A T-bone accident also called a side-impact collision happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These crashes are common at intersections, where one driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or makes an unsafe turn.

T-bone crashes can be devastating leading to severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage especially for the driver or passengers on the impacted side. Unlike front or rear-end collisions, there’s less structural protection on the sides of most vehicles increasing the risk of serious harm.

If you were injured in a T-bone crash in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, proving fault in these accidents can be complex as both drivers may claim they had the right-of-way. At The Clark Law Office, we help accident victims fight for the compensation they deserve.

What Is a T-Bone Car Accident?

A T-bone crash, also known as a side-impact collision, occurs when one vehicle’s front end slams into the broadside of another, creating a T-shaped impact.  These accidents are especially dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection compared to the front or rear, making occupants more vulnerable to severe injuries.  T-bone crashes most commonly occur at intersections when:

  • A driver runs a red light or stop sign
  • A driver fails to yield the right-of-way
  • A vehicle makes an unsafe left turn in front of oncoming traffic

The severity of these accidents depends on speed, vehicle size, and impact location. A high-speed T-bone crash can cause life-threatening injuries or fatalities, especially if the impacted vehicle is smaller.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents are one of the most dangerous types of crashes, often occurring at intersections when one driver fails to yield or obey traffic signals. These collisions are frequently caused by negligent or reckless driving behaviors.  Below is a breakdown of the most common causes of T-bone accidents and why they happen.

⚠️ Cause🚗 How It Leads to a T-Bone Accident
🚦 Running Red Lights or Stop SignsDrivers who ignore traffic signals crash into vehicles with the right of way.
🏎️ SpeedingExcess speed reduces reaction time and increases impact severity.
📵 Distracted DrivingTexting, talking, or adjusting controls can cause a driver to miss a stop sign or traffic light.
🍺 Drunk or Drugged DrivingImpaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment at intersections.
❄️ Poor Weather ConditionsRain, snow, and ice create slippery roads, increasing the risk of running a stop sign or losing control.
🔧 Brake or Mechanical FailuresFaulty brakes or malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to side-impact crashes.
🔄 Failing to Yield on Left TurnsDrivers making unsafe left turns can collide with oncoming traffic.

T-bone crashes often result in severe injuries due to the direct impact on the vehicle’s side, where there is less structural protection. Next, we’ll discuss the most common injuries sustained in side-impact collisions.

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Collision?

Determining fault in a T-bone accident depends on which driver had the legal right of way. In most cases, the driver who failed to yield or disobeyed traffic signals is at fault. However, fault can sometimes be shared or disputed.  Below is a breakdown of how fault is determined in different T-bone accident scenarios.

⚖️ Scenario🚗 Who Is Typically at Fault?🔍 Key Evidence Used
🚦 Running a Red Light or Stop SignThe driver who failed to stopTraffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, police report
🔄 Left Turn Without Right of WayThe driver making the unsafe left turnIntersection diagrams, right-of-way laws, damage location on vehicles
🏎️ Speeding Through an IntersectionThe driver who was speedingBlack box data, skid marks, accident reconstruction reports
📵 Distracted DrivingThe driver who was texting or not paying attentionCell phone records, dashcam footage, eyewitness statements
🍺 Drunk or Drugged DrivingThe impaired driverPolice toxicology report, field sobriety tests, arrest records
❄️ Weather-Related SkiddingMay be shared if both drivers failed to adjust for conditionsWeather reports, accident scene photos, expert analysis
🚦 Malfunctioning Traffic SignalMay involve municipal liabilityCity maintenance records, witness reports, surveillance footage

In some cases, insurance companies may try to assign partial blame to both drivers. Michigan follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. If fault is disputed, an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to protect your claim.

Common Injuries in T-Bone Accidents

T-bone collisions often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of a vehicle. Unlike front or rear-end crashes, where crumple zones and bumpers absorb impact, side-impact crashes leave occupants more vulnerable to serious harm.  Some of the most common injuries in T-bone accidents include:

  • Head & Brain Injuries – The force of impact can cause a driver or passenger’s head to strike the window, door frame, or steering wheel, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures.
  • Neck & Whiplash Injuries – The sudden jolt of a T-bone collision can strain the neck, causing whiplash, muscle tears, or herniated discs.
  • Spinal Cord Damage & Paralysis – Severe side-impact crashes can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or full paralysis.
  • Broken Ribs & Chest Injuries – The force from the crash or the impact of an airbag can cause rib fractures, lung injuries, or internal bleeding.
  • Pelvic & Hip Fractures – Side-impact crashes frequently result in fractures to the pelvis, hips, or lower extremities, especially for passengers on the struck side of the vehicle.
  • Internal Organ Damage – The blunt-force trauma from a T-bone accident can damage internal organs, leading to serious complications such as internal bleeding.

How to Recover Compensation After a T-Bone Crash

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident in Michigan, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system covers certain expenses regardless of fault, but in cases of serious injury, you may have the right to sue the at-fault driver for additional damages.  The table below outlines the types of compensation available to T-bone accident victims:

💰 Compensation Type🏥 What It Covers⚖️ Who Pays?
🚑 No-Fault PIP BenefitsMedical bills, lost wages (up to 3 years), household services🏦 Your own auto insurance
🤕 Pain & Suffering DamagesCompensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life⚖️ At-fault driver’s insurance (if you meet Michigan’s serious injury threshold)
💸 Excess Medical & Wage LossExpenses beyond PIP limits and income loss beyond No-Fault coverage🏛️ At-fault driver’s insurance
🚗 Mini-Tort ClaimUp to $3,000 for vehicle damage repairs if the other driver was at fault🚘 At-fault driver’s insurance (if they have property damage liability coverage)
⚰️ Wrongful Death DamagesFuneral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members🏛️ At-fault driver’s insurance or a lawsuit against the responsible party

FAQs About T-Bone Car Accidents in Michigan

Who is usually at fault in a T-bone car accident?

Fault in a T-bone accident depends on which driver had the right of way. Typically, the driver who ran a red light, ignored a stop sign, or failed to yield is at fault. However, liability can sometimes be shared.

Can I sue the at-fault driver after a T-bone crash in Michigan?

Yes, if you suffered a serious impairment of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement, or wrongful death, you may sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages.

Does No-Fault insurance cover all my expenses after a T-bone accident?

No-Fault insurance covers medical bills, lost wages (up to three years), and replacement services. However, for pain and suffering or excess expenses, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company denies my claim?

If your claim is denied or undervalued, contact a Michigan car accident lawyer. Insurance companies often minimize payouts, and legal representation can help you secure fair compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim after a T-bone accident?

You have one year to file a No-Fault claim with your insurance and three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation.

Contact a Michigan T-Bone Collision Lawyer Today

A T-bone accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. At The Clark Law Office, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be, and we are here to help. Unlike large law firms that treat you like just another case number, we provide personalized legal representation and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.  Get the help of a trusted car crash attorney on your side.

If you were injured in a side-impact crash, don’t let the insurance companies dictate your future. We handle everything—from filing your claim to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to court if necessary. Best of all, you pay nothing unless we win your case.  Call us today at (517) 347-6900 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on recovery!

Discover how side-impact crashes compare to other collision types in our guide to common car accidents.

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