Also known as a T-bone accident, a broadside collision is a crash in which the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These crashes form a “T” shape at the point of impact and often happen at intersections when one driver runs a red light, fails to yield, or misjudges the right of way.
Because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, broadside collisions frequently cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers. In fact, these accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes and can involve high speeds, poor visibility, or driver distraction.
Determining fault is not always straightforward, and injuries sustained in a broadside collision often result in long-term medical needs and significant financial consequences. If you’ve been in a broadside collision that wasn’t your fault, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help.
Common Causes of Broadside Accidents
Broadside collisions usually happen in intersections, parking lots, or when drivers make sudden, unsafe turns across traffic. The most common causes include:
- Running red lights or stop signs: Drivers who ignore traffic signals are a leading cause of intersection crashes.
- Failure to yield: Turning left across oncoming traffic or pulling out from a side street without the right of way can lead to a side-impact crash.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Reduced reaction time increases the chance of striking another vehicle at an angle.
- Distracted or impaired driving: Texting, eating, or driving under the influence all contribute to broadside collisions.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals: When lights aren’t working properly, it creates confusion and increases crash risk.
Identifying the cause of the collision is essential to determining liability and building a strong personal injury claim.
Typical Injuries in a T-Bone Crash
The severity of injuries in a broadside collision depends on the speed of impact and where the vehicle is struck. Since the sides of most cars have less structural reinforcement than the front or rear, passengers near the point of impact are especially vulnerable.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken ribs, arms, or legs
- Spinal cord injuries or herniated discs
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
In more severe cases, these injuries can be permanent or even fatal, especially when a smaller vehicle is struck by a larger SUV or commercial truck. Medical treatment may require surgery, long-term physical therapy, or ongoing rehabilitation.
(310) 526-8383Proving Fault in a Broadside Collision
Fault in a T-bone accident typically lies with the driver who failed to yield or disobeyed traffic laws. However, these cases often involve competing narratives and limited eyewitnesses. Insurance companies may try to assign partial blame to reduce payouts or delay compensation by disputing key facts.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we help accident victims in Los Angeles investigate the cause of broadside crashes and hold negligent drivers accountable. Our legal team collects evidence like traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage analysis to build a compelling claim.
We also consult with accident reconstruction experts when needed to establish the speed, angle, and force of impact. This can be particularly effective when liability is contested or serious injuries are involved.
How a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a broadside collision can be overwhelming. Between medical appointments, insurance paperwork, and vehicle repairs, it’s easy to feel buried under stress. That’s why working with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can make such a difference.
Our team at Omega Law Group provides comprehensive support, starting with a free case evaluation. From there, we handle everything needed to protect your legal rights and secure compensation. This involves:
- Communicating with insurance adjusters
- Filing personal injury claims or lawsuits
- Pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Negotiating settlements or preparing for trial if necessary
We pride ourselves on personal attention—our attorneys are accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
(310) 526-8383Compensation Available After a Broadside Accident
If you’ve been injured in a broadside crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications
- Lost wages: Time away from work and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life: In cases involving lasting disability or reduced quality of life
We work to ensure all current and future costs are factored into your settlement or trial award because true recovery goes beyond medical bills.
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(310) 526-8383 What to Do After a T-Bone Crash
Following a broadside collision, take these steps to protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic signals.
- Get contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the crash in detail with the other party.
- Contact a car accident lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.
The sooner you act, the more effectively your attorney can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Talk to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today
A broadside collision can change your life in seconds. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, or an insurance company that’s not acting in good faith, you don’t have to face it without help.
At Omega Law Group, we help accident victims throughout Los Angeles take control of their recovery. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience, an aggressive case strategy, and personal client attention to every case we handle. Let our family take care of your family.
