SANTA CLARITA T-BONE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Side-impact car accidents, also known as T-bone collisions, are among the most dangerous types of crashes on the road. Unlike front or rear-end collisions, where the vehicle's structure offers more protection to occupants, side impacts leave passengers vulnerable to direct impact forces, since there's simply less car between the passenger and the point of impact.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
  1. Running red lights or stop signs: one of the leading causes of T-bone collisions, when a driver fails to obey traffic signals at an intersection
  2. Failure to yield: when a driver fails to yield the right of way, especially at intersections or when merging into traffic
  3. Distracted driving: texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can cause a driver to miss a stop sign or fail to notice oncoming traffic
  4. Speeding: excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it harder to stop or yield when necessary
  5. Impaired driving: alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases the likelihood of side-impact collisions

Who Is Usually at Fault in a T-Bone Accident

Fault in a T-bone accident generally comes down to who had the right of way. The driver who ran a red light, failed to stop at a stop sign, or failed to yield is typically the at-fault party. However, California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning fault can be shared — for example, if the vehicle that was hit was speeding through a green light, both drivers' conduct may be examined. Traffic camera footage, witness statements, and the vehicles' points of impact are often central to establishing fault.

Common Injuries from T-Bone Accidents
  1. Head and brain injuries: the sudden jolt can cause an occupant's head to strike the window, door, or interior surfaces, resulting in concussions or traumatic brain injuries
  2. Neck injuries: whiplash is common, from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head on impact
  3. Spinal cord injuries: severe side impacts can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
  4. Chest injuries: impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or door can cause rib fractures, internal organ damage, or cardiac injuries
  5. Pelvic and abdominal injuries: the lower body is particularly vulnerable in side-impact collisions
  6. Limb injuries: arms, legs, and hands can be injured from striking interior surfaces or from a collapsing door structure

What You May Be Able to Recover

Victims of T-bone accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
  1. Medical expenses: emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing care
  2. Lost income: lost wages and benefits, including future earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability
  3. Pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma
  4. Property damage: repair or replacement of the vehicle and damaged personal belongings
  5. Disability and disfigurement: compensation for permanent impact on quality of life and future opportunities
  6. Wrongful death: in fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other damages

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is usually at fault in a T-bone accident?

Fault generally depends on who had the right of way — typically the driver who ran a red light, ran a stop sign, or failed to yield. California's comparative negligence rules mean fault can sometimes be shared between both drivers.

Why are T-bone accidents often more dangerous than other types of collisions?

Side impacts leave less structural protection between the occupant and the point of impact compared to front or rear collisions, which is why T-bone accidents frequently cause more severe injuries.

What evidence helps establish fault in a T-bone accident?

Traffic camera footage, witness statements, the police report, and the physical points of impact on both vehicles are often central to determining which driver had the right of way.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Talk to a Santa Clarita T-Bone Accident Attorney Today

​Robert Mansour is a personal injury lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA and can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your auto accident case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

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