What You Need to Know About Harrisburg T-Bone Crashes

T-bone crashes are often devastating because of the minimal protection drivers and passengers have when hit at this angle. Determining who was at fault in these collisions is rarely straightforward, and injured victims are often unaware of their legal rights.

At Schmidt Kramer, our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyers are here to fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve. We also have decades of experience, which puts us in a great position to understand your situation and protect your legal interests.

Not sure if you have a case? Call our law offices anytime, night or day, to discuss your situation. This meeting can be done over the phone or through secure video conferencing. It is completely free and confidential.

What Is a T-bone Accident?

A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact collision, is a type of car crash where the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, creating a “T” shape. These collisions occur most frequently at intersections, where vehicles are crossing paths at right angles.

T-bone accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the direct impact on the side of the vehicle, which typically offers less protection than the front or rear. The force of such a collision can result in severe injuries and significant property damage.

How Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?

T-bone car crashes typically occur due to driver negligence. Common reasons why T-bone car crashes may happen include:

Failure to Yield or Stop: A driver who does not have the right-of-way may fail to yield at an intersection. Impatient drivers may also run a red light or do a rolling stop at a traffic stop sign. Vehicles turning or traveling perpendicular to their path are most vulnerable to being T-boned in this situation.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time or react to changing traffic signals, increasing the likelihood of a T-bone collision.
Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by phones, GPS, or other activities may fail to notice traffic signals or stop signs, leading to side-impact crashes.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times, making it difficult for drivers to obey traffic laws or avoid collisions.
Inadequate Visibility: Poor weather conditions, obstructed views, or malfunctioning traffic signals can impair a driver’s ability to see other vehicles or traffic signals. These factors increase the risk of a T-bone accident.
Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or steering issues, can prevent a driver from stopping or steering properly, leading to a T-bone crash.

What Injuries Are Common in T-Bone Crashes?

T-bone accidents can lead to a range of significant injuries, including:

Concussions

Concussions can be caused by the violent motion and force of a crash. Sudden jolts or impacts to the head can also cause these head injuries. Victims who suffer a concussion may often experience the following symptoms:

Confusion
Migraines
Dizziness and other balance issues
Headaches
Blurry vision
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Nausea and/or vomiting
Hypersensitivity to light and noise
Feeling fatigued or drowsy; unable to stay awake
Atypical sadness or depression
Foggy-headed and confused
Unable to focus

When diagnosed and treated, most concussion symptoms tend to resolve in two to three weeks. However, not getting treatment could delay a victim’s ability to recover or may even cause symptoms to worsen.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs, which are usually the result of a sudden jolt or hard blow to the head, are common in T-bone crashes. This is especially true if the victim was not wearing a seatbelt and hit the windshield or got ejected from the vehicle.

Traumatic brain injuries are a complex head injury and could impact victims’ cognitive functionality, including their memory, problem-solving abilities and motor skills. TBIs often require extensive medical evaluation and long-term rehabilitation.

Whiplash

This common injury occurs when a victim’s head is forced forward and backward rapidly, straining or tearing the neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can cause severe and chronic pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck. Treatment might involve physical therapy, pain management, and, in some cases, surgery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord from a T-bone collision can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on severity and location of the injury. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care, including surgery, long-term physical therapy and adaptive equipment for mobility and daily activities.

Rib Fractures

The force from a T-bone crash can fracture ribs, causing intense pain and breathing difficulties. Rib fractures often require rest and pain management, but complications such as punctured lungs can make treatment more complex.

Internal Organ Damage

T-bone collisions may damage internal organs like the spleen, liver or kidneys. Such injuries might necessitate immediate surgical intervention to address internal bleeding or organ dysfunction, and recovery can be extensive.

Fractures and Dislocations

The impact of a T-bone accident can lead to broken bones or dislocated joints in the arms and legs. Fractures and dislocations often require immediate medical attention, including realignment and immobilization, followed by rehabilitation to restore functionality.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Due to the sudden and forceful impact, injuries such as bruises, sprains and strains can occur. While soft tissue injuries are often seen as less severe, they can still cause victim’s significant pain and long-term discomfort. Many soft-tissue injuries may require physical therapy to heal fully.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Survivors of severe T-bone accidents may develop PTSD, characterized by symptoms like flashbacks, severe anxiety and emotional distress. Treatment often involves therapy, counselling and sometimes medication to manage symptoms.

