Any car accident is capable of inflicting a variety of injuries on the victim, and T-bone accidents are no different. Approximately 22% of all passenger vehicle fatalities in the United States occurred in these types of accidents. Countless other drivers suffered injuries that ranged in severity from mild to severe.
What follows is a list of the most common injuries that people sustain in a T-bone accident. Knowing what injuries you can expect following such a crash can help you better evaluate yourself and your loved ones for harm, which can mean the difference between getting the help you need quickly and a dangerous delay in treatment.
6 Types of Injuries to Watch For After a T-Bone Accident
T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another perpendicularly or at an angle. These crashes most commonly occur at intersections and where traffic merges. If you are in the car that is struck, you may find yourself suffering afterward from:
Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Depending on where you are sitting, your head may strike the vehicle’s B-pillar or C-pillar in a side-impact crash. Most modern cars have side-impact airbags, but they are less common in older vehicles. Aside from these pillars, you can also hit your head on another occupant in the vehicle, the steering wheel, or the window.
The consequences of hitting your head in a wreck can go beyond bumps and bruises. You could also sustain a blunt-force traumatic brain injury (TBI). A mild TBI may only cause temporary memory loss or dizziness. However, a more serious TBI can lead to cognitive, behavioral, and functional difficulties.
Neck and Spine Injuries
The “jolt” you feel when another car strikes you can cause your neck to flex back and forth. This “whiplash” motion strains your neck muscles and can damage your spinal cord. The more violent the whiplash motion, the more severe the harm to your neck and spine can be.
You might feel soreness or stiffness in your neck after a minor T-bone crash. More severe crashes can leave you feeling a sharp, radiating pain down your back and into your legs or arms. Alternatively, you could feel nothing at all. Both radiating pain and an inability to feel or move your body are symptoms of severe spinal cord trauma.
Chest Injuries
Seat belts save thousands of people’s lives every year. However, the shoulder restraint that keeps you from being ejected from the car can also cause bruises and fractured bones in your shoulders and chest. The risk of these types of injuries increases as the speed of the striking vehicle increases.
Your doctor will need to perform an X-ray or conduct other medical imaging processes to verify the extent of any broken bones. Some injuries, like a fractured rib, will heal on their own with the proper time and rest, while other injuries may require more aggressive treatment.
Abdominal Injuries
Your seat belt also contains a lap restraint that helps keep you in place in a wreck. Just as your shoulder strap can cause injuries to your chest, your lap belt can put harmful pressure on your abdomen and internal organs. Ruptured organs are considered life-threatening medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
You may notice symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and intense pain if you suffer an abdominal injury. However, medical imaging is often necessary for your doctor to make an official diagnosis.
Leg and Knee Injuries
Being seated in a car exposes your legs and knees to trauma in a T-bone accident. The striking vehicle may cause your door to crumple and directly inflict harm on your legs and knees. Even if this does not happen, the sudden and violent movement that occurs in a wreck can inflict trauma on your hips, legs, and knees.
A physical exam could reveal fractured bones after a crash. However, your doctor will likely request a CT scan or X-ray to look for damage to your joints and other internal injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries affect your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and bruises are common examples of soft tissue injuries that occur following a car accident. Although these injuries are rarely life-threatening, they can still be painful and limit your ability to work and perform other tasks.
If you feel sore anywhere on your body after a crash but do not see any obvious visible injuries, you may have sustained soft tissue damage. Your physician may confirm this type of injury with a physical exam.
FAQ
Are T-Bone Accidents Deadlier Than Other Types of Crashes?
The sides of a vehicle are generally thinner and, therefore, offer less protection in a crash than the vehicle’s front or rear. The lack of extra protection in the car’s side panels can increase the chance of injury, including fatalities. About 20% of all fatal crashes are side-impact wrecks.
How Do I Know if I Have Suffered Injuries in a T-Bone Accident?
Some injuries have non-specific symptoms or symptoms that do not appear immediately after a crash. Thus, the most effective way to know if you are hurt after a wreck is to visit the nearest emergency room and request an evaluation. A doctor can diagnose any injuries after performing a physical exam and medical imaging.
What Compensation Is Available for T-Bone Accident Victims?
Like others injured in a motor vehicle accident, T-bone crash victims can recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Victims of these types of collisions should consult with a skilled and experienced car accident attorney who can review their case and provide a reliable answer.
Reach Out to the Ramsey Law Group Today
If you or a loved one were involved in a T-bone accident or other car crash in Houston, the Ramsey Law Group can assist you. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our helpful car accident attorneys will fight for your rights. Request your free initial consultation today.