Top 5 T-Bone Car Accident Questions
February 5, 2025 / Car Accidents
T-bone car accidents, also known as broadside, angle, or side-impact collisions, can happen in an instant but leave lasting consequences. There is less protection in a side impact compared to a rear-end or head-on collision.
1. What Is A T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone collision happens when one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. Side-impact collisions are dangerous because the sides of vehicles don’t offer much protection. Passengers in the struck car are often at higher risk of injury because there’s less distance between them and the point of impact.
2. How Is Fault Determined After A T-Bone Car Accident?
Determining fault can be tricky and depends on the circumstances of the crash. Proving liability requires showing one driver was negligent. Violating a traffic law, such as running a red light or failing to yield at an intersection, are examples of negligence.
To establish fault, you will need to show evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Dash cam or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Damage patterns on the vehicles
An experienced attorney can analyze this evidence and work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to prove liability. In Louisiana, the pure comparative fault statute applies. You can recover compensation even if you share some blame, but your recovery is reduced in proportion to your own degree of negligence.
3. What Are The Most Common T-Bone Accident Injuries?
Injuries from side-impact collisions can range from minor to life-threatening or fatal. In an IIHS study, the most common serious injuries in near-side occupants were:
- Serious chest injuries (59%)
- Pelvis or hip injuries (33%)
- Head or brain injuries (30%)
- Abdominal injuries (18%)
- Neck and spinal cord injuries (15%)
4. What Causes Most Side-Impact Accidents?
Most T-bone crashes happen in intersections. The most common causes are:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield at intersections
- Speeding, especially when turning left or approaching intersections
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- Poor weather or road conditions
5. What Should I Do After A T-Bone Collision?
- Check for injuries. Call 911 for medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety. If possible, move your car out of traffic to avoid another crash.
- Call the police. The responding officer will complete an accident report to document the crash.
- Exchange insurance and contact information. Get information from the other driver.
- Gather evidence. Take photos to document the scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, get checked out to document injuries and start treatment.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’re Injured in a T-Bone Collision
Have you been injured in a T-bone accident caused by a negligent driver? A car accident lawyer can help. Schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer. They will guide you through the next steps and help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
Contact a Baton Rouge, LA Car Accident Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA, today. We have four convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
