What is a T Bone Accident? All You Need to Know As a Driver

Among the many types of crashes you can suffer as a driver, what is a T-bone accident? A T-bone crash happens when the front of a car hits the side of another, thus generating a “T” shape. These types of accidents, also known as “side-impact” or “broadside collisions,” usually happen at intersections. Most of the time, the reason is because one driver didn’t yield, ran a red light, or ignored a Stop sign—common violations under California traffic law.

Now, how do these accidents affect you particularly as a driver? In many cases, the driver of the vehicle hit from the side can take the worst part, especially depending on the speed and point of impact. Broken bones, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or neck injuries are among the many consequences they can suffer. The other driver can also sustain severe injuries. 

The help of T-bone accident attorneys becomes especially useful to determine liability in these crashes, which often requires examining right-of-way laws and traffic signal compliance.

What is a T Bone Accident? How and Why Do They Happen?

How Do T Bone Accidents Happen?

A T-bone collision takes place when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, creating a “T” shape upon impact. These types of accidents are most likely to occur at intersections, especially when a driver fails to stop at a red light or ignores a stop sign and enters the intersection while another vehicle is crossing through legally.

T-bone accidents can also happen when a driver misjudges the timing of a left turn at a green light and fails to yield to oncoming traffic. Even though both drivers may have a green light, the turning driver is still required to yield under California law. These moments of miscalculation can lead to serious side-impact crashes with severe consequences for everyone involved.

What Does a T-Bone Accident Look Like​?

A T-bone accident looks like one vehicle crashing head-on into the side of another vehicle, usually forming a 90-degree angle between the two cars. Picture one car driving straight through an intersection and slamming into the side of another car that’s crossing its path, so the front of one vehicle is embedded in the middle or side doors of the other. This creates a T shape, with one vehicle forming the vertical line and the other forming the horizontal top. 

The result is usually a violent impact, especially for those sitting on the side that’s been struck, since there’s little structural protection in that area.

Why Do They Happen, and Why Are T-Bone Accidents So Dangerous​?

Common causes of these types of accidents often include distracted or negligent driving, such as texting behind the wheel, driving while fatigued, or speeding. Other contributing factors may involve environmental hazards or mechanical failures, including brake defects or poorly maintained roads. Under California law, these actions can establish liability if they result in injury or damage:

• Texting or using smartphones while driving.
• Lack of sleep or drowsy driving.
• Eating and drinking while on the road.
• Speeding.
• Reckless or aggressive driving (e.g., tailgating, unsafe lane changes).
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Failure to yield the right of way.
• Running red lights or stop signs.
• Making illegal or unsafe turns.
• Improper merging or lane changes without signaling.
• Failure to correctly assess traffic flow or blind spots.
• Vehicle defects, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
• Poor vehicle maintenance (e.g., bald tires, worn-out brakes.
• Road hazards, such as potholes, debris, or lack of proper signage.

T-bone accidents are especially dangerous because the sides of a vehicle offer far less protection than the front or rear. Unlike the front and back of a car, which have crumple zones designed to absorb impact, the side has only a thin door and minimal reinforcement separating occupants from the force of the crash. When a T-bone crash happens, the impact strikes directly into the passenger compartment, putting drivers and passengers at high risk of serious injuries. 

Are T Bone Accidents Deadly?

T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous types of car crashes. Even with the presence of side airbags, the force of a direct hit can be devastating, especially if the striking vehicle is a truck or SUV. However, T-bone accidents are not always deadly. 

The severity of the crash depends on several factors, such as the speed of the vehicles, whether the impact is on the driver or passenger side, the size difference between the vehicles, and whether seat belts and airbags are in use. At lower speeds, victims may suffer only minor injuries, but at higher speeds, the likelihood of life-threatening injuries or fatalities increases significantly. 

What Are The Most Common Injuries From T Bone Accidents?

Injuries in the Striking Vehicle

Head and Brain Injuries

• Concussions due to blunt force trauma when the head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces.
• Whiplash-like effects from rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during impact.

Facial Injuries from Airbags

• Facial bruising and burns caused by rapid airbag deployment.
• Broken facial bones, especially if sitting too close to the airbag at the time of inflation.

Injuries from Seat Belts

• Broken clavicle (collarbone) due to strong restraint pressure.
• Internal bruising from compression across the torso.
• Possible perforation of internal organs in severe impacts.

Injuries in the Vehicle That Is Struck

Head and Neck Injuries

• Whiplash, resulting from violent side-to-side head motion.
• Concussions from hitting parts of the car interior.
• Neck and shoulder muscle strain or damage due to forceful movement.

Lack of Side Airbag Protection

• Direct trauma from the impact, as many vehicles lack side airbags.
• More severe injuries from absorbing the full force of the striking vehicle.

Seat Belt-Related Injuries

• Bruising on the chest or abdomen where the belt presses against the skin.
• Possible internal injuries, as side impacts may allow more body movement before the seat belt fully restrains the occupant.

Get Help From Expert T-Bone Accident Attorneys

The information shared in this article aims to generate awareness, not fear, among drivers. Careful, lawful driving is the best way to avoid any accident — especially serious ones like a T-bone crash. If you or a loved one has suffered because of another driver’s negligence, you don’t have to face the physical and financial consequences alone. You may benefit from having skilled legal representation. Our expert T-bone accident attorneys at Megeredchian Law will fight tooth and nail to determine liability and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 359-0807. We’re available 24/7 and always pick up the phone. Talk with an attorney directly! Hablamos Español.