Depression and Anxiety

The trauma of a T-bone accident can cause victims to experience depression and anxiety. Ongoing physical pain, lifestyle changes and emotional strain can make these conditions worse. Some crash victims may need the support of a mental health professional.

Fatalities

T-bone accidents can cause fatal injuries due to the intense force of the impact, and because the side of the vehicle provides minimal protection to occupants. The loss of life in these accidents has profound effects on families and can lead to complex legal proceedings.

How Is Fault Determined for a T-bone Car Crash?

Several key factors must be considered when assessing who may be responsible for a T-bone accident. An at-fault driver could be liable for a crash if he or she:

Disobeyed traffic laws: Drivers who run a red light or fail to obey a stop sign could put a driver at fault for a crash. Also, if a driver violated the right of way rules, he or she could be held responsible.
Engage in reckless behaviors: Behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence or using a phone while driving may lead to a crash.

What Type of Evidence Could Be Used to Determine Fault for a T-bone Car Crash?

After a T-bone car crash, you will need evidence to determine how the incident occurred and who may be liable. Evidence that could be used to determine fault for a car crash may include:

Witness Statements

Eyewitness accounts can provide critical insights into how the accident occurred. Witnesses may help clarify details such as which vehicle was in the intersection first or if one driver was speeding.

Car Crash Scene Evidence

An accident reconstructionist could use evidence at a car crash scene to determine what happened. Some of the evidence that may be found at a car crash scene may include:

Skid Marks and Vehicle Damage: The positions of vehicles, skid marks and damage patterns may help indicate how the collision occurred, and which driver might be at fault.

Traffic Cameras and Surveillance Footage: In some cases, traffic cameras or nearby surveillance cameras may have recorded the accident, providing solid evidence of fault.

Documents

After a car crash, various forms of documentation can be used to connect your injuries to a crash and to determine how the crash happened. Some of these documents may include:

Police Reports: Officers who arrive at the scene will document their findings in a police report. This report includes statements from drivers and witnesses, as well as an officer’s assessment of the accident.
Medical Records: Medical records help establish the extent of injuries and can indirectly indicate the severity of the accident.
Vehicle Repair Records: Damage assessments and repair estimates can provide insight to crash scene investigators about the force and angle of the collision.

Contact Schmidt Kramer to Discuss Your T-Bone Accident

After a car crash, it is important for you to seek immediate medical attention to aid your physical recovery. Visiting a doctor or going to the emergency room helps to link your injuries to the crash that caused them.

We encourage you to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon after a car accident as possible At Schmidt Kramer, our experienced lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process. There are no upfront costs for our services. Our firm does not get paid unless we help you obtain favorable compensation.

Experienced Lawyers. Fighting for You (717) 727-2550.

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Testimonials

Dear Scott,
Hello there! I’m a little late to the game here, but I wanted to be certain I wrote to you. Oops—sorry for the typo! As you’ve probably gathered, I am writing you from a typewriter. Do you still use these in the office? Back on topic, I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for your guidance and support throughout the entire legal process for my accident. Can you believe it’s been five years?? Your attention to detail, professionalism, and delicate handling of my case made an incredibly difficult time more manageable for me and my family. We’re forever grateful.
From the moment you stepped foot in that hospital room with me, I felt relieved to have someone in my corner like you and your team. You took the time not only to explain each legal step in a way that made sense but also to acknowledge the emotional weight of what I was going through. That delicate balance—handling the intricacies of my case with precision while also being sensitive to my well-being—is something I will always be grateful for. In many ways, the outcome of the case reflected your dedication, but what has stayed with me even more is how you treated me throughout the process—with patience, respect, and compassion. You listened to my concerns and reassured me in moments of uncertainty. And even now, I feel your compassion each year on my birthday when I receive a text from you!
Thank you, not just for the outcome, but for the way you handled each moment. You are an incredible lawyer, but more importantly, an incredible person, and I was fortunate to have you in my corner.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ricky D
Definitely were people of their word. Certainly helped me through my whole case
The legal team was very professional and met my needs I would highly recommend them
Monte cargile
Very great experience working with you guys continue the great service timely response communication well understand
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Schmidt Kramer is simply definition of hardworking, they are trustworthy and get best claim you could never think of.

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Understanding Harrisburg T-Bone Accidents: What You Need to Know

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