T-bone accidents occur when two vehicles crash front to side, forming a “T” shape. The aftermath is often devastating injuries or fatalities, especially for passengers.
Unlike front or rear-end collisions, the sides of vehicles typically offer less structural protection, making the impact more severe than it might be otherwise. Understanding the common scenarios that increase the possibility of a broadside collision is key to prevention and safer driving.
Running red lights or stop signs
A T-bone collision is likely if a driver speeds through a red light while another vehicle makes a lawful left turn or crosses through a green light. These incidents often happen due to:
- Distraction
- Impatience
- Impaired judgment
Motorists should always approach intersections cautiously, even when they have the right of way.
Making improper left turns
This is possible when a motorist miscalculates the speed of oncoming traffic and turns left across their path.
Suppose a vehicle is attempting to turn left at an intersection without a dedicated left-turn signal. In that case, the driver may feel pressured by waiting for traffic behind them and may choose to turn prematurely. If the oncoming driver cannot stop in time, they will strike the turning car’s side.
Failing to yield the right of way
This can happen in a variety of situations — such as:
- Entering a main road from a side street
- Merging into traffic
- At four-way stops where the rules of right of way are ignored or misunderstood
For example, a side-impact crash may occur if a driver pulls out from a parking lot onto a busy road without yielding to approaching traffic.
Since motorists can’t control other drivers’ actions, being aware of high-risk scenarios can help determine when a T-bone accident happens due to another motorist’s negligence. This way, affected motorists can decide when to enlist legal support and hold reckless drivers accountable for their carelessness.
