T-Bone Car Accident

The most common place for a T-bone car accident to take place is at an intersection. Intersections are meant to be convenient, and allow a fair flow of traffic. And yet, these controlled road segments have become harbingers of driver confusion, friction over ‘who’s on first,’ and increased red-light running (two people are killed each day in these alone).    

What is a T-Bone Car Accident? 

By definition, a T-bone car accident is one that creates a visual “T” when one vehicle has run head-on into the side of another. If the impacted automobile is struck in the front or rear fender, it may push them into another direction (and perhaps another car). If the colliding car runs into the other’s driver door — it can cause a whiplash or windshield impact at a minimum. When a higher speed is involved, the T-bone car accident will often result in a devastating and potentially fatal collision. 

Common Injuries in a T-Bone Car Accident are:

• Neck breaks, sprains, whiplash (neck muscle and ligament damage)   
• Bone fractures of the ribs, hips, pelvis, arms
• Brain concussions or contusions
• Back injuries; breaks, pinched nerves, sprains, spinal cord

Who’s at Fault in a Car Accident T-Bone?

Although there is usually no doubt as to who hit whom, establishing fault in a car accident T-bone is another subject altogether. The car impacted by another driver is not necessarily innocent; negligence may be a factor if they were driving distracted. Maybe one of the vehicles did not yield the right-of-way. Perhaps a third party was involved and their actions prompted a chain reaction.

Yes, Florida is a no-fault state and all drivers are required to carry personal injury coverage (PIP). However, with a minimum limit of $10k (and only a percentage allotted to pay your medical costs, wage loss and car damages) the PIP is not the be-all and end-all to the matter. If the costs of medical bills and loss of income surpass the coverage limit, or should your injuries be significant with permanent loss, or both, then you fall under legal exceptions to the No-Fault rule.

T-Bone Car Accident: Legal Advocacy

Calling 911 will generate recordings by the Operator and an official police report from the responding law enforcement. Because a preponderance of T-bone accidents occurs at intersections, there may have been a traffic camera that caught the collision on tape. (Be aware that stand-alone ‘red-light cameras’ only snap photos of red-light runners to cite the drivers.) 

There are strict timelines for filing claims and lawsuits after injuries are sustained in a Florida traffic crash. The surest way to find all the pieces to the puzzle is to contact a local personal injury lawyer. Personal injury legal advocacy does not require a consultation fee or out-of-pocket payments. Attorney fees are paid from successful settlements.

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