Learn how a Toronto car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you're entitled to under the law.
Some of the most common car accidents in Toronto and throughout the GTA are T-Bone collisions. Whether it's two cars crashing into each other at King and Jarvis or another busy intersection like Adelaide and Yonge streets, a T-Bone accident can leave drivers and passengers in a lot of pain due to severe injuries.
But what exactly is a T-Bone accident? Why do these accidents happen? What injuries are common? Who's at fault? And what can I be compensated for? Below, you can find the answers to all these questions and more helpful information courtesy of the experienced Toronto car accident lawyers at Smitiuch Injury Law.
What is a T-Bone accident?
As the name suggests, a T-Bone accident involves the front of one car hitting the side of another vehicle in a "T" formation. Sometimes referred to as broadside or side impact accidents, T-Bone crashes often occur at four-way intersections. However, they can also happen anywhere that a car pulls out onto a road or highway where other vehicles are already on the road.
What are common T-Bone accident injuries?
Many different types of injuries are often associated with T-Bone accidents, including:
- Whiplash and other neck sprains or strains due to the impact of one car violently hitting the side of another vehicle.
- Concussions and other head injuries, especially for people in the car hit from the side.
- Cuts and lacerations, especially if shards of glass or other sharp objects fly inside the car after the collision.
- Broken bones and bone fractures, especially in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
- Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding.
Side-impact collisions often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles. For example, in a T-bone crash, the force of the impact is concentrated in a small area, often resulting in severe damage to the vehicle and the occupants.
In addition, because the sides of vehicles have less structural support than the front or back, they are more prone to collapse in a collision, which can also increase the risk of injury.
Finally, the fact that T-bone accidents often involve a vehicle coming to a sudden stop can also contribute to the severity of injuries, as occupants may be thrown around inside the vehicle or even ejected.
How do T-Bone accidents happen?
T-bone accidents can occur due to various factors, including driver error, distractions, and adverse weather conditions. Some common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Running a red light or stop sign: This is perhaps the most common cause of T-bone accidents, as one driver may fail to yield the right of way to the other and collide with their vehicle.
- Making an unsafe left turn: T-bone accidents can also occur when a driver makes a left turn and fails to see oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision with another vehicle.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as texting while driving or looking at a GPS can cause a driver to miss a stop sign or traffic signal, resulting in a T-bone collision.
- Inclement weather: Failure to adjust for poor visibility or slippery roads can make it more difficult for drivers to see and appropriately react to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a T-bone crash. This is especially true if someone drives too fast in dangerous weather conditions.
- Impairment: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver's judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of a T-bone collision.
Evidence can help strengthen your case.
Several types of evidence can be important in a T-bone accident, including but not limited to the following:
- Photographs: Photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries can be useful in establishing the cause of the crash and the extent of the victim's damages. For example, photos of skid marks or other physical evidence of the accident.
- Witness statements: If there were any eyewitnesses, their testimony could help establish what happened and who was at fault.
- Police accident report: A police report can provide important information about the crash, including the officers' observations of the scene and any citations issued.
- Traffic camera video footage: If there is any video footage of the accident (e.g., from a traffic camera or a dashboard camera), it can provide valuable evidence of what happened.
- Medical records: If you were injured in the accident, your medical records can help document the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received.
Overall, gathering as much evidence as possible after a T-bone accident is important, as it can help establish what happened and who was at fault. This evidence can be crucial in obtaining fair compensation for your damages.
Contact a Toronto car accident lawyer for help.
Don't underestimate the complexity of your T-bone accident. Even if another driver caused the collision, don't be surprised if they deny doing anything wrong or the insurance company delays, disputes, or denies your injury claim.
Instead, put your trust in an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer. At Smitiuch Injury Law, our dedicated legal team can ensure that your legal case receives the attention it rightfully deserves.
Contact us to learn more about how our law firm can help you and schedule a free consultation. We have three offices conveniently located in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe, Ontario.
