in the Commonwealth during the latest year of data we have available.
A side-impact or T-bone collision occurs when one vehicle slams into the side of another vehicle. There are various ways in which these collisions occur. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Drivers running through traffic signals or traffic signs
- Alcohol or drug-impaired driving
- Drivers failing to yield when making a left-hand turn
- Drivers distracted by their phones or other devices
Determining liability in the aftermath of a side-impact collision in Pennsylvania can be challenging, even if fault for the incident seems to be clear. Often, victims need to seek assistance from an attorney who can use their resources to obtain various types of evidence to prove liability. This includes:
- Statements from eyewitnesses to the crash
- Video surveillance from nearby homes or businesses
- Photographs taken at the scene of the crash
- Police or accident reports
- Results from field sobriety or chemical tests
- Cell phone data records
- Vehicle “black box” data
Injuries caused by T-bone collisions can be devastating
Unfortunately, injuries caused by side-impact collisions are often devastating. This is because there is not as much protection for drivers and passengers struck on the side as there are for those involved in vehicle collisions with impacts from the front and rear of the vehicle. It is not uncommon for Pennsylvania T-bone crash victims to sustain the following:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Open head wounds
- Spinal cord trauma
- Whiplash
- Other severe back and neck injury
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
In addition to these traumatic injuries, Pennsylvania side-impact collision victims often sustain significant emotional and psychological trauma as a result of the incident and the injuries they sustained. It is crucial that victims in these cases be able to prove liability so they can obtain the compensation they need for their losses.
Speak to an attorney for help with your case
If you or a loved one have been involved in a side-impact collision caused by the careless or negligent actions of somebody else, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. These cases can become incredibly complicated, particularly when working to gather evidence to prove liability. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to use their resources to fully investigate the case and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.