A side-impact crash, often called a T-bone accident, can flip your life upside down in seconds. These collisions strike with sudden force, frequently causing serious injuries and long-term consequences. If you’ve been hit at an intersection or side-swiped while turning, you’re not just dealing with vehicle repairs—you may be facing hospital stays, lost wages, and a long road to recovery.
James Horne Law PA is here to help. With extensive experience representing victims of serious Florida car accidents, our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes take. When you work with a Florida T-bone accident lawyer from our firm, you’ll have a strong advocate who knows how to handle insurance companies and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another at a perpendicular angle. The crash creates a “T” shape at the point of impact and commonly happens at intersections when a driver runs a red light, ignores a stop sign, or fails to yield.
Due to the limited protection on the sides of most vehicles, these collisions often cause serious injuries, particularly for passengers sitting on the impacted side.
Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions in Florida
These side impact crashes are frequently the result of driver negligence or failure to obey traffic laws. A T-bone accident attorney can identify what caused the wreck and hold the responsible party accountable. Common causes include:
- Running red lights or stop signs;
- Failing to yield at intersections;
- Distracted driving, including texting or eating;
- Speeding or reckless lane changes;
- Driving under the influence;
- Mechanical failure or brake malfunction; and
- Inadequate signage or poorly designed intersections.
Establishing liability in these cases requires a thorough investigation. Police reports, witness statements, and video footage can play key roles in proving fault.
Common Injuries in T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact crashes often lead to severe, life-altering injuries because the force of impact directly affects occupants without the benefit of front or rear crumple zones. Victims frequently suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions;
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis;
- Broken ribs, hips, arms, or legs;
- Internal bleeding or organ damage;
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries; and
- Facial trauma or dental fractures.
Recovery may require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and long-term care. A Florida T-bone accident lawyer can pursue compensation to help cover medical treatment, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
What Should You Do After a T-Bone Crash?
The moments following a side-impact accident can be disorienting. Taking the proper steps early on can protect your health and potential legal claim. After a T-bone collision, try to:
- Call 911 and cooperate with law enforcement;
- Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries aren’t visible;
- Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries;
- Collect names and contact information of witnesses;
- Avoid admitting fault at the scene; and
- Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
These actions help preserve crucial evidence and prevent insurance companies from denying or undervaluing your claim. Even if you did not take all the steps listed above, working with an experienced personal injury attorney will help put you in the best position to recover needed compensation.
Proving Fault in a Florida T-Bone Crash
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning each driver typically turns to their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for medical expenses and lost wages. However, if your injuries are serious and permanent, you may pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver.
To prove fault, your attorney must demonstrate:
- Duty—the other party had a legal responsibility to drive safely;
- Breach—the other party violated their through negligent actions;
- Causation—the breach caused your injuries; and
- Damagest—you suffered measurable harm or loss.
Evidence such as surveillance footage, expert analysis, and black box data is crucial in proving these elements.
How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Works
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, provided you are less than 51% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if your total damages are $100,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, your award would be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame, so working with an experienced T-bone accident attorney is crucial to securing fair compensation.
What Compensation Is Available After a T-Bone Crash?
If you qualify to step outside the no-fault system, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties. Compensation may include:
- Emergency room and ongoing medical expenses,
- Future medical treatment and physical therapy,
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Property damage to your vehicle.
Your lawyer will calculate all economic and noneconomic losses to determine what your claim is truly worth.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. Missing it could prevent you from recovering compensation, even in a strong case.
In limited situations, the timeline may be extended or shortened depending on the facts. To protect your claim, contact an attorney promptly so they can preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and meet all filing requirements.
Talk to a Florida T-Bone Accident Lawyer Today
T-bone accidents can change your future in an instant, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At James Horne Law PA, we offer personalized legal representation tailored to your needs. With a proven record of success and a 10.0 rating on Avvo, James Horne has earned recognition as a top attorney by putting clients first.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced team answer your questions and develop a plan to move forward. Learn how we can help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you need to put this stage of your life behind you.