T-Bone Truck Accidents: Liability & Compensation

A T-bone truck accident is one of the most dangerous collisions, often resulting in serious injuries or death for those involved. These accidents are caused when a truck turns in front of another vehicle, and the two vehicles appear in a "T" formation - hence the name “T-bone accident”.

Common causes of these accidents are distracted or negligent driving, poor weather conditions, and improperly maintained roads or road signs. To reduce the risk, drivers should practice defensive driving techniques and remain alert to potential hazards on the road.

The experienced Chicago, IL personal injury attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC represent accident victims harmed by another's negligence.

Call our truck accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form for additional information or schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

What Is a T-Bone Collision?

T-bone collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. They occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. T-bones are common at intersections but can happen on other areas of the road as well.

These crashes often result in devastating injuries due to a lack of protection from side impacts and airbags.

Poor weather conditions and improperly maintained roads can also contribute to these accidents. In addition, other motorists may drive recklessly or fail to yield the right of way, creating dangerous situations.

After an accident occurs, call 911 and let the dispatcher know that an accident occurred. The police report can help establish fault in a collision. Potential responsible parties could include the truck driver, trucking company, and other drivers.

Seek medical attention immediately after a crash even if you don’t think you have been injured. Some injuries not listed on the insurance claim may not be immediately apparent but could become more serious over time.

How Trucks Make T-Bones Worse

T-bone truck accidents are particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of large trucks. The force of the impact is much greater than in a collision between two passenger vehicles, resulting in more serious damage to both vehicles and those inside them.

In addition, cargo from trucks can spill out onto the road, creating secondary hazards for other motorists. Trucking companies transporting hazardous materials must follow regulations. Preventing accidents eliminates exposure to these dangerous materials in severe accidents.

Those inside the car involved in a T-bone truck accident are at an even greater risk due to lack of protection from the side of their vehicle. The force of the impact can cause catastrophic injuries such as being thrown around and banging into hard surfaces.

If the car rolls or is pushed into other traffic, the results can be even more severe. Most drivers remain aware of their surroundings and take extra caution when driving near large trucks on roads and highways.

Common Causes of T-Bone Truck Collisions

T-bone truck collisions are a serious and potentially deadly type of accident. They occur when a vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, often at an intersection. These types of accidents can be caused by:

• Driver error
• Vehicle defects
• Malfunctioning traffic light
• Confusing traffic signs
• Distracted driving
• Poor visibility
• Impaired driving
• Failing to stop or yield for signs/signals
• Texting while driving (not paying attention)
• Defective brakes
• Improper turns
• The other driver's actions

T-bone truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection on the side of the vehicle.

Making a left turn across traffic also requires personal judgement. If the other driver is speeding, it can be difficult to accurately gauge how much time is available and this can lead to an accident.

When a T-Bone Accident Involves a Semi-Truck Driver

Side impact crashes can be devastating and cause serious injuries to the smaller vehicle's occupants. The sheer size and weight of a fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and do major damage to a 4,000-pound car.

Common injuries from these types of crashes can include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations from sharp objects
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions and other head injuries,
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

You Were Hurt in a T-Bone Truck Crash! Now, What Do You Do?

Documentation of damages is essential for any potential legal action or insurance claims. When determining liability in a T-bone truck accident, it is important to consider the duty of care owed by the truck driver and whether they breached this duty.

As the injured party, you must demonstrate that you suffered injuries as a result of the T-bone truck collision caused by the other party. If successful, you can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages sustained due to the negligent truck driver's actions.

In addition to the truck driver, other parties may be liable for a T-bone truck accident. Potential defendants could include:

• The vehicle manufacturer if parts of the commercial truck were defective and malfunctioned
• The trucking company which can be held vicariously liable for different conduct such as operating unsafe vehicles or hiring a dangerous driver
• Government agencies may also be responsible for T-bone truck accidents due to poorly timed traffic signals and missing stop signs
• State or federal road crews for failure to maintain roads safely

T-Bone Accidents FAQs

Our personal injury law firm represent clients involved in side impact collisions where the vehicle occupants suffer injuries or death. Our lawyers specializing in motor vehicle accidents have answered some commonly asked questions below:

Hiring a Stop Sign Truck Accident Attorney

Our experienced accident injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, seek the maximum compensation for our clients by negotiating with the defendant's insurance company or adjuster.

If a large commercial truck went through a traffic signal or traffic lane or made an illegal left turn into oncoming traffic and slammed into the side of your vehicle, contact our experienced attorneys today for trusted legal counsel.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 to discuss your legal options during a free consultation on how to file and resolve a red light accident claim.

Resources:

• T-Bone Accidents | NCBI
• Accident Injury Study | NHTSA