There are many types of car crashes that occur in this nation every day. Rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, and side impact accidents are a few of the most common types of vehicle crashes on the road today. Although all accidents may lead to serious injuries or fatalities, many believe that injuries are more significant in side impact collisions. Side impact crashes in Orange County are also referred to as T-bone accidents or broadside collisions, and are very dangerous car crashes to be involved in.
Why Are Side Impact Crashes So Dangerous?
Side impact collisions occur when a car collides into the side of another vehicle. These crashes typically occur when a driver runs a red light or when one car does not yield the right of way to another. Because these crashes generally carry a lot of force, severe injuries or fatalities may occur. These crashes can be even more fatal than other types of accidents because the side of the vehicle isn’t as protected as the rear or front of the car. This means that the driver or passenger may absorb the force of the impact with their body, since the side of the vehicle isn’t as resilient.
There are many older vehicles on the road that are still in good driving condition that do not have as many safety features. In the last decade, car manufacturers have made the sides of vehicles stronger with side air bags and other reinforcement. However, if a T-bone accident is serious, side air bags may offer little help in preventing catastrophic injuries or fatalities to the people in the vehicle who were hit. There is just less metal and machinery on the side of the vehicle than the rear or front of the car, and the front and rear of a car have crumple zones. The crumple zones absorb the force of the impact; however, the side of the vehicles allows the energy of a crash to penetrate into the cabin of the vehicle.
Injuries That May Occur in Side Collisions Include:
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Elbow injuries
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Because of the danger of these Orange County side impact crashes, fatalities do occur. If you have lost a loved one in a T-bone accident in Southern California, please seek legal advice. You need to speak with a knowledgeable attorney regarding your legal rights. Contact the Law Offices of John P. Burns today at (877) 320-1338 for a free legal consultation today.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a car crash, please order a FREE copy of our book 9 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Vehicle Accident Case, available from Orange County personal injury attorney John Burns.