📋 T-Bone Collision Overview

T-bone collisions, also called side-impact or broadside accidents, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These crashes most commonly happen at intersections and are among the most dangerous types of accidents because the side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear. In California, determining fault in T-bone collisions requires careful analysis of right-of-way rules and traffic signal compliance.

Why T-Bone Cases Require Careful Fault Analysis

Unlike rear-end collisions where fault is usually presumed, T-bone accidents require proving which driver violated traffic laws or failed to yield right-of-way:

🚦 Right-of-Way Violations

The driver who failed to yield or ran a red light is liable for the collision

📚 Vehicle Code Violations

Running red lights (CVC 21453), failing to yield (CVC 21802), and improper left turns (CVC 21801) create negligence per se

💰 Severe Injury Compensation

T-bone crashes often cause serious injuries, justifying significant damages

🎥 Evidence is Critical

Intersection cameras, witness statements, and police reports are key to proving fault

Common T-Bone Collision Scenarios

🔴 Running a Red Light

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The most clear-cut T-bone scenario: one driver enters an intersection against a red light and strikes a vehicle lawfully proceeding on a green light. This is a direct violation of California Vehicle Code 21453(a). The driver who ran the red light is almost always 100% at fault. Traffic cameras and witness testimony are crucial for proving this violation.

🛑 Failing to Yield at Stop Sign

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A driver who fails to stop completely at a stop sign or enters an intersection without yielding to cross-traffic violates CVC 21802. The driver with the stop sign must yield to all vehicles that do not have a stop sign or that arrived at the intersection first. T-bone collisions commonly occur when a driver performs a "rolling stop" and fails to see approaching traffic.

↺ Left Turn Accidents

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Left-turn T-bone crashes occur when a driver making a left turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic. Under CVC 21801, a driver making a left turn must yield to all vehicles close enough to constitute a hazard. If you were struck while the other driver was turning left, they are typically at fault - unless you were speeding or ran a red light.

⚠ Failure to Yield When Entering Traffic

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Drivers entering a roadway from a driveway, parking lot, or side street must yield to all traffic already on the main road. A T-bone collision can occur when a driver pulls out in front of oncoming traffic without waiting for a safe gap. This violates CVC 21804, making the entering driver liable.

Common Injuries in T-Bone Collisions

Side-impact collisions are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle provides minimal protection. Common injuries include:

🧬 Broken Ribs and Chest Injuries

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The force of a side impact can cause broken ribs, sternum fractures, and internal chest injuries. Even with side-impact airbags, the limited crush zone means significant force is transmitted to occupants. Broken ribs are extremely painful, can puncture lungs, and require weeks to months of healing with restricted activity.

🫀 Spleen and Liver Damage

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Internal organ damage is common in T-bone collisions, particularly to the spleen (driver's side impact) and liver (passenger's side impact). These injuries can be life-threatening, requiring emergency surgery. A ruptured spleen may require removal (splenectomy), leaving victims with a compromised immune system for life.

🧬 Hip and Pelvis Fractures

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The hip and pelvis are directly exposed in side-impact crashes. Hip fractures often require surgical repair with pins, plates, or full hip replacement. Recovery involves months of limited mobility, physical therapy, and may result in permanent limitations. Pelvic fractures are even more serious and can affect walking, sitting, and quality of life.

🧠 Head and Brain Trauma

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Side-impact crashes can cause the head to strike the window, door frame, or B-pillar, resulting in concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even without direct contact, the violent lateral motion can cause brain injury. Symptoms may include headaches, cognitive difficulties, personality changes, and long-term neurological problems.

🧬 Arm and Shoulder Injuries (Impact Side)

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Occupants on the impact side often suffer arm, shoulder, and clavicle injuries as the door intrudes into the passenger compartment. Injuries range from fractures and dislocations to crush injuries and nerve damage. Shoulder injuries may require surgery and can result in permanent reduced range of motion.

⚠ Impact Side Matters

Occupants on the side of the vehicle that was struck suffer significantly more severe injuries. Document which side of your vehicle was hit and where you were seated. If you were on the impact side, your injuries are likely more serious and your damages should reflect this increased severity.

✅ Evidence Checklist

T-bone collision cases depend heavily on evidence proving who had right-of-way. Gather these documents before sending your demand letter.

