T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accident Lawyer
Compensation for Intersection and Side-Impact Crashes in California
A T-bone or side-impact crash happens when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, usually at an intersection. Because the doors offer far less protection than the front or rear of a car, these crashes frequently cause serious injuries.
T-bone accidents almost always come down to right-of-way: someone ran a red light, rolled a stop sign, or turned across traffic. With over $1 billion recovered, Frank Penney Injury Law proves who had the right of way and holds the negligent driver accountable.
Common Causes of T-Bone Crashes
Side-impact collisions are usually right-of-way violations at intersections.
Running Red Lights
Entering an intersection after the light has turned red.
Ignoring Stop Signs
Rolling through or failing to stop at a posted stop sign.
Unsafe Left Turns
Turning left across oncoming traffic without a clear gap.
Distracted Driving
A driver on a phone misses the signal or cross traffic.
Speeding
Racing to beat a yellow light into the intersection.
Failure to Yield
Not yielding to traffic that has the right of way.
Proving Fault in an Intersection Crash
Determining who had the right of way is the heart of a T-bone case. We gather traffic-camera and surveillance footage, signal-timing data, witness statements, and vehicle damage analysis to establish who entered the intersection unlawfully. The point of impact on each vehicle often tells the story.
Intersection crashes are car accident claims that can cause spinal and brain injuries. See how much your case is worth. We serve Sacramento, Roseville, and Stockton.
Common Side-Impact Injuries
- Broken ribs and chest injuries
- Spinal and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Internal injuries
- Shoulder and arm injuries
T-Bone Accidents FAQs
Who is at fault in a T-bone accident?
Fault goes to the driver who violated the right of way — typically by running a red light or stop sign, making an unsafe left turn, or failing to yield. Evidence such as traffic-camera footage, signal timing, witness accounts, and the point of impact on each vehicle is used to establish who entered the intersection unlawfully.
Why are side-impact crashes so dangerous?
The sides of a vehicle have much less crumple space and structural protection than the front or rear, so occupants are closer to the point of impact. This is why T-bone crashes often cause chest, spinal, pelvic, and head injuries even at moderate speeds.
What if both drivers say they had a green light?
These disputes are common, which is why independent evidence matters. Traffic-signal data, nearby cameras, event-data recorders, and skid-mark and damage analysis can resolve conflicting accounts. An experienced attorney knows how to obtain and present that proof.
How long do I have to file a T-bone accident claim?
Generally two years from the date of the crash under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. If a government vehicle or agency is involved, the deadline can be as short as six months, so contact an attorney promptly.