When you are waiting at an intersection, you trust that other drivers will follow the rules of the road.
But in a split second, that trust can be shattered when a vehicle slams into the side of yours.
T-bone collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents in Cincinnati.
If you have been hit in a side-impact crash, you are likely dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and questions about what comes next.
Here is what you need to know.
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What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident, also called a side-impact collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another.
This forms a “T” shape. These crashes typically happen at intersections, parking lots, or anywhere vehicles cross paths.
Unlike front or rear collisions, your car’s side panels offer minimal protection against impact.
There is less distance between you and the striking vehicle, which means the force of the crash can directly affect your body.
Drivers and passengers seated on the impact side often suffer from serious injuries.
Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions
T-bone accidents don’t happen out of nowhere. These collisions are often caused by driver negligence, inattention, or recklessness.
If someone else’s actions cause a side-impact crash in Cincinnati, you have the right to pursue legal action against them.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
One of the most common causes of T-bone collisions is when drivers blatantly ignore traffic signals.
Whether they are running a red light or rolling through a stop sign, these drivers put everyone at risk.
In Cincinnati, major intersections can see heavy traffic, and even a momentary lapse in judgment can result in a catastrophic crash.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roads. Drivers who are texting, adjusting their GPS, eating, or engaging in other distractions often miss critical signals and warning signs.
Similarly, impaired drivers, whether under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications lack the reaction time and judgment needed to navigate intersections safely.
These drivers may misjudge distances, fail to notice traffic lights changing, or simply not see your vehicle until it is too late.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Many T-bone accidents occur because a driver fails to yield when they should.
This might happen when someone is making a left turn and doesn’t wait for oncoming traffic to clear, or when a driver entering a roadway from a parking lot or side street pulls out without ensuring it is safe.
When drivers prioritize their own convenience over the rules of the road, they put everyone at risk.
Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Determining fault in a T-bone accident usually comes down to which driver violated traffic laws or acted negligently.
In many cases, the driver who struck the side of your vehicle will be at fault, especially if they ran a red light or failed to yield. However, fault isn’t always clear-cut.
Sometimes, both drivers share responsibility. In these situations, Ohio’s comparative negligence rules will apply.
This law allows you to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault—as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault; for example, if you ask for $20,000 in compensation and you are 10% at fault, your award would be reduced by $2,000.
Determining Liability at Intersections
Intersections are where most T-bone accidents occur, and establishing liability requires a careful examination of the evidence.
Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts all play a role in determining who is at fault.
For example, if the other driver ran a red light, there may be traffic camera evidence or testimony from witnesses who saw what happened.
If the accident involved a failure to yield, the specific layout of the intersection and the position of the vehicles can help establish liability.
Your attorney will gather this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Injuries Often Seen in Side-Impact Crashes
The nature of T-bone collisions makes certain injuries more likely and often more severe.
Because the side of your vehicle provides limited protection, you may sustain injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Common injuries from side-impact crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Shoulder and arm injuries
- Severe lacerations and bruising
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
What to Do After a T-Bone Crash in Cincinnati
After a T-bone accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Call the Police: A police report creates an official record of the accident. Call 911 to bring law enforcement to the scene.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the intersection, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful about what you say to the other driver, police, and insurance companies. Stick to the facts and avoid apologizing or speculating about what caused the crash.
- Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that minimize your claim. Seek legal representation before giving any recorded statements.
Compensation Available for Cincinnati T-Bone Victims
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical care.
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, you might also recover punitive damages.
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of your case.
Why You Need a Cincinnati Car Accident Attorney
T-bone accidents involve complex liability issues and insurance companies that want to pay as little as possible.
You need an advocate who knows how to investigate these crashes, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary.
At Monge & Associates, we have helped countless accident victims in Cincinnati recover the compensation they need to move forward.
Contact us today at (513) 224-5591 for a free consultation, and let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.