T-bone accidents—also known as side-impact collisions—are among the most dangerous types of crashes on California roads. They often happen at intersections, where one driver runs a red light or fails to yield, striking the side of another vehicle.
At WIN Trial Lawyers, we’ve seen how devastating these accidents can be—both physically and financially. Understanding how fault is determined is key to winning your case and securing full compensation.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. Because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, these crashes frequently result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Common scenarios include:
- A driver running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield when turning left
- Speeding through yellow lights
- Distracted or impaired driving
Even at moderate speeds, the force of a side-impact crash can crush doors inward, causing catastrophic injuries.
Common Injuries in T-Bone Collisions
The injuries from T-bone crashes are often severe and may include:
- Head and brain injuries (concussions, traumatic brain injuries)
- Neck and back trauma, including herniated discs or spinal cord damage
- Fractures to ribs, pelvis, or arms
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash or soft-tissue injuries
Passengers seated on the impact side of the car are at the highest risk of serious harm.
Determining Fault in an Intersection Crash
Proving who caused a T-bone accident can be complex. While it may seem obvious that the driver who struck the other vehicle is at fault, that’s not always the case. Insurance companies often dispute liability to minimize payouts.
To establish fault, a skilled attorney will gather evidence such as:
- Traffic camera footage or dashcam recordings
- Police reports and witness statements
- Skid marks, debris, and crash reconstruction analysis
- Vehicle black box data (speed, braking, impact timing)
- Intersection light sequencing data, when available
California uses a comparative negligence system—meaning each driver’s percentage of fault affects their compensation. Even if you’re partly to blame, you may still recover damages proportional to the other driver’s fault.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the facts, multiple parties might share responsibility for a T-bone accident, including:
- The negligent driver who violated traffic laws
- A third driver who caused another vehicle to swerve or collide
- Municipal entities, if faulty traffic signals or poor intersection design contributed
- Vehicle manufacturers, if brake or steering defects played a role
An experienced legal team can identify every liable party to maximize your recovery.
Compensation Available in T-Bone Accident Claims
Victims of side-impact collisions may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Punitive damages (in cases of reckless or drunk driving)
At WIN Trial Lawyers, we work with top medical experts and accident reconstructionists to present the strongest possible case.
Steps to Take After a T-Bone Accident
- Call 911 immediately and get medical attention.
- Exchange information with all drivers and witnesses.
- Take photos of the vehicles, intersection, and traffic signals.
- Request the police report number.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.
The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of protecting your rights and preserving key evidence.
How WIN Trial Lawyers Can Help
Our firm has extensive experience handling intersection and side-impact collisions throughout California. We know how to prove fault even when liability is disputed, and we don’t back down when insurance companies try to shift blame.
We handle your case from start to finish—investigating the crash, working with experts, and fighting for maximum compensation in settlement or trial.
Contact WIN Trial Lawyers
If you were injured in a T-bone collision, don’t face the insurance company alone.
Call WIN Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation and let our trial-tested team fight for you.
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