T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, are some of the most dangerous types of crashes in Fresno. With the city’s many busy intersections, heavy agricultural traffic, and a growing population, these accidents occur far too often. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact crashes account for nearly 22% of all fatal collisions nationwide. These types of car crashes also leave many victims struggling with catastrophic injuries and mounting medical bills.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident in Fresno, Berg Injury Lawyers is here to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
How T-Bone Accidents Happen in Fresno
T-bone accidents are especially common at intersections, where drivers often fail to adhere to traffic signals, yield signs, and right-of-way rules. Here are some of the other factors in Fresno that contribute to these crashes:
- Seasonal Agricultural Traffic: Fresno’s farming industry means an influx of large trucks, tractors, and fatigued workers on the road, creating unique hazards at intersections.
- University Traffic Near Fresno State: With students commuting, walking, and biking around the university, congested intersections can lead to more side-impact collisions.
- Tourism, Shopping, and Entertainment Areas: Busy commercial districts and visitor-heavy locations can cause confusion and sudden stops, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Construction Zone Confusion in Growing Areas: Expanding neighborhoods and road work can lead to unclear signage, lane changes, and driver mistakes that result in T-bone collisions.
Some of the most common driving behaviors that lead to T-bone accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting the GPS, or talking to passengers are distractions that can lead a driver to run a red light or miss a stop sign.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, making it more likely for a driver to misjudge actions at an intersection.
- Aggressive Driving: Drivers who speed through yellow lights or refuse to yield at stop signs put others at risk.
- Drowsy Driving: Tired drivers are less alert behind the wheel—a common issue given Fresno’s demanding agricultural industry.
Common Side-Impact Collision Injuries
T-bone accidents often result in severe or catastrophic injuries because the sides of vehicles have less structural protection than the front or the rear. Common injuries from these types of crashes include:
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, as the impact crushes the side of the vehicle.
- Crushed Limbs, Sometimes Requiring Amputation: Severe side-impact crashes can also trap limbs, causing irreparable damage.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma can occur if a driver or passenger hits the side window, dashboard, or another hard surface.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Side-impact collisions can cause whiplash or severe spinal damage leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage: The force of impact can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent but require emergency medical attention.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some T-bone collisions result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and in need of legal support.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Fresno
Taking these critical steps after a T-bone collision can protect your health and legal rights:
- Move out of the intersection and call 911. Safety comes first. If possible, get to a safe location and call emergency responders.
- Collect evidence at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Get medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Inform your own insurance company. Report the accident to your own insurer while avoiding speculation about fault.
- Contact a Fresno T-bone accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for T-Bone Accident Victims in Fresno
Victims of T-bone crashes often face significant financial burdens that may entitle them to seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation and Therapies: Including physical therapy and other treatments needed to recover from severe injuries
- Adaptive Equipment: Wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other medical devices required after an accident
- Home and Vehicle Modifications: Costs for necessary modifications to accommodate a disability
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for missed work while recovering
- Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation for long-term inability to earn at the same level
- Possible Vocational Retraining: Especially important for agricultural or physically demanding careers
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of the accident
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Disability and Long-Term Care: Extra financial support for permanent injuries requiring ongoing care
You Need a Fresno T-Bone Accident Lawyer
A skilled attorney can make all the difference in your case. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we will:
- Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence, review police reports, and reconstruct the accident scene
- Collect Evidence and Prove Fault: Work with experts to build a strong case proving the other driver’s negligence
- Calculate All Damages: Ensure no cost is overlooked, including future medical needs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate With Insurers: Fight for maximum compensation even when insurance companies try to minimize payouts
- Fight for You in Court if Necessary: Take your case to trial if negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fresno T-bone accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Berg Injury Lawyers has the experience and dedication to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
