Side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone crashes, are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. These crashes frequently occur at intersections and often result in severe or catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an intersection accident involving distracted or aggressive driving, understanding your legal options is critical. Victims of T-bone / side-impact crashes in Pinellas County may be entitled to significant compensation depending on fault and injury severity.
What Are T-Bone / Side-Impact Crashes?
A T-bone crash occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape at impact. Because the sides of vehicles offer less structural protection than the front or rear, these accidents often cause serious injuries.
Most side-impact collisions happen at intersections, where drivers must yield, obey traffic signals, and carefully assess oncoming traffic.
Why Intersection Crashes Are So Dangerous
Intersection crashes account for a large portion of serious motor vehicle accidents in Florida. Contributing factors often include:
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Speeding through yellow lights
- Distracted driving (texting)
- Road rage or aggressive driving
When drivers ignore traffic laws or act recklessly, the risk of catastrophic injury increases dramatically.
Running Red Lights: A Leading Cause of Side-Impact Collisions
One of the most common causes of T-bone accidents is running red lights. Whether due to impatience, distraction, or aggressive driving behavior, entering an intersection against a traffic signal can result in devastating side-impact crashes.
Red light violations often lead to clear liability, but insurance companies may still attempt to dispute fault without strong evidence such as:
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Accident reconstruction analysis
The Role of Distracted and Aggressive Driving
Distracted Driving (Texting)
Texting while driving is a leading cause of intersection crashes. Even a few seconds of distraction can prevent a driver from noticing:
- Traffic signals
- Slowing vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Oncoming cross-traffic
Road Rage / Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, or intentionally blocking other drivers, can escalate quickly and lead to dangerous side-impact collisions.
In cases involving distracted or aggressive driving, establishing negligence is critical to pursuing compensation.
Catastrophic Injuries Common in T-Bone Crashes
Because of the force and angle of impact, catastrophic injuries are common in side-impact accidents. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Pelvic fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Broken ribs
- Permanent nerve damage
These injuries can result in long-term disability, ongoing medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and reduced quality of life.
Determining Liability in Intersection Accidents
Establishing fault in a T-bone or intersection crash often requires careful investigation. Key evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Eyewitness testimony
- Cell phone records (in distracted driving cases)
- Expert accident reconstruction
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared. However, the other driver’s violation, such as running a red light, can significantly strengthen your claim.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Victims of catastrophic injuries from T-bone or side-impact crashes may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgeries and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
Because intersection crashes often involve severe injuries, accurately calculating long-term damages is essential.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical
Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts in serious injury cases. They may:
- Dispute the severity of injuries
- Argue shared fault
- Downplay long-term medical needs
- Offer quick, inadequate settlements
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Protect Your Rights After a Side-Impact Crash in Pinellas County
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone / side-impact crash, intersection accident, or collision involving distracted or aggressive driving, acting quickly is important. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies begin building their defense immediately.
At Merricks Law Group, we help victims of serious intersection crashes pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact our team today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights after a catastrophic injury accident.