You may be on your way to work, drop the kids off at school, or go to the grocery store when you are hit out of the blue. A side-impact collision like a T-bone accident can come out of nowhere. One minute you pass through a green light, and the next thing you know, you wake up in a hospital bed. Call us if you were hit in an Oklahoma City T-Bone Accident.
It may sound dramatic, but that is true for many people involved in T-bone accidents. At Abel Law Firm, our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys know these accidents can be sudden and catastrophic. Data from the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration shows that 8,000 and 10,000 people are killed annually in side-impact collisions. Those that survive may face an uphill battle as they recover from significant and serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. At Abel Law Firm, we can review the circumstances of your collision and offer you the sound legal advice you need to weigh all your options. Whether you decide to negotiate with an insurance company or pursue legal action against the negligent driver, we stand ready to protect your rights and help you get the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact our office at (405) 239-7046 today to speak with one of our experienced Oklahoma City attorneys.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident is another term for a side-impact or broadside collision. This type of crash occurs when one vehicle is hit on its side by the front end of another vehicle. The phrase “T-bone” refers to the image of the crash looking like the letter T. T-bone accidents can be serious because they are typically caused by a driver running through a red light or intersection at a high rate of speed before colliding with an unsuspecting motorist. There is little time or room for an evasive maneuver in these situations.
A T-bone accident can also easily turn into an accident involving multiple vehicles. That’s because, at high enough speeds, the sheer force of hitting the side of another car can cause it to be knocked off course, hitting other cars in its path. That same force may also cause the impacted vehicle to roll, causing more damage and severe injuries.
Common Injuries in a T-Bone Accident
T-bone injuries can be significant, especially depending on where individuals are in the car. Injuries may be particularly severe if a person is sitting closest to the side that takes the initial impact of the collision. Airbags can help mitigate the damage, but not every vehicle has side-impact airbags. That may mean the only thing between you and the other vehicle is a thin metal door and a window glass panel.
Victims of T-bone accidents can suffer devastating, sometimes debilitating injuries because of the sheer force of the impact. Some of the most common types of injuries associated with this type of accident include:
- Whiplash and serious neck injuries
- Back or spine injuries
- Concussion
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Organ damage
Side-impact collision injuries’ serious and sometimes debilitating nature can mean months or even years of medical intervention and recovery. Unfortunately, this can also mean dealing with the high cost of medical bills for months and even years.
Your financial security shouldn’t be put at risk because of a run-in with a reckless or negligent driver. Victims of side-impact crashes may be due compensation for their medical costs. Time missed from work, and their pain and suffering. Contacting an experienced attorney at Abel Law Firm with the details of your accident is the best way to establish your legal rights.
How T-Bone Accidents Happen
Many T-bone-style accidents happen because one driver fails to yield to the other driver with the right of way. The most common example of this scenario is a driver running a red light. When the light is green, most drivers reasonably expect that they have the right of way and will accelerate into an intersection. When a negligent driver fails to stop at the light for whatever reason, they slam into the side of the vehicle with the right of way. This is a classic T-bone accident.
Intersections are the most common locations for T-bone accidents and, subsequently, one of the most dangerous places for vehicles. Some of the most common causes of T-bone style accidents include:
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Drowsy driving
- Defective brakes
Following your T-bone accident, it is always important to take note of your surroundings and contact law enforcement in the event of a crash. Proving fault in a side-impact collision isn’t always black and white, especially if the other driver won’t admit fault.
One helpful tip is to note the time of the crash if you were involved in a red-light collision. Comparing the crash’s time to the traffic light’s programming may help strengthen your case if the other driver claims the light wasn’t red or they had the right of way.
Contact the Experienced Side Impact Collision Team at Abel Law Firm Today
At Abel Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping you get to the bottom of your side-impact collision – how it was caused, who was at fault, and how much compensation you deserve for your injuries. We work with you to build a solid case that accurately reflects the nature of the accident and seeks the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Whether we’re negotiating a settlement with an insurance company or taking legal action against a negligent driver, at Abel Law Firm, we are ready to represent you aggressively.
Contact Abel Law Firm today at (405) 239-7046 for a case evaluation and to discuss your legal options. Don’t let a side-impact collision stall your life. Let us help you move forward.
