A T-bone or side collision accident occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another at a perpendicular angle. These collisions directly impact drivers or passengers and can cause severe injuries, particularly when they involve tractor-trailers and large commercial vehicles. If you were recently hurt in a side-impact truck accident in Columbus, call to set up a legal consultation as soon as possible. A hardworking attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you pursue compensation for various losses associated with your traffic collision.

What Causes T-Bone Truck Crashes?

T-bone collisions in Columbus are typically caused by driver recklessness or negligence. For instance, if a truck operator ignores a stop sign or runs a red light at an intersection, they risk colliding with another driver traveling through the four-way stop. Drivers going the wrong direction down one-way streets can also cause dangerous side collisions. Although side-impact truck wrecks frequently occur at intersections, they can also take place in parking lots or at event venues where people are often distracted.

Dangers of Tractor-Trailer Side Collisions

T-bone collisions are some of the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents because there is little protection between the truck’s impact and a driver or passenger. While most cars and trucks are designed to withstand head-on collisions by absorbing kinetic energy, the sides of vehicles do not feature crumple zones, and all that is protecting the person inside is the car door. Depending on the force of the impact, the struck vehicle may also spin or roll over, causing even more severe injuries.

Some of the most common injuries from side-impact truck accidents in Columbus include:

Whiplash
Broken bones
Cuts from broken glass
Herniated discs
Dislocated limbs
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord and nerve damage
Soft tissue injuries
Internal organ damage

Injuries following T-bone wrecks range from mild to catastrophic to fatal, depending on the force of the impact and the size of the vehicles involved. Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers typically inflict more damage than passenger cars due to the sheer force of their weight.

Establishing Liability in Columbus Side-Impact Collision Cases

If one person has the right of way and a truck driver T-bones them, the trucker is generally responsible for paying the injured victim’s medical costs and vehicular damage expenses. However, it is important to note that multiple parties could be found at fault for an auto-truck side collision. For example, if the truck driver caused a side collision due to insufficient training, the skilled attorneys at our firm could help hold their employer accountable as well. A trucking company may also assume liability for improper vehicle maintenance that contributes to a T-bone accident.

Other potentially responsible parties in T-bone collisions include truck mechanics who made faulty repairs or ignored clear vehicular deficiencies, and cargo handlers who failed to load the vehicle properly. Truck manufacturers and distributors might be liable as well if they allowed vehicles with defective parts and mechanical problems to enter the market. A knowledgeable lawyer with experience in local T-bone truck crash cases will further explain who may be at fault for a particular incident.

Get Legal Advice for Side-Impact Truck Accidents in Columbus

Determining who was at fault and what damages can be collected for side-impact truck accidents in Columbus is often a complex process. Seek guidance from a seasoned attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy for help handling these types of cases. We are here to help injured victims understand their legal options and begin the path to recovery. Call our firm today to find out how we can assist you.