T-Bone/Side-Impact Accident Claims | Intersection Collision Guide

Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions

Most T-bone accidents happen at intersections:

1. Running Red Lights/Stop Signs

   • Driver ignores traffic control device

   • Most common cause

   • Clear negligence

   • Often cited by police

2. Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

   • Left turns across oncoming traffic

   • Not yielding when entering roadway

   • Pulling out from parking lots

   • Merging onto highways

3. Distracted Driving

   • Not seeing red light or stop sign

   • Looking at phone instead of intersection

   • Assuming light is green without checking

4. Speeding

   • Can't stop in time for red light

   • Higher impact force

   • Less time to avoid collision

5. Impaired Driving

   • DUI drivers running red lights

   • Slowed reaction time

   • Poor judgment

6. Poor Visibility

   • Overgrown vegetation blocking sight lines

   • Parked vehicles obstructing view

   • Sun glare

   • Rain or fog

Typical Injuries from T-Bone Accidents

Side-impact crashes cause serious injuries:

Head and Brain Injuries

• Head strikes window or B-pillar

• Traumatic brain injury

• Skull fractures

• Concussions

• Permanent cognitive impairment

Neck and Spine Injuries

• Cervical spine fractures

• Herniated discs

• Whiplash from lateral force

• Spinal cord damage

• Paralysis (in severe cases)

Chest and Rib Injuries

• Broken ribs from door intrusion

• Punctured lungs

• Internal bleeding

• Cardiac injuries

Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

• Pelvic fractures (common in T-bone accidents)

• Internal organ damage (liver, spleen)

• Seat belt injuries

• Reproductive organ injuries

Arm and Shoulder Injuries

• Broken arms from impact side

• Shoulder dislocations

• Nerve damage

• Loss of use of arm

Leg and Hip Injuries

• Femur fractures

• Hip fractures

• Knee injuries

• Foot and ankle fractures

Driver vs. Passenger Side

• Impact side occupants suffer worse injuries

• Door intrusion and less protection

• Multiple occupants may be injured

Liability Determination

Fault usually depends on traffic signals:

Clear Liability Scenarios:

At-Fault Driver Ran Red Light:

• Other driver had green light

• Police report confirms

• Red light camera footage

• Witnesses

At-Fault Driver Ran Stop Sign:

• Victim had right-of-way

• Stop sign clearly visible

• Citations issued

At-Fault Driver Failed to Yield:

• Victim had green arrow for left turn

• At-fault driver entered intersection illegally

• Failure to yield citation

Disputed Liability Scenarios:

Both Claim Green Light:

• No witnesses

• No camera footage

• He-said-she-said

• May require accident reconstruction

Yellow Light Disputes:

• Victim entered on yellow

• At-fault driver claims they had green

• Timing of signal change matters

Comparative Negligence:

• Victim speeding through intersection

• Both drivers partially at fault

• Reduces victim's recovery

Government Liability:

• Malfunctioning traffic signals

• Poorly designed intersection

• Obscured signs or signals

• Poor sight lines

Evidence to Collect

Proving fault in T-bone accidents:

1. Traffic Signal Information

   • Which light you had

   • Witness confirmation

   • Red light camera footage

   • Traffic signal timing records

2. Intersection Photos

   • Traffic signals and signs

   • Lane markings

   • Sight lines and obstructions

   • Skid marks showing approach angles

3. Vehicle Damage

   • Side damage to your vehicle

   • Front damage to other vehicle

   • Damage pattern proves angle of impact

   • Door intrusion evidence

4. Police Report

   • Officer's fault determination

   • Citations issued

   • Witness statements

   • Diagram of accident

5. Witness Statements

   • Other drivers at intersection

   • Pedestrians

   • Passengers

   • Nearby business employees

6. Electronic Evidence

   • Red light camera footage

   • Business security cameras

   • Dashcam footage

   • Traffic signal records from DOT

7. Medical Documentation

   • Ambulance and ER records

   • X-rays, CT scans, MRIs

   • Surgery reports

   • Specialist evaluations

Average Compensation

T-bone settlements vary by injury location and severity:

Minor to Moderate Injuries: $15,000 - $75,000

• Soft tissue injuries

• Minor fractures

• Full recovery in months

• Clear liability

Serious Injuries: $75,000 - $500,000

• Multiple fractures requiring surgery

• Internal injuries

• Extended hospitalization

• Some permanent impact

Severe/Catastrophic Injuries: $500,000 - $5,000,000+

• Traumatic brain injury

• Spinal cord injury

• Multiple system trauma

• Permanent disability

• Impact side occupant

Factors affecting value:

• Position in vehicle (impact side worse)

• Clear liability (red light violation)

• Multiple injured occupants

• Severe door intrusion

• Available insurance coverage

Common settlement ranges by injury:

• Broken ribs: $30,000-$75,000

• Pelvic fracture: $100,000-$300,000

• Head injury/concussion: $50,000-$250,000

• Traumatic brain injury: $500,000-$2,000,000+

• Spinal cord injury: $1,000,000-$10,000,000+