(845) 802-0047T-bone crashes are when one vehicle hits another vehicle on the side. The ensuing collisions form a “t” between the front of the first vehicle hitting the side of the second vehicle. When a large commercial vehicle like an 18 wheeler, semi tractor-trailer, big rig, or other box truck is involved in a t-bone crash, it is very likely that the crash was fatal. This is especially true if the semi tractor-trailer was the vehicle hitting another vehicle on the side. T-bone crashes are one type of New York trucking accident that is very serious and simply one of the deadliest types of auto accidents.
Unfortunately, t-bone crashes do occur frequently. They are most likely to occur at intersections or other areas where vehicles are crossing over each other. This includes complicated intersections with turning lanes, roundabouts, or around corners. This includes corners which might be blind corners, corners in inclement weather like snow or ice, or corners on fast-moving roadways where motorists may lose control.
Why are T-bone Crashes so Deadly?
The reason why t-bone crashes are so deadly is that the engine block of one vehicle is being used almost like a battering ram into the side of another vehicle. Not only is that engine block one of the strongest structures in a motor vehicle, but the sidewall of another vehicle is possibly one of the weakest and thinnest structures. This means that the heavy, hardened section of the front of a vehicle will hit the weakest point.
This weakest point which barely offers any protection between outside threats and the occupant, as sidewalls are very thin.
As a result, it is unsurprising how extensive the injuries are to a victim who has been in a vehicle that has been t-boned. Not only is it likely for the front of the other vehicle to penetrate through and cause direct injury to an occupant, but the violent force of the impact to the side will also rattle, rock, and shake a vehicle side to side. This can cause spinal cord injuries, particularly to the neck and back, which may result in serious, permanent, and debilitating injuries.
Common Causes of T-bones Crashes in New York Trucking Accidents
There are many possible causes of t-bone crashes, but most of these causes are focused around intersections. Most of these causes are also due to one motorist not properly paying attention to his or her surroundings, traffic control devices, or observing other vehicles. Some of the most common causes of t-bone crashes include the following:
- Improper left turns;
- Unsafe lane changes;
- Improperly merging onto or off a highway;
- Distracted driving;
- Drunk driving;
- Drugged driving;
- Driver inexperience;
- Inclement weather and issues with snow, ice, or sleet;
- Failing to yield to the right-of-way of another motorist; and
- Many other causes.
Each of these causes may be independent enough to establish liability against a negligent truck driver or trucking company. But in most instances, there will be multiple factors which cause the New York trucking accident.
T-Bone Crashes: Were You Involved in a New York Trucking Accident? Call Us For Help
Victims of t-bone crashes due to New York trucking accidents are at a disadvantage right from the start. This is because a truck driver, the trucking company, and their insurance company or companies will immediately start to blame the victim for the crash. While this happens in a lot of auto accidents because t-bone crashes usually occur at intersections liability is usually contested and an issue.
Therefore, victims who are injured in t-bone crashes should contact a New York trucking accident lawyer who has experience handling catastrophic personal injury cases. This includes complicated areas of law, which trucking accidents have due to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and New York statutory law (legislatively-made) and common law (judge-made). In addition, catastrophic trucking accident cases also require a strong, foundational knowledge of medicine, anatomy, and how the body could be injured in a crash. Not just any auto accident lawyer can handle a New York trucking accident case, which is why you need to retain the right counsel. Call us for a FREE consultation to learn how we can help you today and protect your future.