Published in Personal Injury by Chris Eskew on January 20, 2020.
When one car crashes into the side of another car, it is commonly called a T-bone accident.
This is also called a broadside or side-impact collision. Injuries resulting from these accidents can be serious.
In fact, T-bone car accidents are one of the deadliest types of car accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a T-bone accident in Indiana, reach out to one of our experienced Indiana car accident attorneys today.
To discuss your case call Eskew Law at (317) 279-5156 or contact us online.
What Causes T-Bone Car Accidents?
T-bone collisions occur most often at intersections when the person who is supposed to yield does not. For example, a driver might make a left turn in front of a vehicle driving in the opposite direction, or a driver might run a red light.
T-bone accidents may be more serious if:
- You aren’t wearing a seatbelt,
- The driver was speeding,
- You are hit by a larger vehicle, or
- You are hit at an angle.
T-bone car accident injuries can potentially be more severe than injuries from other accidents because there is less car between you and the other vehicle than in a rear-end or head-on collision.
What Are the Most Common Side Impact Injuries?
There are several serious types of injuries that can result from a T-bone accident.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common side-impact injuries. This type of accident often results in a broken arm, broken ribs, and/or a broken pelvis.
Neck Injuries
The force from a T-bone collision can cause serious neck injuries such as:
- Whiplash,
- Strains,
- Sprains, and/or
- Breaks.
The neck is sensitive, and neck injuries resulting from side-impact collisions are common.
Back Injuries
Back injuries also frequently result from the force of a T-bone impact. Accident victims may suffer:
- Pinched nerves,
- Herniated disks,
- Sprains,
- Breaks, and/or
- Spinal injuries.
Some serious spinal injuries can even lead to paralysis.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries can occur when your head is struck during a collision. These types of injuries can include:
- Concussions,
- Contusions,
- Brain swelling or bleeding,
- Skull fractures,
- Memory loss,
- Balance problems, and/or
- Cognitive, emotional, or behavioral changes.
Most symptoms related to these injuries will be temporary, but some head injuries can cause permanent damage.
What Type of Compensation Can I Get for My T-Bone Car Accident Injuries?
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Property damage,
- Medical costs,
- Future medical care,
- Lost wages,
- Lost earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Emotional distress.
If your loved one was killed in a T-bone accident, a personal injury lawyer can bring a wrongful death claim.
Can I Receive Compensation Even If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
It is possible that both drivers in a T-bone accident will share some blame for what happened. If you are partially at fault for the accident, it will likely impact the amount of damages you will be able to claim. The specific rules on this vary from state to state.
Indiana follows the modified comparative fault rule. This means that you may recover damages as long as your share of the blame is 50% or less.
However, the court will reduce your damages by the percentage of fault you share. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can be compensated for only 80% of your damages.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are trying to recover from serious T-bone car accident injuries, the last thing you want to do is deal with insurance companies. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Eskew Law can help protect your interests.
We know how to negotiate with the insurance companies and get them to pay you what you deserve. Call us at 317-210-4728 or message us online to set up your free consultation, and let us fight for you.
