T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents or broadside accidents occur when a driver directly hits another vehicle, impacting the vehicle on its side. These accidents are referred to as “T-bone” because one car is typically going straight while the other approaches and hits from the side, much like the shape of a "T." T-bone accidents, also known as broadside accidents, invariably occur because one vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way properly.

T-bone or broadside accidents may cause serious injuries to the occupants because the sides of a vehicle provide little protection from the force of the impact. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a T-bone collision, an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer at Hollis Wright can help.

According to the University of Michigan Crash Response Information, approximately 3.18 million broadside crashes occur in the United States every year. These crashes in the U.S. annually account for some 30 percent of all car accident fatalities and cause around 9,400 deaths. T-bone collisions usually occur at an intersection when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way or stop at a red light or stop sign. Drivers who are speeding, distracted, fatigued, drunk or engaging in aggressive driving are more likely to cause a T-bone crash at an intersection.

When a T-bone crash occurs, the impact of the striking vehicle normally causes the side of the car to cave in. The vehicle components itself, as well as the striking car, intrude upon the space inside the vehicle and can do serious harm, possibly crushing a driver or passenger. Despite the fact that many newer model vehicles come equipped with side curtain airbags, these collisions often result in significant and traumatic head and brain injuries due to the fact that a driver’s or passenger’s head will hit the window. Other injuries that often occur in these types of collisions are rib fractures, lung injuries, internal injuries to the organs and facial injuries. These and other serious injuries can result in significant pain and can limit your ability to work. In some cases, death will result, or the injured victim will never fully recover.

T-bone collisions are generally classified as minor, moderate or severe based on the amount of intrusion into the compartment space of the vehicle.

• Four or less inches of intrusion is considered minor.
• Four to six inches of intrusion qualifies the accident as moderate
• More than six inches qualifies as severe. Also, in a severe T-bone collision, you will typically find roof buckling present in the vehicle that was hit in the side.

When you have been seriously hurt, it is essential to take legal action to obtain compensation from the driver responsible for the crash. An Alabama car accident lawyer at Hollis Wright can represent your interests and help you establish that the other driver was responsible for the crash. Whether you wish to negotiate a settlement out of court, or prove your case before a jury, an Alabama car accident attorney at Hollis Wright can provide the legal advice and advocacy that you need that will enhance the likelihood that you receive just compensation.

Alabama allows those who have suffered personal injury to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, scarring, permanent impairment, and other general damages. Some insurance policies allow for med-pay, which is a type of no-fault insurance to help pay for medical treatment. An attorney at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. can help evaluate what benefits are available to you and obtain the maximum allowable benefits on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a T-bone collision accident, please contact the Birmingham automobile accident attorneys at Hollis Wright for a free and confidential case review and consultation. You can call us toll free at 844-529-8255.