T-bone accidents can cause a wide range of fractures, affecting the neck, skull, pelvis, and clavicle. Another type of injury commonly associated with T-bone accidents is aortic shears, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Victims of T-bone accidents can also suffer organ damage as well.
Understanding T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident, also called a broadside collision or right-angle collision, happens when the front or rear of one vehicle impacts the side of another vehicle—forming a T-shape, hence the name. In medical terms, you might see this accident referenced as an auto accident, broadside (AABS).
When a broadside collision occurs, the individual who sits closest to the point of impact can suffer life-threatening injuries. The intrusion of the colliding vehicle creates the initial impact, followed by another impact when the passenger collides with structures and/or objects in the vehicle’s interior.
Types of Injuries Commonly Associated with T-Bone Accidents
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that side-impact collisions are the second deadliest type of crash.
Some injuries that can arise from these types of collisions include:
Aortic Dissection
When the large blood vessel stemming from the heart (aorta) tears (or shears), blood gushes through the tear, resulting in a separation of the middle and inner layers of the aorta. This “dissection” can be fatal if a rupture occurs outside of the aortic wall, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Organ Shear
Although seatbelts undoubtedly save lives, seat belt syndrome has surfaced over recent years as a pattern of injury common to T-bone accidents. Seat belts restrain motor vehicle occupants from the impact of a collision; however, the impact can result in tears to vital organs. The tremendous force of the impact and sudden deceleration can result in intestinal perforations, tearing of the bowel walls, loss of vascular supply, and lacerations.
Bone Fractures
The force of impact from a side-impact collision can also result in bone breaks and fractures. Affected body parts can include the neck, pelvis, clavicle, and skull.
Tissue Injuries
Ligaments, muscles, and tendons often suffer damage in broadside collisions. Whiplash is one type of injury most commonly associated with T-bone accidents. This can result in neck pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Depending on the severity of the collision, T-bone accidents can also result in TBIs for those involved. Some examples of TBIs include concussions and brain bleeds. These impairments require prompt medical attention, as they can result in coma or death.
There are other injuries that are commonly associated with T-bone accidents. If you were involved in a collision, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can examine your condition and provide the necessary treatment.
Explaining the Mechanism of Injury (MOI)
The nature and severity of a car accident will dictate the types of injuries for those involved. Injury patterns connect specifically to the manner in which one source (a vehicle, for example) transfers to another source, such as the human body. Scientists refer to this transfer as MOI.
The body can only resist a sudden, intense change in energy up to a certain point. Past that point, the body’s muscles, organs, and tissues can suffer damage.
Injuries Resulting from the Impact of Sequence
In the case of a motor vehicle accident, the impact sequence that occurs can also determine the types of resulting injuries.
According to “Motor Vehicle Collisions,” the force of impact in a crash can be broken up into three stages:
- The first impact is when one car strikes another, jolting passengers violently forward.
- The second impact is when the struck vehicle stops abruptly, causing the passengers to strike another object, whether that be the car’s interior, windshield, airbag, or steering wheel.
- The third impact happens inside the passengers’ bodies; tissues and organs smash into internal cavities.
All of these factors can play into the severity of a car accident victim’s injuries.
Seek Compensation for Your T-Bone Accident Injury
If you suffered injuries in a T-bone accident, you deserve to receive compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can fight to help you recover your losses. When you call our team today, we can listen to your situation and explain what financial recovery options are available to you. You can ask us any questions regarding your case in a free, no-obligation case review.
To connect with a member of our Florida law firm, call (855) 529-0269.
