- May 29, 2015
The National Safety Council has reported that side-collision accidents, commonly referred to as T-bone collisions, are ranked second among collision types in serious injuries and fatalities each year. T-bone accidents are extremely dangerous by nature because there is little metal to absorb the affects of a high speed impact to the side of the vehicle compared to the front and rear ends.T-bone accidents occur from a variety of causes. Some of these include the following:
- Failing to yield or stop at a four way intersection;
- Running red lights;
- Turning across traffic lanes illegally;
- Making a right hand turn without looking for oncoming traffic;
- General reckless driving;
- Distracted or drunk driving;
- Braking or steering malfunctions;
- Driving in bad weather conditions.
In Michigan, if you are injured in a car accident involving another motor vehicle, you may be entitled to receive no-fault insurance benefits. Benefits are payable to anyone who suffers an injury arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle. These benefits cover payment of medical costs related to your injuries, lost income if you are not able to work, attendant care, and more. For victims who are killed in T-bone collisions, surviving family members may be able to file a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf depending on the conditions of the accident.
Additionally, Michigan T-bone car accident victims may be able to bring negligence claims for pain and suffering against drivers who cause T-bone collisions. This type of negligence claim includes a variety of physical and/or mental injuries a victim may suffer as a result of a car accident. Some factors include the nature and severity of injury, age, duration of pain, negative effects imposed on personal relationships, negative effects on mental and physical abilities, disability, and others.
Following a T-bone car accident, it is important to evaluate your injuries. Some common injuries include:
- Face Injuries: These include lacerations, abrasions, and bruises. They are caused by flying pieces of glass and metal as well as the impact of one’s face on a car head rest or other object inside the vehicle.
- Fractures & Sprains: These include injuries to bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, usually in the hands, arms, neck, shoulders, ribs and legs. These occur from the high impact caused by collisions due to whiplash and unnatural jerking motions.
- Back Injuries: These usually occur in the spine and discs of the back. The impact of one’s body being pushed back down into the seat can cause these injuries.
- Internal Organ Injuries: These can occur in any of the internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, and lungs. The impact from a car crash can cause damaging movements to injure the internal parts of one’s body.
- Brain Injuries: Injuries to the skull and the top of the spinal cord are usually among the severest injuries. These injuries can result in concussions, fractures, other brain damage, paralysis, and even death.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a T-bone car accident, it is important to consult a lawyer on the best course of legal action. The lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve, whether your injuries are mild or severe. Goodman Acker P.C. has been serving local car accident victims for over 30 years and are actively handling cases involving collisions that take place at an intersection. Visit our car accident page to learn more or call today at (248) 286-8100 to speak to an attorney about your T-bone car collision.