Jason Stephens | February 5, 2021 | Traffic Accidents

Truck Accident

All motor vehicle accidents are dangerous. No matter the type of collision, car crashes present the potential for catastrophic injuries or death. But some types of accidents make serious injuries more likely.

One of the most dangerous kinds of traffic accidents happens when one vehicle rams head-on into the side of another. This is known as a “T-bone” accident. When a T-bone accident involves a truck, it becomes even more dangerous. Because these types of accidents involve a massive impact to one of the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle, they regularly result in fatal injuries.

In the following post, we will explore some of the common questions and issues victims have regarding T-bone truck accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident of any kind, you may have the right to seek financial recovery. 

Contact a qualified legal professional following your collision to seek the compensation you are due.

The Physics of T-Bone Truck Accidents

T-bone accidents are also called “angular” collisions. This type of accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. The collision resembles the letter “T,” which is where this type of accident gets its name. 

Most T-bone collisions occur at intersections. The most dangerous intersections are those where traffic from one direction is not required to stop or slow down. In the absence of stop signs, traffic lights, or other signage, drivers must be careful to not pull out in front of oncoming traffic. 

The unique feature of T-bone truck accidents is the amount of force a large truck can exert in the collision. While all angular collisions are dangerous, T-bone truck crashes involve an increased risk of injury or death. This is especially true if the truck collides with the other vehicle close to where a person is sitting, such as the driver’s side door. 

When the circumstances are reversed, the car may crash into the side of a truck. The greater mass and weight of the truck typically results in the car’s driver and passengers experiencing the entire force of the crash. 

No matter which vehicle collides with the other, the physics of T-bone truck accidents create an incredibly hazardous scenario. 

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Regardless of the specific cause, almost all T-bone accidents are avoidable. In rare cases, there may be no possible way a collision could have been prevented. This is not usually the case. The most common cause of T-bone collisions is some type of human error. 

Often, one of the drivers has made a mistake that causes the accident. In other instances, someone has made an error long before the crash occurs that eventually leads to the collision. This is the case when mechanical failure or faulty vehicle parts cause an accident.

When driving on a roadway where one vehicle must cross the path of another, drivers have to respond to many important factors very quickly. In order to remain safe, motorists must consider:

  • Stop signs, stop lights, caution lights, or other signage
  • The possible presence of vehicles in the driver’s lane
  • The possible presence of vehicles in the lane they must cross
  • The expected trajectory of all other vehicles
  • The possible presence of visual obstructions or other miscellaneous hazards

Human error is a distinct possibility when drivers must manage all of these considerations in just a few seconds.

Distracted Driving: Texting while driving accidents are all too common in Fort Worth and unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents, including T-bone accidents. A driver is distracted any time their attention is drawn away from the safe operation of their vehicle. 

Typical examples of driving distractions include:

  • Texting or calling
  • Other smartphone or digital device usage 
  • Eating
  • Applying make-up
  • Talking
  • Roadside distractions – such as billboards or other signage

No matter the cause, a distracted driver is much more likely to cause an accident.

Fatigued Truck Driver: Drivers of commercial trucks often struggle with fatigue. Driver fatigue has been shown to decrease reaction and reflex times. 

Truckers may be forced to drive for long periods of time. They may also work on irregular schedules. While there are regulations that attempt to counter this danger, some drivers and companies do not comply. 

Large commercial trucks are also more difficult to maneuver than typical passenger vehicles. Improper training, distraction, and drowsiness are much more dangerous when they affect commercial truck drivers.

Speeding and Dangerous Driving: As with all collisions, speeding and dangerous driving are one of the primary causes of T-bone accidents. When an oncoming vehicle is driving too fast, other drivers may miscalculate the time available for them to safely cross another lane of traffic.

Typical Injuries From T-Bone Truck Accidents

Sadly, the massive amount of force involved in T-bone truck accidents makes the likelihood of injuries very high. According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, angular collisions account for almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. 

Even those drivers who survive their collision may face serious injuries. Common examples include:

If you have been injured in a T-bone truck collision, seek legal representation as soon as possible. You should not have to carry the financial burdens associated with your accident on your own.

Seeking Compensation for T-Bone Truck Accidents

Victims of T-bone truck accidents have the legal right to seek financial recovery for the costs associated with their injuries. As we noted above, most T-bone accidents are almost always the result of preventable human error. 

For instance, perhaps your car was struck because the other driver was fatigued, distracted, or speeding. If a truck driver’s error caused your T-bone collision, you may be owed compensation. Alternatively, if the collision was due to improper or inadequate training, the trucker’s employer may be liable for your expenses. 

The financial recovery from a personal injury claim or lawsuit can be used to cover medical bills, lost wages, and miscellaneous expenses from your accident. If you have been hurt in a T-bone truck accident, contact a personal injury lawyer to seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth truck accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.

Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000