t-bone car accident payout

Average Payout for T-Bone Accidents in Utah

A T-bone accident occurs when one car drives directly into the side of another car. These accidents typically happen at intersections and can cause severe, even life-threatening injuries. The average payout for a T-bone accident depends on a number of factors. 

While settlements can range anywhere from $9000 to $300,000, every case is unique. It’s impossible to get an accurate estimate for your case without speaking to a personal injury attorney. The amount of fault you share in the accident, the severity of your injuries and medical bills, and many other factors play a huge role in how much compensation you’ll receive. 

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents 

Because of their nature, T-bone accidents, also called right-angle or side-collision accidents, typically occur at intersections. The force that occurs when one car hits the side of another can cause moderate to severe injuries that have a lifelong impact. By paying attention to the road around you and understanding how T-bone accidents occur, you can better avoid one. 

Here are some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents: 

• Failure to yield: Failure to yield is one of the most common causes of T-bone accidents. This occurs when one driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the vehicle that had the right-of-way.
• Distracted driving: Any sort of activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving. Whether that’s eating or using in-car entertainment systems, when a driver is not fully focused on the road, they are more likely to miss important cues that lead to a T-bone accident. 
• Cell phone use while driving: Cell phone use while driving is one of the most significant contributors to T-bone accidents. Texting or talking on the phone takes the driver’s attention off the road, impairing their ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions. 
• Brake malfunction: Brake malfunction can occur when a vehicle’s braking system doesn’t stop the vehicle properly. Brakes might malfunction because of issues with the brake pads, hydraulic systems, or other components. If a driver’s brakes fail when approaching a stop sign, for example, they may collide with the vehicle already in the intersection. 
• Drunk driving: Driving drunk impairs a driver’s ability to drive safely and appropriately, putting their life and the lives of others around them at risk. Drunk drivers are more likely to run stop signs or red lights and cause a T-bone accident. 

Most Common Injuries from T-Bone Accidents

The average payout for T-bone accidents is greatly impacted by the type and severity of injury received. The injuries that happen in a T-bone accident can vary from moderate to severe. Some of the most common injuries seen in T-bone accidents include: 

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in T-bone accidents. The rapid motion of the neck back and forth strains the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck. Whiplash injury often takes a long time to heal.
• Broken bones: The force of a T-bone collision can cause fractures or broken ones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. 
• Spinal injuries: T-bone accidents can cause severe spinal injuries, ranging from a herniated disc to fractured vertebrae. Right-angle collisions can even result in spinal cord injury, paralysis, or long-term neurological issues. 
• Head injuries: T-bone accidents can cause a variety of head injuries, including concussions, contusions, lacerations, and skull fractures. While airbags and seatbelts help mitigate some of the risk, the force in T-bone collisions still poses a significant risk. 
• Internal damage: Internal injuries can occur after a T-bone accident when the force of the crash damages organs or causes bleeding. These injuries aren’t always visible from the outside, which is one of the things that makes them so dangerous. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, swelling, and signs of shock.