Unfortunately, celebrity status does not provide immunity to car accident susceptibility. Even superstar athletes can be affected by stressful injury accidents sometimes. This week, San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito suffered minor injuries in a two-car accident in West Hollywood.

Luckily, no major injuries were sustained. Nevertheless, Zito was examined at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Wednesday evening as a precautionary measure. There, he was given an MRI exam but the baseball pitcher was released shortly thereafter.

Zito will meet with the Giants team trainer Thursday to assess his condition.

The side-impact injury accident occurred at a red light intersection near Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Plaza Drive in the West Hollywood neighborhood in greater Los Angeles.

Intersections: Avoiding the t-bone accident

A “t-bone” accident, also referred to as broadside side-impact car accident, is not the most common type of car accident, but they do happen regularly and generally occur in intersections. In 2004, side-impact car accidents accounted for 25% of all fatal car accidents and just over 30% for all other types of crashes.

Drivers who fail to stop at a red light can often fall victim to a side-impact car accident. As one vehicle crosses the intersection at a green light, another unaware driver who fails to stop at a red light may come smashing into the side of the opposing vehicle, causing a T-shaped accident.

Prudence at the stoplight

Ways to avoid a t-bone accident include the following tips:

  • Private driveways can lead to side-impact collisions. Look for small or private lanes and exiting vehicles.
  • When making a left turn, it may be beneficial to watch for vehicles that may run a late yellow light. Sometimes, other drivers may underestimate the yellow light and accidentally run it as it turns red.
  • If you suddenly see an approaching vehicle within an intersection, brake as soon as possible as this may lessen the force of impact. Alternatively, you should accelerate if this will prevent the accident entirely.
  • If you see an escape route, try to safely maneuver your vehicle out of harm’s way.

Accident recovery for side-impact crashes

If you have been injured in an accident resulting from a side-impact crash, contact San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, APC.. Our free and confidential legal evaluation may be essential to collecting on your insurance claim. Don’t speak to the insurance company until you speak to us—call us today at 1-858-551-2090.