A T-bone accident — also called a broadside or side-impact collision — occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a "T" shape. These crashes are especially dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear: just a door panel, window glass, and a few inches of space between the occupant and the striking vehicle.

Florida intersections, parking lots, and driveways are common sites for T-bone crashes. If you were hit broadside in Florida, you need an attorney who understands the unique dynamics of these cases.

Running red lights or stop signs. The most common cause. A driver who blows through a signal strikes a vehicle that had the right of way.

Failure to yield on left turns. Drivers turning left across oncoming traffic who misjudge speed or gap cause broadside crashes with oncoming vehicles.

Failure to yield from a driveway or parking lot. Drivers pulling out of driveways, gas stations, or shopping center exits who fail to check for oncoming traffic.

Distracted driving. Drivers looking at phones miss signals and fail to see crossing traffic.

Speeding. High-speed T-bone crashes are catastrophic because the striking vehicle has more kinetic energy and the struck vehicle has less time to react.

Impaired driving. Drunk or drugged drivers frequently run signals and fail to yield.

The side of a vehicle is its weakest point. While modern cars have side curtain airbags and reinforced door beams, these features have limits. In a high-speed T-bone:

• The striking vehicle's bumper and hood can penetrate the door cavity
• Occupants on the struck side have no crumple zone between them and the impact
• Head and neck injuries are common because the body is thrown laterally
• Rear-seat passengers — including children — are particularly vulnerable

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) — from head striking the window or door
• Broken ribs and sternum
• Shoulder and arm fractures
• Hip and pelvis fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage (spleen, liver, kidney)
• Knee and leg injuries from door intrusion
• Wrongful death

Fault in T-bone crashes often comes down to who had the right of way — and proving it requires fast action:

Traffic camera and red light camera footage. Many Florida intersections have cameras. We obtain footage before it is overwritten (often within 30 days).

Event data recorder. The black box in both vehicles records speed, throttle, and braking. A driver who never braked before impact likely ran the light.

Witness statements. Pedestrians and stopped drivers at the intersection often have clear sightlines to the signal state.

Signal timing records. We subpoena signal timing data from the city or county to establish the exact sequence at the time of the crash.

Skid mark analysis. The presence, absence, and direction of skid marks tell the story of each driver's actions before impact.

Insurance companies frequently dispute fault in T-bone cases — both drivers often claim they had the green light. Our attorneys build the physical evidence case to overcome these disputes and establish clear liability.

• Emergency care, surgery, and hospitalization
• Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses for permanent injuries
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death damages

Physical evidence resolves conflicting accounts. Event data recorders, signal timing records, skid mark analysis, and witness testimony establish the truth independent of what each driver claims. We have resolved many disputed T-bone cases through thorough investigation.

Yes. Property damage is recoverable in addition to personal injury damages. We pursue the full replacement value of your vehicle, not just the insurance company's lowball estimate.

No. Parking lot T-bone crashes follow the same negligence principles. Right-of-way rules apply in parking lots, and the driver who failed to yield is liable. Parking lot crashes often involve lower speeds but can still cause serious injuries.

Injured in a Florida T-bone or side-impact crash? Call Juan Cordero Lawyers at 305-525-8957 — available 24/7. We fight for maximum compensation. No fee unless we win.