T-bone accidents, also known as broadside or right-angle collisions, are some of the most dangerous car crashes. These occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the lack of protection on the impacted side of the car.
If you’ve been involved in such an accident in Missouri, you may be dealing with significant medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma of recovery. A Missouri t-bone accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities, ensuring you can secure compensation for your losses.
Many t-bone collisions happen at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or run red lights. These accidents often involve high speeds, which increases the risk of serious injuries.
Whether a distracted driver, someone under the influence, or a failure to obey traffic laws caused your accident, a skilled attorney can investigate the details of your case and hold the responsible party accountable.
Recovering from a t-bone accident can be overwhelming. By working with an experienced t-bone accident attorney in Missouri, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team fights for the compensation you deserve. Legal assistance ensures you don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to after such a life-altering event.
What Is the Definition of a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident, also called a broadside or right-angle collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact.
These accidents are most commonly seen at intersections where one vehicle fails to yield or stop in time, causing it to collide directly with the side of another vehicle. The side of the impacted car is often more vulnerable, as the doors and windows provide less protection than a vehicle’s front or rear.
In a T-bone accident, the driver or passengers in the car that gets struck on its side are at greater risk of severe injuries, mainly if the crash occurs at high speeds. The force of the collision is concentrated on a smaller surface area, which can lead to significant damage to both the vehicle and the people inside.
Unlike rear-end or head-on collisions, side airbags and other safety features may not be enough to fully protect passengers from the severity of the impact.
These accidents can vary in severity, depending on the speed of the vehicles involved and where the cars make contact. While some T-bone accidents may result in minor injuries, others can lead to more devastating consequences, such as broken bones, concussions, or even fatalities.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Missouri t-bone accident lawyer, contact our legal team today. We offer free consultations.
Do T-Bone Accidents Occur Often in Missouri?
T-bone accidents are frequent in Missouri, especially at busy intersections and high-traffic areas. These dangerous collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Due to the nature of T-bone accidents, they are more likely to result in serious injuries compared to other types of crashes, making them a significant concern for Missouri drivers.
Statistics on T-Bone Accidents
National statistics from 2022 provide a clearer picture of the frequency and impact of T-bone accidents. Across all vehicle types, 5,697 occupants were killed in T-bone crashes, representing 22% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
When broken down by vehicle type, car occupants were the most affected, with 3,551 deaths accounting for 26% of the total. SUVs and pickups were also heavily impacted, with 1,271 SUV occupants (19%) and 811 pickup occupants (17%) losing their lives in T-bone collisions.
These National statistics highlight a dangerous trend reflected on Missouri’s roads. Like many other states, Missouri has high traffic volumes in metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, prone to intersection-related crashes.
To learn more about t-bone accident statistics, contact our Missouri car accident lawyers today. We offer free case evaluations and are never too busy to speak with you.
How Do Broadside Accidents Typically Happen in Missouri?
Several common factors contribute to these dangerous collisions, each posing a significant risk to drivers and passengers alike. Here are some of the critical reasons broadside accidents frequently happen in Missouri:
- Failure to Yield: One of the most common causes of broadside accidents is when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way. This often happens at intersections when a driver ignores a stop sign or traffic light, leading to a collision with an oncoming vehicle.
- Speeding: Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to stop quickly, especially at intersections. Speeding drivers are less able to react to changes in traffic, which significantly increases the risk of a side-impact collision.
- Merging Mistakes: Broadside accidents can occur when a driver improperly merges into traffic. Failing to check blind spots or misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles can result in a T-bone crash, particularly on highways or multi-lane roads.
- Illegal Turns: An illegal U-turn or an improper left turn can lead to a broadside accident. Drivers who disregard traffic laws or make these risky maneuvers may strike another vehicle’s side or be struck.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless behaviors such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or running red lights often contribute to T-bone accidents. Missouri drivers who engage in reckless driving put everyone on the road at risk of a severe collision.
- Inclement Weather: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make roads slick and increase the chances of a broadside accident. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or driving habits for the weather can quickly lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a side-impact crash.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving while intoxicated is a significant cause of broadside accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, follow traffic rules, and react in time to prevent a collision.
Why Are T-Bone Accidents So Deadly?
T-bone accidents, also known as broadside collisions, are among the most dangerous car crashes. Due to the unique nature of the impact, these accidents pose a high risk to vehicle occupants.
When the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another, the structural vulnerabilities and limited protection for passengers make injuries more severe. Here are some of the critical reasons why T-bone accidents are so deadly:
Limited Side Protection
The sides of vehicles offer significantly less protection than the front or rear. In most cars, the only barriers between a passenger and an oncoming vehicle in a T-bone crash are a thin door and window.
