What to know about a t-bone accident with a semi-truck

A T-bone accident with a semi-truck is one of the most dangerous events that a person can endure. The size and weight difference between these monstrous vehicles and the average passenger car is enormous. It’s like the Hulk sparring against a mouse. The outcome is always destructive.

Advancements in car safety have reduced the number of devastating outcomes from T-bone accidents, but have not eliminated them. Additionally, many of these advancements are only available on newer models. This means many of the vehicles on the road are still highly vulnerable to side-impact damage. While we hope you never find yourself in this situation, we want to be there to help if you do. So, let’s explore some vital information you’ll need to help you survive getting T-boned by a truck.

Where do Most T-Bone Accidents Occur?

Most T-bone accidents occur in high-risk areas. These places are often poorly lit, with many potential distractions from passing cars. In fact, some drivers who are not paying attention to the road might be tempted to race through an intersection at top speed, only to realize that they have no time to react to hazards. 

A T-bone accident can happen on any road at any time. Some of the most common places we see T-bone accidents are intersections. Especially in the most dangerous intersections on the Treasure Coast. In fact, in 2017, nearly 150 T-bone accident fatalities occurred in Florida intersections where drivers ran red lights or stop signs.

What are Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents?

As with any other type of accident, there are often numerous factors involved leading up to an accident. But, there is one common denominator in almost all accidents: drivers with attention issues will invariably make dangerous driving errors that will lead to an accident. People often forget how quickly a hazard can appear.

Safe driving requires the ability to make split-second decisions and hope they are the right ones. If a driver is distracted by a cell phone, passenger, radio, or even their own thoughts, it could lead to a disaster quickly. Other factors that exacerbate distracted driving hazards include:

• Driving under the influence, even just a little bit. Your reaction times can be severely impacted even if you’ve only had a small amount of an intoxicant.
• Bad weather or poor visibility. Bad weather can cause your car to not function as it normally would. Poor visibility reduces your ability to see hazards ahead of you and the time you have to react to them.
• Failing to yield. Some drivers are overly cautious and always wave other drivers ahead. Others falsely anticipate the other driver’s actions and proceed without a signal. 
• Speeding is the second most common factor in T-bone accidents. Vehicles don’t stop on a dime, especially large trucks. In fact, a fully-loaded semi-truck going 65 mph requires nearly 400 feet to come to a stop. Even going 35 mph will require at least 200 feet to stop.

What Can I Do to Prevent a T-Bone Accident?

We all know that accidents typically don’t just occur by accident, despite the term. To help prevent accidents, it is important to drive safely. Taking defensive driving courses can help give you the knowledge you need to be a better driver. But, not everyone is going to make use of this knowledge. Because of this, you’ll need to be extra vigilant.

Let’s start with slowing down. Every time you feel your foot touching the gas pedal, give some thought to how fast you are going. Slow down, read your tires, be observant, and be prepared to handle an unexpected situation.

Next, never sit in the middle of intersections, waiting to make a left turn. In doing so, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to someone who runs a red light or a stop sign. While you are waiting to turn, keep looking both ways for possible hazards. Then, pull forward and continue to take not of traffic from all directions.

Finally, don’t rush to cut across traffic lanes when leaving a parking lot or driveway. Be patient and wait for a clear opening that gives you plenty of time to cross. Trying to beat an oncoming vehicle not only places you in danger but those around you if they end up having to take evasive action to avoid hitting you.

Are Injuries Common in a T-Bone Accident?

The physics involved in T-bone accidents is quite astounding. The most dangerous aspect is the forces at work here. Picture what happens in this type of accident. The initial impact causes your body to crumple toward the impact. This is dangerous on its own since your body is not designed to bend sideways. 

From there, there is an equal and opposite reaction where your body flings the opposite way, away from the impact. At one point, your head and upper extremities are going to hit the glass or door frame, and maybe even the dashboard. With this vision in mind, you can see how some of the following injuries are common results of T-bone accidents:

• Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Injuries of the upper and lower extremities
• Broken ribs that could result in punctured organs and internal bleeding

What Actions Can I Take to Stay Safer?

It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventing accidents should be your number one priority as a driver. While it is impossible to prevent all types of accidents, you can do some things that can reduce the problems if you are involved in one.

Aside from safe driving, one great thing you can do is check your car’s safety rating. If you’re in a position to do so, try to get a vehicle that has the highest ratings. This will offer a lot more protection for you and your passengers. 

Additionally, always wear your seat belt. As CDC statistics point out, this can reduce the severity of injuries and death by up to 50%. And, it should always be used, no matter how long or short your trip is going to be. After all, the vast majority of accidents occur within just a few miles of a person’s home.

Hiring a T-Bone Truck Accident Attorney in Florida

If you were recently injured in a car-related accident in Florida, you should immediately contact a semi-truck accident attorney who specializes in Florida vehicle collisions and injuries. Because Florida is the home of the nation’s largest trucking industry, it is not uncommon for hundreds or thousands of accidents involving semi-trucks every year to go unreported. In addition, because Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to filing personal injury lawsuits, victims must prove that they were subject to the negligence of another party before being able to sue the trucking company. A highly skilled Florida personal injury attorney who has experience in cases such as yours can help you present your case so that you receive the compensation you are entitled to and so that you can finally gain some compensation from the trucking company.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we have dealt with insurance companies and trucking companies. We know the tactics they will use to try to settle for less than your case is worth. We are committed to providing you with the best legal support and guidance possible. We proudly serve the Treasure Coast area, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, and Okeechobee. Start working with a knowledgeable, experienced semi-truck T-bone accident lawyer in Florida by scheduling your free virtual consultation or call us toll-free at (866) 460-1990.