T-Bone car accidents can cause serious injuries, property damages, and suffering to your mental health. While all accidents can cause serious injuries, T-bone accidents are known to be catastrophic due to the lack of effective airbags. The lack of protection in the front of the car leaves passengers vulnerable. If you’ve suffered the effects of a significant t-bone accident, you can speak to an experienced car accident attorney to protect you and your family while you heal. Our car accident attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates can carry out the detailed work that it takes to ensure that you receive justice and the maximum compensation that you deserve.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident is when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, which forms a “T” shape at the point of the impact. This mostly happens at intersections when a driver illegally goes through a stop sign or red light. Although they are most common at intersections, they can happen anywhere because they are mainly caused by driver error. These errors can, unfortunately, be deadly because T-bone accidents are considered to be among the most dangerous types of car accidents.
The side of a vehicle, which is struck during a T-bone accident, is the most vulnerable part of a vehicle, so it doesn’t absorb the force of the crash to help passengers. When a vehicle is struck in other parts, such as the front or back, the car absorbs some of the impact, which provides relief to passengers. If you or a loved one is involved in a T-bone accident, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Mississippi
T-bone accidents, also known as broadside collisions, are mainly caused by driver error. Most t-bone accidents are preventable with proper attention and driving experience.
- Failure to yield: Drivers not yielding to other drivers who have the right of way and run a red light, stop sign or make an improper left turn.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, eating, or looking at something other than the road are more likely to cause a T-bone accident.
- Speeding: Drivers that approach intersections too fast and are unable to stop.
- Driving under the influence: Drivers that are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Poor driving conditions: Inclement weather or environmental conditions that block lines of sight or even make poor road conditions.
Ensuring that you remain focused on the road and can react appropriately to your environment will keep you and others safer. Safety is no accident.
The Dangers of T-Bone Accidents
Assuming that T-bone accidents are the same as other types of collisions is a mistake that drivers shouldn’t make. In fact, T-bone accidents frequently lead to life-threatening and permanent injuries and consequences that victims can suffer for the rest of their lives.
During T-bone accidents, During a T-bone accident, you are particularly vulnerable and unprotected as the doors can push into the car several inches, slamming and crushing body parts, or even collapsing the entire side of the vehicle.
Side-impact crashes can cause catastrophic and life-changing injuries and create a greater risk of internal injuries. T-bone accidents have also been known to push victims into other oncoming traffic creating second or even third impacts that increase the pain and suffering of the passengers involved.
Common Injuries Sustained in T-bone Accidents
During a T-bone crash, side airbags can help, but they don’t always provide enough protection from the incoming force. As a result, these accidents can cause serious harm or even death to passengers. T-bone accidents can cause any number of injuries to those involved.
The most common injuries sustained in T-bone accidents are:
- Whiplash
- Spinal Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Hip or Leg Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
T-bone accidents are exceptionally dangerous to passengers because of where the impact is located and how the body is forced to move in violent and unnatural ways. After a collision, you should always seek medical attention.
What To Do After a T-bone Accident in Mississippi
After you and your family have been involved in a T-bone accident it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed with what to do next and the fear of what your family may be facing.
If you are in a T-bone accident, you should:
- Call emergency services
- Move to a safe place if possible
- Seek medical attention
- Collect evidence at the scene with photos
- Exchange information
- File police reports
- Contact your insurance company
- Consult with an attorney
The steps you take after an accident can shape the success you have in your insurance claims, your physical health, and even any expenses or debt you and your family face. Always seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured. Consult with an experienced car accident attorney before you speak with your insurance so as not to hurt your chances of compensation. Always keep detailed records of any expenses or documents to stay organized.
Specific Steps for Mississippi Residents
Protecting Your Rights After A T-bone Accident
After a T-bone accident, you may be left feeling overwhelmed and incredibly injured; hiring a skilled car accident attorney can help lift some of the burden while ensuring that your rights are protected. When you’ve been injured in a car accident you can be left with an insurmountable amount of debt and bills that need to be taken care of.
An attorney working to protect your rights can assist in your case with:
- Investigating the accident.
- Locating all those who may be held liable and helping secure compensation.
- Calculating the damages you’ve suffered.
- Communicating with the insurance companies.
- Aggressively negotiating for a maximum settlement on your behalf.
An attorney will be able to advocate for your best interest at every stage of the process after a major accident. Scheduling a free consultation with our car accident attorneys is imperative to protecting your rights.
Mississippi Wrongful Death Laws and T-Bone Accidents
In the state of Mississippi, there are laws that allow family members to file a lawsuit for wrongful death if someone’s negligence caused it. Wrongful death lawsuits are similar to personal injury lawsuits, the difference being that the deceased cannot seek compensation but their family can.
A wrongful death in the family can bring unwelcome financial strain on the living family from medical bills, funeral costs or even the financial support they provided. The potential lawsuit will help alleviate those stressful burdens although nothing can ever undo the suffering of losing your loved ones.
One Call That’s All
When you suffer a car accident you need someone on your side that will work as hard as possible to fight for your rights while you are focusing on recovering. Our legal team at Richard Schwartz & Associates will seek full compensation for any damages you have accumulated, pain you’ve suffered, or even any earnings lost. With over 40 years of experience our attorneys are ready to take on your case and be there to help support your family. We are just one phone call away. Why wait to get started? Contact us today by calling (601) 988-8888 or visit our website to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m involved in a T-bone accident in Mississippi?
After a T-bone accident, you should immediately call emergency services and get to a safe location. As most of these accidents happen in the middle of busy intersections, if possible you should ensure that you are not in traffic.
Are T-bone accidents typically worse than other types of car accidents?
T-bone accidents are typically more dangerous than normal accidents by leaving passengers more violently injured than others.
Should I seek medical attention immediately after a T-bone accident, even if I don’t feel hurt?
Due to the impact inflicted on passengers and lack of protection that the car provides injuries are often much more severe in a T-bone accident. It is vital that you seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
Do I need a lawyer after a T-bone accident in Mississippi?
A lawyer after an accident will give you and your family the best chance at compensation and support. If your case needs to go to trial they will also be there to represent your interests in court if needed.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a T-bone accident in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, you typically have three years from the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or damages. This changes in the cases of wrongful death, so it is vital to consult with your attorney on the statutes of limitations.
