T-bone accidents, also called broadside or side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a "T" shape. These crashes most commonly happen at inters...
T-bone accidents, also called broadside or side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a "T" shape. These crashes most commonly happen at intersections and are among the most dangerous types of car accidents because vehicle sides provide less protection than fronts and rears. If you've been injured in a T-bone accident, understanding how liability is determined and what evidence matters can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Why T-Bone Accidents Are So Dangerous
T-bone collisions account for a disproportionate share of serious and fatal car accidents. The reason is simple physics: the sides of vehicles offer far less structural protection than the front or rear. Modern vehicles have extensive crumple zones in front, reinforced frames, and airbags designed to absorb front and rear impacts. Side protection, while improved with side airbags and reinforced doors, remains significantly less robust.
When a vehicle is struck broadside, there's little metal and distance between the occupant and the impact. Occupants on the struck side often suffer catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries from the head striking windows or door frames, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, severe chest and torso trauma, broken ribs and internal organ damage, pelvic and hip fractures, and arm injuries from impacts with doors.
The severity of injuries in T-bone accidents often translates to higher damages and more complex legal cases.
Common Causes of Intersection T-Bone Crashes
T-bone accidents typically occur when one driver fails to yield the right of way to another. Common causes include:
Running red lights is one of the leading causes of T-bone accidents. A driver proceeds through an intersection after the light has turned red, striking a vehicle that has the green light.
Running stop signs similarly causes T-bone crashes when a driver fails to stop and enters an intersection where cross-traffic has the right of way.
Failing to yield when turning left is extremely common. A driver turning left across oncoming traffic misjudges the speed or distance of an approaching vehicle.
Disobeying yield signs at merge points or roundabouts can cause side-impact collisions.
Distracted driving often leads to intersection accidents when drivers fail to notice traffic signals, stop signs, or oncoming vehicles.
Impaired driving reduces reaction time and judgment, making intersection errors more likely.
Determining Fault in T-Bone Accidents
Unlike rear-end collisions where the rear driver is presumed at fault, T-bone accidents don't come with automatic presumptions. Either driver could be at fault, and determining liability requires investigation.
Key evidence for establishing fault includes:
Traffic signals and signs: Who had the right of way? Who was required to stop or yield?
Witness statements: Independent witnesses can provide crucial testimony about which driver had the green light or who entered the intersection first.
Traffic camera footage: Many intersections have red light cameras or traffic monitoring cameras that may have captured the accident.
Surveillance video: Nearby businesses may have security cameras pointed toward the intersection.
Accident reconstruction: Experts can analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris patterns to determine speeds and angles of impact, helping establish which vehicle was moving and which may have been stopped.
Police reports: Officers may note whether they observed any violations or received witness statements indicating fault.
Under Florida's comparative negligence system, fault can be shared. For example, if one driver ran a red light but the other was speeding, both might share responsibility.
Challenges in T-Bone Accident Cases
T-bone accident cases often involve more disputed liability than other crash types. Common challenges include:
"Swearing contests" about signals: When both drivers claim they had the green light and there are no witnesses or cameras, the case may come down to credibility. Physical evidence and accident reconstruction become crucial.
Pre-existing conditions: Because T-bone accidents often cause severe injuries, insurance companies may claim that spine or brain issues existed before the accident rather than being caused by it.
Minimizing injury claims: Despite the known danger of side impacts, insurers may still argue that the victim's injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash.
Multiple parties: T-bone accidents sometimes involve more than two vehicles, especially in chain reactions at intersections. This can complicate fault determination.
Because liability is often contested, building a strong evidence file from the beginning is essential. Photograph everything at the scene, get witness information, and request the police report as soon as it's available.
Compensation for T-Bone Accident Injuries
Given the severity of injuries common in T-bone accidents, compensation can be substantial. Victims may recover:
Extensive medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment. Spinal injuries and TBIs often require years of ongoing care.
Lost wages and earning capacity if injuries prevent return to work or limit the type of work you can perform.
Pain and suffering, which is often significant given the serious injury patterns in side impacts.
Disability accommodations including home modifications, adaptive equipment, and attendant care for catastrophic injuries.
Loss of quality of life when injuries prevent activities you previously enjoyed.
Because T-bone accident injuries are often severe and damages high, insurance companies defend these cases aggressively. Having experienced legal representation is particularly important.
Steps to Protect Your T-Bone Accident Claim
If you've been injured in a T-bone accident, take these steps to protect your claim:
Document the intersection thoroughly with photos of traffic signals, signs, lane markings, and any visibility obstructions.
Identify witnesses immediately. Intersection accidents often have witnesses at adjacent corners or in nearby vehicles. Their testimony can be decisive.
Check for cameras by looking for traffic cameras, red light cameras, and security cameras on nearby buildings. Note their locations so they can be requested before footage is deleted.
Get comprehensive medical evaluation. T-bone accident injuries can be serious and may not be immediately apparent. Full imaging and specialist consultations establish the extent of your injuries.
Don't provide recorded statements to the other driver's insurance until you've spoken with an attorney. In disputed liability cases, statements are often twisted to assign you fault.
Consult a personal injury attorney who has experience with complex intersection accidents and can conduct proper investigation.
Contact Emas Law Group Today
T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous crashes on Florida roads, causing severe injuries due to the limited protection vehicle sides provide. Because liability is often disputed at intersections, building a strong evidence case from the start is critical. If you've been injured in a T-bone accident, don't face the insurance companies alone. Contact Emas Law Group for a free consultation. We'll investigate your accident, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and fight to get you full compensation for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if there are no witnesses and both drivers claim they had the green light?
In these situations, physical evidence becomes crucial. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze vehicle damage, debris patterns, and other factors to help determine speeds and positions. Traffic camera footage, even from cameras not directly at the intersection, may also help. An experienced attorney knows how to build a case even without direct witnesses.
Does the driver who was 'T-boned' automatically have the right of way?
No. While the vehicle that was struck in the side was likely crossing the intersection, they may or may not have had the right of way. If they ran a red light or stop sign and were hit by a driver who had the right of way, the T-boned driver could actually be at fault.
How long do I have to request traffic camera footage?
Traffic camera footage is often overwritten quickly—sometimes within days. If you believe cameras recorded your accident, it's critical to act immediately. Your attorney can send preservation letters requiring the footage be saved before it's automatically deleted.
Can a T-bone accident cause injuries even at low speeds?
Yes. Because vehicle sides offer less protection, even relatively low-speed T-bone impacts can cause significant injuries. Neck and back injuries, in particular, can occur even in crashes that don't cause substantial vehicle damage.