Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: Liability and Compensation

Side impact accidents can be some of the most dangerous for drivers and passengers. Liability in a T-bone accident can be complicated as drivers blame each other for causing the car crash. If you are injured in a side-impact crash, a personal injury attorney can help you file a claim to get compensation.

Car accident and insurance laws can vary by state. A local personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you about your legal rights. Contact an experienced car accident attorney to understand your legal options.

What Is a Side-Impact Collision?

A side-impact collision involves one vehicle striking the side of another vehicle. Also called a T-bone crash, a side-impact accident can pose a risk of serious injury to the passengers or drivers. Side-impact crashes generally happen at an intersection when drivers are going in different directions.

What Are the Most Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions?

T-bone accidents often happen at intersections with cross traffic. Most side-impact auto accidents involve a driver’s negligence. In some accidents, both drivers share the fault for causing the accident. Common causes of a T-bone car accident include:

• Running a red light
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failure to stop at a stop sign
• Failure to yield during a left turn
• Speeding through a traffic light
• Ignoring traffic signals

Many of these types of collisions involve distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, or reckless driving.

Who Is Typically at Fault in a Side-Impact Collision?

Either motorist can be at fault in a broadside collision. The at-fault driver may be liable because they fail to drive as a reasonable driver would under similar conditions. You can prove negligence in a car accident claim when a driver violates traffic laws that lead to an accident. For example, a driver who fails to stop at a stop sign may be the at-fault party.

It can be challenging to prove fault in a car accident. It may be your word against the other driver. If the police respond to the accident, the police report can support a personal injury lawsuit. The accident report may show that the other vehicle failed to follow traffic laws, which caused the accident.

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries Sustained in Side-Impact Collisions?

The side of the vehicle typically has fewer safety protections than the front or back. In a rear-end or head-on collision, more of the vehicle can absorb the impact. In a side-impact accident, there may be little to no protection between yourself and the negligent driver’s vehicle. Even a low-speed impact can cause severe T-bone accident injuries. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Cuts from broken glass
• Burn injuries

Even if you don’t think you suffered any severe injuries, you should get medical attention after a side-impact accident. Some types of accident injuries may take hours or days to develop. Getting immediate medical attention can reduce accident victims’ risk of severe injuries.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Side-Impact Collision?

If you are in a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. You are generally required to share information with the other driver or others involved in the accident. This includes giving them your name, contact information, and insurance information.

You may have to report the accident to local law enforcement. Drivers are generally required to report any car accident to their insurance company. If other people witnessed the accident, try to get contact information if you need witness statements. You can also take photos and video of the vehicle, property damage, and accident scene.

If you were injured in the accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to file a personal injury claim. An attorney can protect your rights and help you get compensation to pay for your medical bills and other damages.

What Are the Legal Consequences of a Side-Impact Collision?

A severe car accident can be expensive. You may be liable for the other driver’s damages if you were at fault for the accident. Generally, auto insurance will pay for any covered damages, including liability for injuries and property damage. However, if the damage exceeds your insurance coverage, you may be personally liable for the costs.

If the other driver caused the accident, they should be liable for your losses. However, the other driver may not have insurance. If an uninsured driver injures you, you may need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

A car accident lawyer can defend you in court if the other driver blames you for the accident. If the other driver caused the accident, your lawyer can file a personal injury claim to help you get compensation. Damages in a car accident lawsuit can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

After an injury accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney for legal advice.