Side-Impact & T-Bone Collisions

Some of the most serious accidents in Houston, whether in a car or commercial truck happen as a result of side-impact and T-bone collisions. If you’ve been hurt in a Houston T-bone car accident, don’t delay and consult a local personal injury lawyer right away.

Side impacts, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when the side of a vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another vehicle. Side impact collisions often result in more serious injuries than front or rear-end crashes, according to the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS). In addition, passengers on in side-impact car crashes are particularly at risk for severe and life-threatening injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a side impact, T-bone accident, or any type of truck accident, contact our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers. With our history of getting reults and abiltiy to negotiate with large insurance compnaies, we will review the facts, identify who’s at-fault, and make a claim for maximum compensation.

Call (281) 283-8500 for a free, no-risk consultation because we only get paid when you recover compensation.

Side-Impact Crashes: Cars vs. Trucks

Vehicle incompatibility refers to a car’s ability to protect not only its own occupants, but the colliding vehicle’s occupants. This is one reason why side impact crashes between passenger cars and large trucks are often more severe.

In a collision involving a large commercial truck and a smaller vehicle, the size and weight difference between the vehicles can impact the risk of injury for all occupants.

Generally, larger and heavier vehicles offer more protection than smaller cars or SUVs. In fact, most fatal truck crashes are occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

T-Bone Car Accidents

When two cars are involved in a side-impact collision, the individuals on the side that is hit usually have more serious injuries than the people on the other side because the impacted side absorbs more force. However, people on the opposite side can also be injured.

T-bone crashes between passenger cars tend to happen due to driver negligence like speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving. But regardless of the cause, the injuries in a side-impact car accident can be very severe.

Far-Side and Near-Side Impact Collisions

Side impact car accidents are divided into two categories: far and near-side. A far-side crash is a collision in which occupants are seated on the opposite side of the impact location. Conversely, a near-side crash happens when the occupants are seated on the struck side of the vehicle.

Near-side crashes have a higher risk of serious injury and fatality, but far-side impact collisions can also result in severe injuries and even death. Overall, side-impact crashes commonly result in the following types of injuries:

• Mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Chest injuries
• Abdominal and pelvic injuries
• Spinal cord injuries including paralysis
• Fractures
• Crush injuries to lower and upper extremities
• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Facial lacerations

Side Impact Crashes Involving Trucks

When a large truck crashes into the side of a smaller vehicle, the car’s driver is significantly more likely to be killed or suffer catastrophic injuries. Unlike head-on collisions , occupants in side-impacts are often positioned closer to the impact area and are more vulnerable to being crushed, according to the IATSS.

Intersections are the most common locations for side-impact collisions in Houston. When truck drivers fail to take the appropriate precautions at intersections, they can cause side-impact collisions.

Some common causes of side-impact crashes include:

• Driving too fast for conditions
• Running a red light or stop sign at an intersection
• Unsafe or illegal passing maneuvers
• Distracted driving truckers
• Unsafe lane changes
• Defective or poorly maintained brakes, steering, or tires
• Failure to yield
• Failure to survey surroundings when making a turn
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Impaired truck drivers
• Adverse road or weather conditions such as rain, fog, or ice

How The Krist Law Firm Can Help You

If you have been injured in a side impact collision with a commercial truck or car, you may be facing extensive injuries and medical bills. The Houston truck accident attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. understand how devastating a side impact crash can be and know how to advocate for your interests. From identifying all of the liable parties to proving truck driver negligence, and negotitating for every dollar of compensation you deserve, we can make sure you are informed, respected, and propertly represented from start to finish.

We have decades of experience representing people seriously injured in all types of personal and commercial vehicles. We know how insurance companies operate, how they try to avoid responsibility, and what it takes to recover what you deserve.

When you work with The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we will immediately begin investigating your accident to determine who is responsible, gather valuable evidence in the discovery phase, and fight to obtain the maximum available compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Possible Compensation After a T-Bone Accident

With help from our talented lawyers, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future:

• Medical costs
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain
• Physical limitations
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish

Call The Krist Law Firm Today

Call us today at 281-283-8500 to receive a free case evaluation. We offer a no-risk consultation with one of our skilled Houston personal injury lawyers and we charge no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.