Any car crash has the potential to cause significant injuries and major property damage. Some types of crashes have a higher degree of risk than others when looking at the outcome of collisions.
According to federal collision statistics, T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact or angle collisions, are the deadliest type of two-car collision. What factors make T-bone collisions so dangerous?
1. The lack of safety infrastructure
Modern vehicles must have front airbags and seat belts, which can save lives in a head-on collision or rear-end crash. Some manufacturers do integrate side-impact safety systems into their vehicles, but they are not yet mandatory. There may not be much to protect occupants from an angle collision in a vehicle without side airbags and other enhanced safety systems.
2. An inability to respond
Angle collisions often occur when one party turns. The driver may not even see the vehicle approaching them until just before the crash occurs. Drivers may not be able to swerve or apply the brakes to avoid the crash or reduce its severity, as they might be able to do in a different crash situation.
3. The risk of higher speeds
The speed of both vehicles influences the damage caused in a collision. T-bone collisions often involve drivers accelerating through an intersection or as they turn. One or both of the vehicles could be at or over the posted speed limit for the road.
Anyone affected by a T-bone collision caused by another driver could have major expenses to address. Working with a personal injury attorney can help those with serious car crash expenses seek compensation from the party at fault for the wreck.