Side impact accidents, also known as T-bone collisions because the resulting shape resembles a T, are among the most dangerous of all motor vehicle wrecks. These already dangerous crashes become even more dangerous when one of the vehicles involved is a big rig. Large trucks have much greater mass than passenger vehicles, which means they can exert more force in a wreck.
Truckers are not always responsible for T-bone crashes, but their negligence may contribute to many of these accidents. If you have been injured in a side-impact truck accident in Pinellas Park, you may have several options for financial recovery. Our experienced truck accident attorneys at Herman & Wells can review your case and help you plan a recovery strategy.
Side-impact collisions are notoriously dangerous and often deadly. The reason for that has to do with physics and the way vehicles are constructed. The side of a vehicle is where it is most vulnerable. The doors and windows are less sturdy than the other parts of the vehicle and offer less crumple or crush zones. In a wreck, they often lead to massive injuries for drivers and passengers alike.
Not only are injuries more likely in these accidents, but they are also more likely to be severe. Crush injuries, damage to internal organs, head injuries, and spinal trauma are common. More fortunate victims may still sustain bruises, scrapes, cuts, and fractures.
Death is unfortunately common among these accidents. While side-impact collisions are relatively rare in many areas, they account for approximately one-quarter of all traffic accident fatalities. When a large commercial vehicle is involved, that risk escalates.
Side-impact truck accidents are less common than passenger vehicle T-bone wrecks, but are more likely to happen in high-traffic areas across Pinellas County. While truckers tend to avoid these areas when possible, accidents still occur. When they do, the risk of injuries is high, even if the truck is traveling at a relatively low speed.
Negligent driving is at the root of most T-bone accidents, although third-party causes—like vehicle defects or improper maintenance—can play a role. When a third party’s negligence or product defect is responsible, they may be financially responsible.
In almost every side-impact collision, one driver fails to yield the right-of-way to another. That driver may be the driver of the passenger vehicle, not the truck. Even so, truckers may be responsible for injuries. Understanding how can help you avoid these wrecks or determine liability when they do happen.
Failing to stop, also known as failure to yield, is not only one of the top causes of side-impact truck accidents; it might also be the most deadly. When a trucker blows through a stop sign or traffic light without slowing down, they might hit another vehicle at full speed.
Other things that can lead to side-impact truck collisions in Pinellas Park include:
If weather conditions cause roads to become slick or lead to reduced visibility, truckers should slow down. Federal law even dictates that truckers not drive if the weather is too dangerous to do so. However, many truckers do not adjust their driving to the weather.
Side-impact truck accidents in Pinellas Park lead to a disproportionate number of injuries and deaths. If you have been a victim of one of these wrecks or lost a loved one in an accident, you deserve compensation.
Contact Herman & Wells to schedule a consultation to find out how we can help you.