🚦 Intersection Evidence

  • ✓ Police report (Traffic Collision Report)
  • ✓ Traffic camera footage (request from city/county)
  • ✓ Business security camera footage nearby
  • ✓ Witness names and contact information
  • ✓ Dashcam footage (yours or other drivers)

🚗 Accident Documentation

  • ✓ Photos of vehicle damage (all angles)
  • ✓ Photos showing point of impact on vehicle
  • ✓ Photos of intersection and traffic controls
  • ✓ Diagram of accident scene
  • ✓ At-fault driver's insurance information

💉 Medical Records

  • ✓ Emergency room/trauma center records
  • ✓ Surgical records (if applicable)
  • ✓ Specialist records (orthopedic, neurologist, etc.)
  • ✓ Physical therapy records
  • ✓ Imaging results (X-rays, CT scans, MRI)

💰 Financial Documentation

  • ✓ All medical bills (itemized)
  • ✓ Proof of lost wages (pay stubs, employer letter)
  • ✓ Vehicle repair estimates or total loss valuation
  • ✓ Rental car receipts
  • ✓ Out-of-pocket expenses (medications, equipment)

🎥 Request Intersection Camera Footage Immediately

Traffic camera and business surveillance footage is often deleted after 30-90 days. Request copies immediately from the city traffic department and nearby businesses. A written preservation letter sent within days of the accident can prevent critical evidence from being destroyed.

💰 Calculate Your Damages

T-bone collisions often cause severe injuries, justifying significant compensation. California allows full recovery for all damages caused by the negligent driver.

Category Description
Medical Expenses All past and future medical treatment: ER, surgery, hospitalization, specialists, physical therapy, medications
Lost Wages Income lost due to injury, including sick days and vacation time used during recovery
Loss of Earning Capacity Reduced ability to earn income if injuries cause permanent disability or career limitations
Property Damage Vehicle repair or fair market value if totaled, plus personal property inside vehicle
Pain and Suffering Physical pain, discomfort, and inconvenience - often significant in T-bone cases due to injury severity
Emotional Distress Anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear of driving, and mental anguish from the traumatic crash
Loss of Enjoyment Inability to enjoy hobbies, sports, activities, and overall quality of life
Permanent Impairment Compensation for lasting disabilities, scarring, reduced mobility, or organ damage

How Pain and Suffering is Calculated

T-bone collision injuries are often severe, justifying higher multipliers for non-economic damages:

Multiplier Method

Economic damages multiplied by 2 to 5 (or higher for catastrophic injuries like organ damage or hip replacement)

Per Diem Method

A daily rate ($100-$500+) for each day of pain and limitation, from accident to maximum medical improvement

📊 Sample Damages Calculation

Example: T-Bone Collision with Broken Ribs, Hip Injury, and Surgery

Emergency room and trauma care $18,500
Hip surgery and hospitalization $65,000
Orthopedic follow-up (8 visits) $4,200
Physical therapy (48 sessions) $9,600
CT scan and imaging $5,800
Medications and medical supplies $2,400
Lost wages (12 weeks) $24,000
Vehicle total loss $22,000
Rental car (8 weeks) $2,800
Subtotal Economic Damages $154,300
Pain and suffering (3x multiplier) $462,900
TOTAL DEMAND AMOUNT $617,200

💡 Document Permanent Impairments

T-bone collisions often cause lasting injuries. If your doctor indicates you will have permanent limitations, scarring, need for future surgery (like hip replacement revision), or ongoing pain, include these future damages in your demand. Get a written prognosis and consider an expert life care plan for catastrophic injuries.

📝 Sample Language

Copy and customize these paragraphs for your T-bone collision demand letter.

