Getting T-boned at an intersection can happen in seconds. One moment you're driving through what seems like a clear intersection, the next you're dealing with a destroyed car, serious injuries, and questions about who's responsible.
Side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents or angle collisions, rank among the most dangerous crash types. The National Safety Council reports that angle collisions were the deadliest type of vehicle-to-vehicle crash in 2023, causing 8,700 deaths. What makes these crashes so devastating is simple: there's minimal protection on the sides of vehicles compared to the front and rear.
If you've been hurt in a T-bone crash in California, understanding how fault works and what compensation you might be entitled to can make a real difference in your recovery.
Understanding T-Bone Collisions: The Basics
A T-bone crash occurs when one vehicle's front end hits another vehicle's side, forming a "T" configuration where the vehicles meet. Unlike rear-end crashes where you have some warning, T-bone accidents often occur with little to no time to react.
These accidents commonly occur at intersections where vehicle paths intersect. The struck vehicle usually takes the worst damage, and occupants on the impact side face the highest risk of serious injury.
Common Scenarios That Lead to T-Bone Accidents
Most T-bone crashes share similar circumstances. Here are the most frequent situations we see:
- Running red lights or stop signs: A driver enters an intersection against a red light or blows through a stop sign, striking a vehicle with the right-of-way.
- Failure to yield: This is when a vehicle makes a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic or fails to yield when required by traffic signs.
- Distracted driving: Texting, phone calls, or other distractions cause drivers to miss traffic signals or other vehicles.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in the United States. In 2023, there were 12,429 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, representing approximately one death every 42 minutes.
- Excessive speed: Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all crash fatalities in 2023, claiming 11,775 lives or 32 people a day on average.
- Aggressive driving: This typically comes in the form of trying to "beat" a yellow light or rushing through intersections without proper caution.
California's Right-of-Way Laws: Who Has Priority?
Understanding California's right-of-way laws is crucial for determining fault in T-bone accidents. The California Vehicle Code establishes clear rules about who has priority at intersections.
- Traffic light rules: Drivers with a green circular signal may continue straight, turn right or left, or make a U-turn unless prohibited by signage. All drivers, including those turning, must yield to other traffic and pedestrians legally in the intersection or nearby crosswalks.
- All-way stop intersections: When two cars reach an intersection simultaneously from different roads, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on their immediate right.
- Making left turns: Any driver planning to turn left or make a legal U-turn must yield to all oncoming traffic from the opposite direction.
- Three-way intersections: Cars traveling on the main road (continuing street) always have priority. When entering from a side street, you must stop completely and yield to traffic on the main road.
Determining Fault in California T-Bone Accidents
California follows a "pure comparative negligence" system. This means you can recover compensation even if you're partially at fault for the accident.
- Single driver at fault: Most T-bone crashes occur when one driver clearly violates traffic laws, such as by running a red light, failing to yield, or ignoring stop signs. In these cases, the violating driver typically bears full responsibility.
- Shared fault: Sometimes both drivers contribute to the accident. For example, if one driver runs a red light but the other was speeding, both may share responsibility. California's pure comparative negligence rule allows you to receive compensation even when you bear primary responsibility for a crash. For instance, if evidence shows the other party was 1% at fault while you were 99% responsible, you can still collect 1% of your total damages.
Evidence That Matters in T-Bone Accident Cases
Proving fault requires solid evidence. Here's what investigators typically examine:
- Traffic camera footage showing the sequence of events
- Police reports with the officer's assessment of the scene
- Witness statements from people who saw the crash
- Vehicle damage patterns that show impact points and severity
- Skid marks indicating braking attempts or lack thereof
- Traffic signal timing records to determine light status
- Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected.
Types of Injuries Common in T-Bone Collisions
The side of a vehicle offers limited protection, making T-bone crashes particularly dangerous. Studies indicate that blunt force trauma, especially to the chest and head areas, represents the most frequent injury type in T-bone collisions.
Common injuries include:
- Brain and skull trauma from striking windows or door structures
- Cervical spine and spinal cord damage from harsh lateral movement
- Thoracic trauma including fractured ribs and damage to internal organs
- Hip and pelvic bone breaks from door collapse
- Upper extremity injuries to arms and shoulders on the struck side.
Various nationwide studies also note the prevalence of internal organ injuries in side-impact crashes, including injuries to the heart (specifically the aorta), liver, and spleen.
Types of Compensation Available
When you're hurt in a T-bone crash due to another party's negligence, California law allows you to pursue compensation for:
Economic damages:
- Healthcare costs and ongoing medical treatment expenses
- Income loss and diminished future earning ability
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses.
Non-economic damages:
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Psychological trauma and stress
- Reduced quality of life
- Lasting impairment or scarring.
In wrongful death cases:
- Burial and memorial service costs
- Lost income and financial contributions
- Loss of relationship and mentorship.
Important Actions Following a T-Bone Crash
The aftermath of a T-bone collision can feel overwhelming, but following proper steps safeguards your wellbeing and legal interests:
- Seek medical care right away, even when you think you're uninjured. Adrenaline can mask the sensation of serious injuries.
- Call 911 to ensure police document the scene and create an official report.
- Gather evidence if you're able. Take photos of vehicles, damage, traffic signals, and the intersection.
- Gather contact details from any witnesses and the other motorist.
- Don't admit fault or apologize. Stick to facts when talking to police or insurance companies.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before giving statements to insurance companies.
Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
California's statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a T-bone collision lawsuit. Nevertheless, beginning the process earlier is strongly recommended. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies often pressure victims to accept quick settlements.
The Barrios & Machado Advantage for T-Bone Accident Claims
Barrios & Machado Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers is a trusted law firm specializing in personal injury matters. We handle cases involving auto accidents, premises liability, animal attacks, defective products, class actions, and fatal accidents.
Senior partners Ursula Barrios and Guillermo Machado, a married attorney duo, established the firm in 2010. Our team excels at negotiating with insurers and at-fault parties, taking cases to trial when settlements fall short, and always focusing on securing maximum compensation for injury victims.
Clients regularly commend our commitment and outcomes. As one satisfied client noted, "You were extremely great and took care of everything like you said you would. I was really satisfied with your services and that is why I recommended you to a co-worker."
What sets us apart:
- Proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts
- Personal attention from experienced attorneys, not paralegals
- No upfront fees, meaning we only get paid when you do
- Bilingual legal services for English and Spanish-speaking clients
- Family-like treatment for each client.
Call Barrios & Machado for Experienced Legal Help With California T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents can change your life in an instant. Don't allow insurance companies to downplay your claim or rush you into accepting inadequate compensation.
Reach out to Barrios & Machado Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers now for a free consultation. Call (714) 515-9696 or visit our office in Orange, California.
Our track record includes successful settlements for injury victims and their families, even in complex cases against formidable opponents.
We serve all of Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Ventura County, and neighboring Southern California regions.
Acting quickly is essential in T-bone collision cases. The earlier you reach out, the more effectively we can safeguard your rights and construct a compelling case for full compensation. Don't wait. Your future recovery depends on the actions you take today.
