One of the most popular types of vehicles on the road today are SUVs. These vehicles offer the comfort of passenger cars, but with extra benefits, like extra cargo and more leg room. However, the bigger size and weight of these vehicles may be contributing to an increase in the number of fatal car crashes that are occurring every day, especially in side impact – also referred to as T-bone – crashes. According to the National Institute of Health, “a passenger car driver in a side impact crash is ten times more likely to be killed than the driver of the SUV, regardless of the vehicle’s role.”
T-bone crashes happen when one vehicle hits the other vehicle on its side, with both vehicles forming a “T.” Some of the most common types of injuries in these crashes are traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, broken bones, and severe whiplash. But even more alarming is that, even at low speeds, these crashes are often fatal.
Protection from T-Bone Crashes
One of the main reasons why T-bone crashes can be so deadly is that vehicles lack side-impact protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that side impact protection would reduce fatal side-impact head injuries by 45 percent, saving up to 1,000 lives per year.
Although smaller vehicles may offer an advantage over larger vehicles when it comes to maneuverability, there is no doubt that they also offer less structural protection.
The majority of T-bone crashes occur at intersections, regardless of whether there are traffic signals or stop signs. In fact, national statistics show that 70 percent of these crashes occur during the day at signalized intersections. Other causes of T-bone accidents are sudden lane changes or pulling too soon into an intersection.
Contact a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a T-bone crash – or any other type of car accident – caused by the negligence of another driver, contact a skilled Virginia car accident attorney to find out what recourse you may have against the at-fault driver. Our Va. injury firm has successfully represented many injured victims in obtaining the best financial outcome for their case and we are available to meet and discuss the circumstances of your accident and advise you as to what legal options you may have.