T-Bone Collisions at New York Intersections: Common Injuries and Legal Rights
T-bone accidents are some of the most dangerous types of collisions in New York. They happen when one car strikes the side of another, often in busy spots where drivers are in a hurry, distracted, or just not paying attention. Because the sides of cars have less protection than the front or back, these accidents often leave people with serious injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in a T-bone crash at a New York intersection, knowing your rights can make a big difference for your health, finances, and future.
Why Do T-Bone Collisions Happen?
Most of these accidents happen because someone failed to yield the right of way. In a city like New York, intersections can be especially dangerous when drivers run red lights, speed, or are distracted.
Here are some of the most common causes of T-Bone accidents:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Distracted driving
- Speeding through intersections
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to yield while turning left
- Driving aggressively or recklessly
Common Injuries After a T-Bone Crash
Getting hit from the side is especially dangerous because there’s not much protection between you and the other car. After a T-bone accident, people often end up with injuries like:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: The impact can make your head hit the window, dashboard, door, or steering wheel, leading to concussions, serious brain injuries, or lasting cognitive issues.
- Neck and back problems: Whiplash, herniated discs, spinal damage, and long-term pain are common after a side-impact crash.
- Broken bones: Doors can get crushed inwards, breaking ribs, hips, arms, or legs.
- Internal injuries: Sometimes injuries inside the body, such as internal bleeding and organ damage, aren’t obvious right away, which is why immediate medical care is crucial.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, and even PTSD can linger long after the physical wounds heal.
What To Do After a T-Bone Accident
What you do after a T-bone crash can affect both your health and any potential legal claims.
If you’re in a T-bone collision in New York:
- Call 911 right away.
- Get medical help, even if you think you feel okay.
- Take photos of the scene, the cars, and the intersection.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Find witnesses and get their names and contact details.
- Don’t admit fault at the scene.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Talk to a personal injury attorney before you sign any settlement offers.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance
New York uses a no-fault insurance system. So, your own insurance pays for your immediate medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, if your injuries are serious, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for more compensation. Under New York law, serious injuries may include;
- Broken bones
- Significant disfigurement
- Loss of bodily function
- Permanent limitations
- Long-term disability
A successful personal injury claim can help cover pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and other damages.
Protecting Yourself After a Side-Impact Crash
After a T-bone accident, insurance companies often try to downplay your injuries or argue you were partly to blame because they want to pay as little as possible. A skilled New York personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather the right evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for what you deserve.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured in a New York T-bone accident, contact a skilled Long Island car accident lawyer at Jacobson Law today for guidance about your legal rights and options.