T-Bone Collision Claims

Side-impact crashes strike where vehicles offer the least protection — proving who had the right of way is everything.

T-bone collisions, also called side-impact or broadside crashes, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, typically at intersections. They are especially dangerous because the doors and side panels provide far less crumple-zone protection than the front or rear of a vehicle, leaving occupants on the struck side directly exposed to the intruding vehicle. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, broken ribs and pelvis, internal organ damage, spinal injuries, and severe lacerations, with occupants nearest the impact often suffering the worst harm. The central liability question in nearly every T-bone case is which driver had the right of way — the dispute usually turns on who ran a red light or stop sign, who failed to yield while turning left, or whose traffic signal was green. Because each driver typically claims the other was at fault, these cases frequently hinge on independent evidence: traffic camera and nearby business surveillance footage, intersection signal timing records, event data recorder downloads showing speed and braking, and neutral eyewitness testimony. Comparative negligence often plays a role, as a driver with the right of way may still bear some responsibility if they were speeding or distracted. Damages can be substantial given the injury severity and may include emergency surgery, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering. Acting quickly to secure intersection footage — which is frequently overwritten within days — is one of the most important steps in a T-bone claim.

For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.