Most Common Injuries Associated With T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the IIHS reported that T-bone accidents made up 23% of vehicle occupant deaths in car accidents in 2020. In the best-case scenario, these collisions cause significant injuries, many of which can lead to long-term negative health effects. Here are the most common injuries associated with T-bone accidents, and what you should do if you’ve been in one. 

Spinal Injuries

The most common T-bone injury is a spinal injury. As two vehicles collide, passengers experience the sudden force caused when inertia is disrupted, giving the body nearly no time to adjust to the impact. These abrupt movements often cause serious spinal injuries, including those that affect the back and neck.

Most T-bone injuries experience whiplash which often results in long-term pain. Other more serious injuries like fractures of the cervical bones in the neck and spinal cord injuries can cause long-term disability or even paralysis. 

One important thing to remember is that spinal injuries often take several days to fully manifest. If you’re experiencing any minor, initial symptoms, don’t shrug them off, and seek medical care immediately. 

Head and TBI Injuries

Head injuries are a common result of T-bone accidents, especially for passengers of the vehicle that’s struck from the side. These impacts often cause the heads of occupants to strike objects around them, including the side window, dashboard, steering wheel, or even other vehicle occupants. Any contact between the head and another object can cause serious injury, including anything from a concussion to Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries are very serious, difficult to treat, and can cause lifelong complications, including permanent disability. If you’re in any kind of accident, including a T-bone accident, and experience an impact injury to the head, get examined by a doctor immediately to rule out any brain injuries, including TBIs.

Hip and Leg Injuries

A side impact often is located squarely at the hip or waist, potentially causing serious injuries to a person’s hips. The force of the impact could cause occupants to hit either the door on one side or the center console on the other. From bruising to hip or leg fractures, the resulting injury can be painful and even debilitating.

While severe bruises can make it difficult to walk, fractures in this area are much worse, often requiring advanced medical procedures and even surgery. People with these injuries often require a physical therapy regimen to regain mobility and achieve recovery.

Seek Medical Care After a T-Bone Accident

If you’ve been in a T-bone collision—even one you think is minor—you should be examined by a doctor immediately. Many symptoms of an impact injury take several days to manifest, and the earlier you seek treatment, the quicker you can recover. Call the expert medical team at Impact Medical Group of Port Richey today at (727) 848-3377 to schedule your free evaluation and start your journey to a full recovery.