While modern cars may be equipped with side airbags, these are often not enough to fully protect passengers from the full force of a high-speed impact. This lack of protection makes serious injuries, such as head trauma, spinal injuries, and broken bones, far more likely.
Direct Impact on Occupants
In a T-bone collision, the impact occurs closer to the occupants of the struck vehicle, which increases the likelihood of severe injury or death. Unlike front-end collisions, where crumple zones and airbags absorb much of the force, a broadside impact transmits the force of the crash directly into the body of the car and its occupants.
This direct impact often results in catastrophic injuries, especially for those sitting on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
Higher Risk of Rollovers
Another reason T-bone accidents can be so deadly is the increased risk of rollover accidents. When one vehicle strikes another from the side at a high speed, the impact can cause the struck vehicle to roll over, especially if it is an SUV or truck with a higher center of gravity. Rollovers add a layer of danger, as they can result in crushing injuries or ejection from the vehicle.
Occurrence at High Speeds
Many T-bone accidents occur at intersections where drivers may be speeding or trying to beat a red light. The high speeds involved in these crashes amplify the severity of the impact. When a vehicle is struck from the side at a high speed, the force of the collision can cause more extensive damage to the car and lead to life-threatening injuries for the occupants.
Who is At Fault in a Side-Impact Accident in Missouri?
Determining fault in a side-impact accident in Missouri often depends on the specific circumstances of the collision. In most cases, fault is assigned to drivers who violate traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way.
In Missouri, fault in a T-bone accident is typically based on negligence. The negligent driver is the one who failed to act responsibly or follow traffic laws, leading to the collision.
For example, if a driver could not stop at a stop sign and struck another vehicle crossing the intersection, that driver would likely be liable.
However, the fault may not always rest solely on one driver. Various parties could potentially be liable in a side-impact accident, including:
- The Other Driver: Most often, the other driver is at fault for failing to follow traffic laws or driving recklessly.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Local Government: Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals could make the city or state responsible for the accident.
How To Prove Fault in a Side-Impact Car Accident Claim
Proving fault in a side-impact car accident claim requires gathering solid evidence to demonstrate that one driver acted negligently. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning fault is assigned based on the level of negligence each party contributed to the accident.
To prove fault, the injured party must show that the other driver breached their duty of care by violating traffic laws or driving recklessly, directly causing the accident and injuries.
Several critical pieces of evidence can help establish fault in a T-bone accident claim:
- Police Reports: These often include details about the accident, witness statements, and any citations issued, providing an official account of the collision.
- Witness Testimony: Statements from people who saw the accident can provide valuable information about what happened and who was at fault.
- Traffic Camera Footage: Video evidence from nearby cameras can show how the accident occurred and confirm whether traffic laws were violated.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: These professionals can analyze the crash to determine how it happened and who was likely at fault.
Missouri’s State Laws’ Impact on T-Bone Accident Claims
Missouri’s state laws significantly affect how T-bone accident claims are handled. Missouri follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for the resulting damages.
This system allows victims to seek compensation through the negligent driver’s insurance, file a personal injury lawsuit, or pursue both. Proving fault, therefore, becomes a critical factor in receiving compensation.
Another important aspect of Missouri law is its comparative fault rule. Under this rule, fault can be divided between the parties involved in the accident. For example, if the victim is found to be 20% at fault for the crash, their compensation would be reduced by that percentage.
This means that even if you are partially responsible for a T-bone accident, you can still recover damages, but your award will be adjusted based on your share of the blame.
Additionally, Missouri law requires drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage, but these amounts may not always be sufficient to cover the full extent of damages in a T-bone accident. Victims may need to rely on their insurance, mainly if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Handling Insurance Companies and the Importance of Working With an Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies after a T-bone accident can be challenging. Insurance adjusters often use tactics to minimize your claim, such as downplaying the extent of your injuries or questioning the details of the accident.
They may try to offer a quick, lowball settlement before you fully understand the scope of your damages. In some cases, they might even attempt to shift part of the blame onto you by using Missouri’s comparative fault laws, which could reduce your compensation if you’re found partially at fault.
These companies are profit-driven, aiming to settle for as little as possible. Adjusters might pressure you into accepting an offer that won’t cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Without a thorough understanding of Missouri’s legal system, countering these strategies cannot be easy.
This is why working with an experienced attorney is essential. At Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers we can help protect your rights by thoroughly investigating your accident, gathering evidence to prove fault, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
We have the experience to push back against unfair settlement offers and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the rights of car accident victims throughout Missouri. Our experienced team understands the complexities of T-bone and side-impact accident claims and is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
We tirelessly hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure that insurance companies treat you fairly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident, don’t wait. Contact Beck & Beck today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and protect your future.
Some of the cities in Missouri which our law firm serves includes St. Louis, Florissant, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbus, and more.
