What Commonly Causes Nashville T-Bone Accidents?
Posted in Car accidents on December 26, 2023
T-bone accidents, sometimes referred to as side impact collisions, often result in devastating injuries and significant property damage for those involved. T-bone, or broadside collisions, can occur due to a variety of reasons, often as a result of the negligent or careless actions of one or more drivers on the roadway. Here, we want to discuss some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents in and around the Nashville area.
Running Stop Signs or Stop Lights
Running a stop sign or a stop light is a recipe for disaster. This is particularly true for broadside, or T-bone, collisions. Unfortunately, when individuals run stop signs or stop lights, either intentionally or accidentally, serious injuries can occur. Drivers with the right of way through an intersection could get T-boned, and an initial collision could trigger a chain reaction event involving other vehicles.
Distracted Driving
When a driver takes their mind off of driving, their eyes off the roadway, or their hands off the wheel, the chances that an accident will occur increase exponentially. Distracted driving is a major problem in Tennessee, according to the DOT. According to state data, the following account for the top three distractions:
- Inattentiveness, to include eating, talking, or reading
- Distractions outside of the vehicle
- Cell phone usage, including calls and browsing social media
Tennessee has a hands-free law in place that makes it unlawful for a driver to hold a cell phone or a mobile device with any part of their body. Drivers cannot legally write, send, or read any text-based communication or reach for a cell phone or mobile device in a way that requires them to no longer be in a seated position or properly restrained by their seatbelts. Drivers cannot watch or record any movies or videos with a mobile device while driving.
Speeding
Did you know that collisions involving speeding are four times more likely to result in a fatality than incidents involving non-speeding drivers?
Unfortunately, speeding or driving too fast for conditions is a major contributor to vehicle accident injuries and fatalities each year in Tennessee. When drivers are operating too fast for conditions, this significantly increases the risk that they will not be able to respond to changing roadway conditions in time. Speeding increases the likelihood that any type of vehicle accident will occur, including T-bone accidents in Nashville.
Complicating matters is the fact that approximately 25% of speed-related collisions occurred when it was raining, according to the Tennessee DOT data.
Intersection Miscalculations
Mistakes happen when we get behind the wheel, but there are some areas of our commute that are more dangerous than others. Intersections are some of the most hazardous areas we navigate when we get behind the wheel of a vehicle. This makes sense if you consider the purpose of an intersection. These are areas where vehicles congregate together while also trying to accomplish different things (turning, changing lanes, going straight through an intersection, etc.). Additionally, intersections become challenging for drivers when pedestrians and bicyclists are involved, and they are much more likely to be at an intersection with crosswalks.
Because of all of the hive of activity that typically surrounds an intersection in Nashville, the chances of a T-bone incident occurring are elevated. We can look at some of the most dangerous intersections, according to the Tennessean:
- Murfreesboro Pike and Mountain Springs Road
- Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road
- Murfreesboro Pike and Hobson Pike
- Harding Place and Antioch Pike
- Murfreesboro Pike and Hamilton Church Road
T-Bone Collision Injuries
Individuals regularly sustain severe injuries as a result of a T-bone collision, particularly those who are struck on the side of their vehicle. Unfortunately, those who sustain the impact on the side of their vehicle have much less protection from the full force of the impacting vehicle. Even though most modern vehicles come with side impact airbags, that will not necessarily stop every type of injury from occurring. Some of the most common side-impact collision injuries include:
- Severe soft tissue bruising
- Sprains or strains
- Fractured or dislocated bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
Can You Recover Compensation?
Individuals in Nashville may be able to recover compensation after a T-bone accident. If another driver was at fault for the incident, then the injury victim will need to file an injury claim against the other party. In most situations, car accident claims in Nashville are finalized through settlements with insurance carriers, but that is not always the case. If the other party does not offer an adequate settlement, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver.
An attorney typically works to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages on behalf of T-bone accident victims. This can include the following types of compensation:
- Compensation for any emergency medical expenses
- Coverage of ongoing hospital or doctor visits
- Prescription medications, medical devices, and rehabilitation
- Property damage expenses
- Lost wages if a victim is unable to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses caused by the incident
- Loss of earning potential if a disability occurred
The total amount of compensation available after a T-bone collision in Nashville will vary depending on the facts related to each particular claim. Some factors that can affect compensation amounts include the severity of the injuries, whether or not there was shared fault for the collision, how long it takes the person to recover, the level of any disability arising due to the incident, and more.
Contact an Attorney for Help
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a T-bone accident caused by the actions of another driver in or around Nashville, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. T-bone accident claims can be challenging, even if you think fault for the incident is already relatively clear. Let an attorney examine the facts of your case and communicate with other parties involved to increase your chances of recovering compensation for your losses. A car accident lawyer in Nashville will be your advocate every step of the way.