Why T-Bone Accidents Are So Dangerous

Head-on collisions are well-known as some of the most devastating crashes on the road. However, T-bone accidents are also at the top of the list when it comes to dangerous wrecks. A T-bone accident is the result of one vehicle slamming into the side of another. Sometimes, these collisions occur at high speeds, causing severe and life-threatening injuries to the people in the car that is struck on the side.

What is a T-bone accident?

A T-bone accident, also called a side-impact or broadside car accident, is a type of collision in which the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming the shape of the letter “T.” The vehicle can crash into either side of the vehicle, which can result in severe injuries to the passenger or driver. However, sometimes multiple vehicles are involved in T-bone accidents, causing both sides of the vehicle to experience impact.

Why are T-bone accidents so dangerous?

T-bone accidents are considered to be very dangerous because there is only one thing protecting you from traumatic and devastating injuries, which is the door. As someone who has driven or ridden in a vehicle, you know how close your body is to the door when sitting in the driver or passenger seat. Therefore, when you are involved in a T-bone accident, and the door pushes in, you can imagine the significant damage that your body might sustain.

Some vehicles have side airbags, but this equipment does not offer much protection in a T-bone accident. As a result, the driver who is hit on the side must bear the force and impact, resulting in broken ribs and other bones, internal organ damage, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, facial and dental injuries, crushing injuries, and amputations. If the side door cannot handle the intense amount of force and impact from a broadside accident, the entire side of the car may eventually collapse, which can be deadly for the driver or passenger.

Additionally, T-bone accidents can push the vehicle into other lanes, vehicles, objects, or even people, causing secondary accidents, more vehicle damage, and more life-altering injuries. Depending on how fast the vehicles were traveling when the side-impact crash occurred, the driver inside the struck vehicle will likely experience abnormal twisting and turning of their body, increasing the risk of devastating injuries.

Where do broadside accidents occur in Kansas City, MO?

Broadside accidents can occur anywhere. However, some of the most common places where these crashes might happen include:

• Intersections: Intersections are one of the most common places for broadside accidents because cars are crossing one another’s paths. The only thing preventing all-out mayhem at an intersection is the existence of traffic signals. Unfortunately, drivers may violate those signals. In fact, about once every 20 minutes, drivers violate traffic lights at urban intersections. Whether from distraction or recklessness, these sorts of violations are common and extremely dangerous.
• Parking lots: Parking lots are another common place for broadside accidents. This is because they are filled with many other vehicles moving in and out of parking spaces. If a driver tries to take a shortcut through parking spaces to get to a different row, they may end up T-boned by another driver who was following the proper lanes or not paying attention. Hopefully, at least in these situations, the vehicles will not be moving at high speeds.
• Multiple-lane roads with cross-traffic: Multiple-lane roads where vehicles can cross over traffic usually have a high risk of broadside accidents. For example, imagine a vehicle driving down a side road and crossing traffic to get to the other side of the multiple-lane road. In that case, they must ensure that multiple lanes are clear. If they proceed and a vehicle is approaching, it may be unable to slow down or move over in time, resulting in a broadside accident.
• High-density areas: Broadside accidents are more likely to occur in high-density areas, such as downtown Kansas City, MO, rather than on country back roads. This is because more vehicles are moving around and going in different directions. Therefore, if a vehicle makes one false move, it may become involved in a severe broadside accident. However, on country roads where cars are traveling at higher speeds and where drivers may not expect other traffic, these types of collisions could lead to worse outcomes.

Are T-bone accidents deadly?

Yes, T-bone accidents can be deadly. This is because the elements placed in a vehicle to keep drivers and passengers safe typically do not work in T-bone accidents. For example, seat belts are usually considered to be highly effective safety features, protecting drivers and passengers from strong forward and backward movements.

However, seat belts are not very helpful in a T-bone accident because the vehicle is struck on the side, meaning that there is no significant forward or backward movement. Instead, the body is being moved to the side, which seat belts are not designed to prevent. Therefore, without effective safety equipment, the human body may have a difficult time withstanding the force and impact entering the side of its doorway, resulting in bone-crushing and disastrous injuries that may be irreparable.

If you or a family member suffered significant injuries in a T-bone accident in Kansas City, MO, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim and seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. The car accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys know and understand how severe and costly the aftermath of these types of accidents can be. Call our office or submit our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We have proudly earned the title of Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm, and we will do everything we can to uphold this title while handling your case. You can visit our main office in Kansas City, MO, any time. We also serve clients in Lee’s Summit, St. Joseph and Parkville, MO, as well as Overland Park, Kansas City, and Olathe, KS, by appointment only.