Houston T-Bone Collisions: Establishing Fault and Exploring the Common Injuries Suffered by Victims

Houston is a big city, so residents usually need to navigate its expansive roadways. Whenever you drive a vehicle, there is a risk of getting into a collision, including a T-bone accident. This type of car accident occurs when a vehicle hits the right or left side of another vehicle. It often results from red light turning, road rage, distracted driving, not yielding the right of way, and turning while the view is obstructed. Determining fault in this accident can be complicated, so it is usually in the best interest of the injured party to hire a Houston t-bone collisions attorney as their legal representative. 

Fault Determination in T-bone Accidents

The drivers involved in a T-bone accident can be at fault for the crash, depending on the circumstances. it depends on the driver who had the right of way and the careless driver who caused the collision. Sadly, witnesses may not agree on the driver who had the right of way. That is why a skilled lawyer should be hired as they can investigate the crash and get to the bottom of it. 

Sometimes, another party can be responsible for the crash. For example, if a motorist tried to top their car at a red light; however, the brakes of their car failed and resulted in the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for the collision or it may be due to poor maintenance. A lawyer can gather facts about the accident to prove fault.  

Common Injuries Suffered in a T-bone Accident

Because the occupants of the vehicles involved in a T-bone accident do not have enough protection, this collision usually results in serious injuries. Those who suffer from these injuries usually require extensive medical care and treatment. These injuries include the following:

• Whiplash. Damage because of the neck’s fragile muscles, ligaments, and tendons is a common injury suffered in any car accident. T-bone accidents can cause whiplash due to the forceful jerking motions that vehicle occupants experience. The damage becomes even more serious if the car spins out. Often, soft tissue injuries in the neck heal with time and treatment such as physical therapy, neck stabilization equipment, surgery, or rest. But despite the best care, some of those who suffer whiplash may not fully recover from it. Victims may need to rely on pain medications for life. 
• Bone fracture. A side impact accident may damage bones in the thigh, arm, and shin. Treatment for bone fractures includes bandaging, orthopedic surgery, rest, and cast. Multiple surgeries may be necessary for some bone fractures.
• Shoulder injuries. Due to the sudden and extreme impact of a car collision, the bodies of victims can be temporarily destabilized. During this time, the link between their joints and bones can loosen. Following the impact, joints may not rejoint properly. If this happens in the shoulder, this results in a pinched nerve, shoulder socket dislocation, a torn rotator cuff, bursitis, or a broken collarbone. Treatment for shoulder injuries may include surgery for scar tissue removal or shoulder joint reconstruction. For less serious shoulder injuries, rest and physical therapy can alleviate pain and restore your range of motion. 
• Back injuries. A T-bone collision may result in herniated discs. Such kind of injury happens due to damaged back and neck discs while the soft interior is bulging out. This usually causes immense pain and surgery may be needed to repair the damage. 
• Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. Due to the force of impact, you can suffer a concussion during a T-bone accident, especially if your head hits a solid part of your vehicle. When not treated right away, a TBI can reduce brain function and body function control or result in disabilities or even death.