T-Bone Accident Lawsuits in California
T-bone car collisions involve one car striking the side of another car. These accidents typically occur at an intersection because one vehicle didn't yield the right way, in violation of California traffic laws.

Further, T-bone car accidents also happen when a driver runs a red light or attempts to cross lanes in front of oncoming traffic.
If you are the cause of a T-bone accident, then you are liable for the damages to the other vehicle and any injuries that were suffered to the driver or passengers.
If you're involved in a car accident, particularly a T-bone collision, remember that you may be eligible for compensation for any resulting injuries. This possibility can be a ray of hope in a challenging situation.
While some T-bone accident injuries can be minor, many injuries sustained are very serious and can even result in someone's death.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side is not just crucial, but it's also comforting in navigating the complexity of T-bone car accident injury cases, providing you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
T-bone accidents occur when one car drives into the side of another vehicle, usually causing serious injury and even death. They are also known as broadside collisions or side-impact collisions. They often happen at intersections or along roadways when people are attempting to change lanes.
The driver who is hit on the side of their vehicle is often the most at risk for serious injury and death. Side-impact collisions are way more dangerous than regular accidents due to the fact they have a much higher chance of catastrophic injuries and death.
In a T-bone accident, the only thing separating the occupants from the colliding vehicle is a door and a window. Even though most recent cars have side-impact airbags to protect passengers, T-bone accidents are still very deadly, especially when they occur at high speeds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 8,000 people are killed each year in T-bone accidents in the United States, and many thousands more suffer severe injuries.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents are especially dangerous and are caused by many factors, including defective traffic lights, unclear signs, or faulty vehicle safety mechanisms.
While it is possible that a product defect can lead to a T-bone accident, most accidents are caused by the actions of a bad or careless driver and can include:
- speeding,
- failing to obey a stop sign,
- running a red light,
- drunk driving,
- driving and texting,
- driving while under the influence of a controlled substance,
- distracted driving.
These are just some of the common causes of T-bone accidents. Your accident may have other circumstances that led to your injuries.
Common Injuries from a T-Bone Accident
Drivers and passengers who are involved in a T-bone accident frequently suffer serious injuries because the side of the vehicle caves in. The most common injuries that occur in T-bone crashes include:
- chest injuries,
- injuries to lower extremities,
- head injuries,
- neck injuries,
- abdomen or pelvis injuries,
- spinal injuries,
- paralysis,
- broken bones,
- severed limbs,
- traumatic brain injuries,
- rib fractures,
- abrasion and contusions,
- lung injuries.
In the more serious and tragic T-bone accidents, they can be fatal.
Who Can I Sue for a T-Bone Accident Injury?
Understanding the legal process in a T-bone accident case is crucial. It typically begins with assessing the other driver's actions to determine if they were at fault for the accident, a key step in asserting your rights.
If you are injured in a T-bone accident, you can file a lawsuit under California's negligence laws. To be successful in a negligence claim for injuries sustained in a T-bone accident, you will have to prove the following elements:
- the other driver owed you a duty of care;
- the other driver negligently breached that duty of care;
- The other driver's negligence was a substantial factor in the accident and resulting injuries and
- The injuries incurred money damages.
The duty of care in car accident cases requires drivers to obey all traffic laws and drive with reasonable care to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. If you are partially at fault for the accident, then you can still file a lawsuit.
However, under California's comparative fault standard, your compensation can be reduced by the amount you were at fault. For example, if a court determines that you are 25% at fault for the accident, your potential compensation will be reduced by 25%.
What are the Types of Compensation?
Readers should be aware that if they are injured in a T-bone accident, they may be entitled to various forms of compensation, both economic and non-economic, which can help them recover from the financial and emotional impact of the accident.
If you are injured in a T-bone accident, then you may be eligible to be compensated for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the type of damages that are meant to cover direct costs incurred due to an injury, including:
- medical bills,
- lost earnings,
- vehicle damage,
- loss of future wages,
- physical therapy,
- future care costs,
- medication costs.
Economic damages are typically fairly straightforward to calculate and can be determined by adding up the current and future injury expenses related to the accident.
Determining the correct amount of non-economic damages can prove trickier, as non-economic damages are damages that are awarded to compensate an injury victim for other difficulties that result from a T-bone accident injury, including:
- pain and suffering,
- mental anguish,
- loss of enjoyment of life,
- loss of companionship,
- inconvenience.
A court will assess how the accident significantly and permanently altered the life of an injury victim to determine the suitable amount of non-economic damages that the victim should be awarded.
Non-economic damages are more commonly awarded in cases where the victim has suffered permanent or life-changing injuries. If you have questions about the potential compensation for injuries suffered in a T-bone accident, give us a call to learn how we can help!
Get Assistance from a California Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Injuries suffered in a side-impact collision are frequently severe, and T-Bone accident victims have to deal with lingering pain, medical bills, lost wages, and other economic damages.
This is the primary reason you need to get legal advice and representation from an experienced car accident injury lawyer. At the Injury Justice Law Firm, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have the skills and resources to achieve a successful outcome in a T-bone car accident injury case.
We will investigate to gather all relevant facts to prove the other driver's liability. If necessary, we can even use an accident reconstruction expert to support the injury claim. Most car accident injury cases involve dealing with an insurance company. We are skilled negotiators and know how to reach fair and reasonable settlements.
We understand a T-bone car accident can be an overwhelming experience. Our legal professionals are here to help you obtain financial compensation and the medical care you need.
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident in California, then you must speak to our personal injury attorney to learn your options. Call us at (818) 781-1570 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.