T-bone collisions — also called broadside or side-impact crashes — are another major source of personal injury cases in California. They can be especially serious due to the vulnerability of vehicle occupants on the side of the car. Here’s a breakdown of how these cases typically work:
🚗 T-Bone Collision Basics
A T-bone crash usually occurs at intersections when:
- One driver runs a red light or stop sign
- Fails to yield while turning left
- Engages in distracted or reckless driving
In these cases, determining fault is critical, and it’s not always as cut-and-dried as rear-end accidents.
⚖️ Establishing Liability in California
In California, liability is based on negligence, meaning a failure to use reasonable care. Fault in a T-bone collision depends on factors like:
- Who had the right-of-way
- Traffic signals or signs at the intersection
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Vehicle positions and damage patterns
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. So if both drivers are found partially at fault, the damages awarded will be reduced by each party’s percentage of responsibility.
🧾 Evidence in a T-Bone Personal Injury Case
Helpful documentation includes:
- Police report (important in establishing traffic violations)
- Surveillance footage or dashcam video
- Eyewitness accounts
- Skid marks, debris, and intersection layout
- Traffic light sequencing data (if applicable)
- Medical records and expert medical opinions
💰 Compensation You Can Claim
As the injured party, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may be able to claim loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and more.
⏳ Statute of Limitations in California
You generally have:
- 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
- Only 6 months to file a claim if a government vehicle or entity is involved (e.g., city bus or public utility truck)
👨⚖️ Why You Should Consider a Lawyer
T-bone cases often involve complex liability disputes, especially when:
- Both drivers claim they had the green light
- There are multiple parties (e.g., rideshare, commercial vehicles)
- Significant or permanent injuries are involved
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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