A T-bone accident, also known as a side impact crash, occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in chain reactions, leading to additional impacts with other vehicles and even stationary objects or pedestrians. If you are involved in a side impact crash, you may have questions about how to approach the situation. These questions will help you make good decisions for your future.

How Do T-Bone Accidents Occur?

These collisions tend to occur at intersections, especially when one driver runs a stop sign or red light. Failing to yield right of way leads to many accidents, but side impacts are especially common at intersections with signs a driver failed to see or acknowledge.

T-bone accidents also occur when one car makes a left turn in front of another without realizing that the other car had the right of way or was not yielding. In these cases, it is not often immediately clear who is at fault for the incident.

Sometimes, these incidents occur simply because of aggressive driving or drunken behavior behind the wheel. Some people may be experiencing road rage, whereas others might simply be intoxicated and unable to comprehend what is going on in front of them.

Weather is also a factor in these side impact accidents. Rain, snow, and sleet can influence a driver's ability to see the road, signs, and lights.

Common Injuries in T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents often lead to serious injuries, including broken limbs. In fact, T-bone accidents have the potential to be far more injurious than other types. Side airbags can only do so much, though newer cars do offer more security features than their older counterparts.

Contusions and abrasions are among the most common injuries, some of which are caused by the air bags. These injuries might look small, but they can certainly pack a punch. Bruises may be just a small sign of damage that has occurred underneath the skin.

Spinal fractures and other back injuries are common in drivers who are hit from the side. The angle at which you are hit can cause severe injuries to the spine that could result in a long hospital stay and even permanent damage.

Brain injuries are not uncommon among these types of accidents either. If somebody you know was involved in an accident that resulted in a brain injury, you may even be pursuing this case on his or her behalf.

Whiplash frequently leads to sprains and strains, no matter the type of accident. All too many people fail to take whiplash seriously, and it is important that you be checked out by a doctor if you feel signs of whiplash after a T-bone impact.

What Should You Do after a T-Bone Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident of any type, your first step should be to ensure that everybody in the vehicle is okay before calling the police. A police report will be useful later in determining responsibility.

You should also collect the contact information from the other driver as well as any witnesses to the crash. Take photos of the scene and damage to both cars. These may come back to help you in court.

Finally, do not admit any responsibility or liability for the accident, especially to the other driver or police officers. These comments could be held against you in court later.

For more information about tackling an accident like this, contact a company like Mascott Insurance Services LLC.