When you or someone you care about has been the victim of a t-bone car accident in New Orleans, it’s important to know your rights and options for compensation. In this blog, we’re going to explore what t-bone car accident injuries are and give you some valuable insights on how to best recover and move forward in your life with confidence.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, our clients are more than just case numbers. We’ll take the time to sit with you and understand exactly what you need to recover for your personal injury claim.
Understanding T-Bone Car Accidents in Louisiana
T-bone car accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, or broadside collisions, occur when one vehicle impacts another perpendicularly. This creates the signature “T” shape that gives the accident its name.
These accidents are most common at intersections, whether at a stop sign or a traffic light, and they can lead to incredibly severe injuries or even fatalities.
Common Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents
While there can be countless causes of t-bone car accidents, there are several that are far more common than others.
Let’s take a look at the most common causes below:
- Failure to yield is a major cause, arguably one of the biggest, of t-bone accidents. This is where one driver fails to yield the right of way to one or more other drivers at a stop sign or traffic light.
- Texting, eating, or engaging in other activities that take attention away from driving create distracted driving situations. Distracted driving is another leading cause of t-bone accidents in New Orleans.
- Speeding can make it difficult to react or stop in time, and can lead to many types of accidents, t-bone collisions included.
- Impaired driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can create a greatly increased risk of t-bone accidents due to the reduction in reaction time and overall judgment.
Common Injuries Sustained in T-Bone Accidents
The incredible forces and changes in direction in a t-bone accident can lead to various serious injuries, including:
- Head and brain injuries – The impact of a t-bone collision can cause vehicle occupants to hit their heads on the vehicle’s interior, causing head injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries – Injuries to the spine are not uncommon in t-bone accidents. Spinal cord injuries are incredibly dangerous and can lead to partial or even total paralysis.
- Broken bones – The side-impact forces of being t-boned can result in fractures or breaks in ribs, arms, legs, the pelvis, collarbone, and more.
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a condition that results from the violent back-and-forth movement of the head and neck during a t-bone accident.
Internal injuries – Internal injuries are when damage to the internal organs is caused, leading to internal bleeding or other life-threatening conditions.
Steps to Take After a T-Bone Car Accident in New Orleans
If you’ve just been involved in a t-bone accident in New Orleans, some things are important to keep in mind to help protect your rights and claim compensation.
- Gather information from the scene. Get pictures, witness contact information, and information from the other driver.
- Get a police report. This will be helpful later.
- Get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Shock and adrenaline can hide a lot of pain.
- Contact an experienced New Orleans personal injury attorney.
Contact Kiefer & Kiefer Today for Your T-Bone Car Accident Case in New Orleans
When you or a loved one have been injured in a New Orleans t-bone accident, having an experienced and dedicated legal team on your side can make all the difference with your case. We are a trusted New Orleans law firm with generations of experience advocating for our clients’ cases. Don’t face this physically and emotionally challenging time alone. Let Kiefer & Kiefer fight for your rights, and the compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out today.
