Why are T-Bone Accidents Dangerous?



T-Bone accidents, otherwise known as side impact collisions or broadside collisions, occur when the front of one car strikes the side of another at a perpendicular angle. These types of collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in serious injuries, sometimes even fatalities.

T-Bone Accidents are Dangerous Because:

Unlike front or rear-end collisions, where bumpers, trunks, and engine compartments offer layers of protection, T-Bone crashes leave occupants vulnerable.

T bone accidents tbone accidents side impact collisions broadside collisions perpendicularIn a T-Bone accident, only a door and window stand between the impact and the passenger, offering minimal defense against high-speed force. This can result in serious car accident injuries, even the death of a driver or passenger.

Safety Tip: Check to see if you have side impact airbags. These will help reduce fatalities in a T-Bone collision.


Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

T-Bone accidents frequently occur at intersections and are often the result of right-of-way violations. While they can occur in many different traffic situations, right-of-way violations are one of the most common factors. Drivers who run red lights, fail to yield, or roll through stop signs are common culprits.

Other common reasons include:

  • Distracted driving (texting, eating or drinking, turning dashboard dials)
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding
  • Blocked view
  • Misjudgment of gap size when turning
  • Aggressive or reckless driving
  • Mechanical failure (i.e., bad brakes)

Have you been injured in a T-Bone car accident? Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation care review.


Common Injuries from T-Bone Collisions

hits the side front of one car car accidents right of way violations personal injuryThe side of a vehicle offers limited protection, making T-Bone accidents especially hazardous. Some of the more common injuries include:

  • Head injuries. Cuts from shattered glass, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries affect memory and cognition, changing your memory, concentration, and reasoning abilities.
  • Neck injuries. Whiplash can result in herniated discs.
  • Back injuries. Ranging from herniated discs to nerve damage, spinal cord damage, and chronic pain, they can also result in partial or full paralysis.
  • Pelvic, abdominal, and chest injuries. Including fractures to internal organ damage.

Who Is Liable in a T-Bone Accident?

Determining fault in a T-Bone accident can be complex. Either driver might be deemed at fault for the accident – the driver who was broadsided or the one who did the broadsiding.

Additionally, third parties such as vehicle manufacturers or auto repair shops may share liability if defective parts (e.g., faulty brakes) contributed to the crash.

Your personal injury attorney will investigate to determine if the manufacturer shares responsibility or if there is some other third party who may be responsible (i.e., the shop that inspected the brakes).

Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. That means that all parties in an accident can be held liable for damages based on how much each contributed to the accident. If the plaintiff is partially responsible for the accident that caused the injuries, their damages will be reduced by the percentage of their fault.

Your lawyer will investigate thoroughly to prove liability and build a strong case.


How Nash & Franciskato Can Help

attorney lawyer personal injury lawyer car accidentsAt Nash & Franciskato, we advocate for accident victims, offering you peace of mind during your recovery and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our car accident lawyers will build the strongest case to put you in the best position for a positive outcome by:

  • Investigating the scene to gather evidence, such as photos and videos, and documenting evidence such as skid marks.
  • Interviewing witnesses and obtaining statements and contact information.
  • Securing the official police report and other accident reports.
  • Documenting medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
  • Handling insurance companies’ inquiries and other communications.
  • Filing your personal injury claim.

WHY Choose NASH & FRANCISKATO?

If you’ve suffered serious injuries due to another driver’s negligence, Nash & Franciskato is here to help. Our experienced legal team offers compassionate support and aggressive representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case. We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.

INJURED? START YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

Don’t face the aftermath of a serious crash alone. Contact our Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Prefer to chat? Use our online chat or Text Us widget.

Stay Informed

Sign up for our email newsletter to receive expert legal tips, accident prevention strategies, and updates on personal injury law in Kansas City. Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter and respond to inquiries.

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER


Past results afford no guarantee of future results, and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 11, 2023. It was reviewed on August 27, 2025, for content and accuracy, and updated.

Photo Credits:

Contact Us Today for Help!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.