Opening Paragraph
This letter constitutes a formal demand for compensation arising from the T-bone collision that occurred on [DATE OF ACCIDENT] at the intersection of [STREET NAMES] in [CITY], California, when your insured, [AT-FAULT DRIVER NAME], negligently [ran a red light / failed to yield at a stop sign / made an unsafe left turn] and struck the [driver's/passenger's] side of my vehicle. Your insured violated California Vehicle Code Section [21453/21802/21801], and this violation directly caused the collision and my resulting injuries.
Liability Paragraph - Red Light
Liability in this matter is clear and undisputed. Your insured violated California Vehicle Code Section 21453(a) by entering the intersection against a red light, directly striking my vehicle as I lawfully proceeded through the intersection on a green signal. This red light violation constitutes negligence per se under California law. The Traffic Collision Report (Report No. [REPORT NUMBER]) confirms that your insured ran the red light. [Additionally, intersection camera footage / witness statements from [WITNESS NAMES]] corroborate that your insured disregarded the red signal and caused this collision.
Liability Paragraph - Stop Sign
Liability is established by your insured's violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21802. Your insured failed to yield the right-of-way after approaching the stop sign on [STREET NAME] and entered the intersection directly into the path of my vehicle, which was traveling on [CROSS STREET] with no stop sign. Under CVC 21802, your insured was required to stop completely and yield to all approaching vehicles. The police report (Report No. [REPORT NUMBER]) confirms your insured's failure to yield, and [WITNESS NAME] observed your insured enter the intersection without stopping.
Injury Description - T-Bone Specific
As a direct result of this side-impact collision, I sustained severe injuries including [broken ribs, hip fracture, spleen laceration, shoulder injury, traumatic brain injury, etc.]. I was seated on the [driver's/passenger's] side - the point of impact - which resulted in particularly severe injuries. I was transported by ambulance to [HOSPITAL NAME] where I [underwent emergency surgery / was admitted to the trauma unit / received emergency treatment]. My treatment has included [hip replacement surgery, chest tube placement, splenectomy, physical therapy, etc.]. I continue to experience [chronic pain, limited mobility, difficulty walking, ongoing headaches, etc.] and my treating physician indicates [permanent limitations / need for future surgery / ongoing treatment].
Damages Summary
My total damages are as follows: Medical Expenses to date: $[AMOUNT]; Estimated future medical expenses: $[AMOUNT]; Lost Wages: $[AMOUNT]; Loss of Earning Capacity: $[AMOUNT]; Property Damage: $[AMOUNT]; Out-of-pocket expenses: $[AMOUNT]. Additionally, I am entitled to substantial compensation for the severe pain and suffering I have endured and continue to endure as a result of your insured's negligence. Given the severity of my injuries, the surgical intervention required, the permanent nature of my limitations, and the profound impact on my quality of life, I calculate my non-economic damages at $[AMOUNT].
Demand and Deadline
Based on the foregoing, I hereby demand the total sum of $[TOTAL AMOUNT] to fully and finally settle all claims arising from this incident. This demand remains open for [30 DAYS] from the date of this letter. If I do not receive a satisfactory response by [DEADLINE DATE], I will have no choice but to pursue my legal remedies, including filing a civil lawsuit in the appropriate California court. Given the clear liability established by your insured's traffic violation and the severity of my injuries, I am confident a jury would award damages substantially exceeding this demand.

🚀 Next Steps

What to do after sending your demand letter.

Insurance Claim Timeline

Days 1-15

Insurance adjuster reviews demand, police report, and liability evidence

Days 15-30

Initial response - liability acceptance, counter-offer, or additional investigation

Days 30-60

Negotiation period - typically 2-4 rounds of offers and counters for serious injuries

Days 60-90

Settlement or decision to file lawsuit before statute of limitations

Special Considerations for T-Bone Cases

  1. Liability Disputes Are Common

    Unlike rear-end cases, the other driver's insurer may dispute who had the right-of-way. Be prepared to present strong evidence: traffic camera footage, witness statements, and the police report are critical.

  2. Severity Justifies Larger Demands

    T-bone crashes cause more severe injuries than many other accident types. Do not undersell your claim. Serious injuries like hip fractures, organ damage, and head trauma justify significant demands.

  3. Consider Future Damages

    Many T-bone injuries require future medical care: hip replacement revisions, ongoing pain management, or additional surgeries. Include estimated future costs in your demand.

  4. Policy Limits May Apply

    If your damages exceed the at-fault driver's policy limits, explore your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage for additional compensation.

If Settlement Fails

📅 Statute of Limitations Warning

California has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (CCP 335.1). You must file your lawsuit within 2 years of the accident date or you lose your right to sue forever. Do not let negotiations drag out past this deadline - file suit first if necessary.

Small Claims Court

For claims up to $12,500 ($6,250 for businesses). No lawyer required. Filing fee: $30-$75.

Limited Civil Court

For claims $12,500 - $35,000. Simplified procedures. Attorney recommended.

Unlimited Civil Court

For claims over $35,000. Full discovery and trial. Attorney highly recommended for T-bone cases with serious injuries.

Need Legal Help?

T-bone collision cases with disputed liability or serious injuries benefit from attorney representation. Get a 30-minute strategy call to evaluate your case.

Book Consultation - $125

California Resources

  • California DMV: dmv.ca.gov - File SR-1 report if required
  • CA Dept. of Insurance: insurance.ca.gov - File complaints about insurer conduct
  • CA Courts Self-Help: selfhelp.courts.ca.gov - Small claims forms and guides
  • State Bar Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov - Find a personal injury attorney
  • Local Traffic Engineering: Contact city/county to request intersection camera footage