Car accidents can occur for a wide variety of reasons and under many different circumstances, but a common type of crash is a T-bone. Named for the impact point where two vehicles collide and form a “T,” these collisions happen frequently on Florida roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), side impacts comprise about 32% of all vehicle crashes. In Florida, that means around 126,125 car accidents are T-bones out of a total of more than 394,000 traffic collisions annually.
The exact angle of the vehicles in a T-bone crash will be around 90 degrees, and the impact tends to be at the horizontal center point of passenger cars. As a result, there are certain types of injuries that victims often suffer, and they cause significant losses. You should consult with a Miami car accident attorney if you suffered any of the top injuries in T-bone collisions.
Trauma to the Head and Neck
Based upon the way one vehicle strikes another in a side impact, there is a side-to-side, violent motion for occupants. If the head comes into contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the vehicle’s interior, a victim could suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. Whiplash, a type of soft tissue injury, is also common. The neck and shoulders are strained when trying to support the head, leading to trauma for the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Spine and Back Injuries
Another type of soft tissue injury affects the spine, and victims of T-bone collisions often suffer from herniated or bulging discs. These are the gel-filled sacs between vertebrae that provide cushioning for the bones. They can become dislodged in a crash, leading to extreme pain. In addition, spinal cord injuries are a factor in side impact injuries, often leading to paralysis.
Harm to Lower Extremities
The height of the impact in a T-bone accident puts the lower parts of the body at risk of serious injuries. Trauma to the feet, ankles, and legs could render you unable to work, particularly broken bones in the lower extremities. Many side-impact collisions also lead to painful hip dislocations.
Your Rights After a T-Bone Crash
If you were injured in a side impact collision, the first step to enforcing your rights is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Many of these claims are settled out of court, but you will need to sue if the insurer will not pay a fair amount. Victims may be entitled to:
- Medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Many other monetary damages.
Speak to a Miami Car Accident Lawyer About Your Rights
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve as an auto crash victim, it is critical to have legal representation throughout the claims process. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA is ready to help, so please contact us to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach. You can reach an experienced Florida auto crash attorney by calling (305) 371-6000 or going online.