A T-bone motorcycle crash is one of the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. In a T-bone accident, the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, creating a “T” shape.
For motorcyclists, who lack the structural protection of cars, the consequences are even more devastating. Understanding your legal options, how to prove fault, and what steps to take immediately can make a major difference in recovering fair compensation.
Why Are T-Bone Motorcycle Accidents So Devastating?
Before you wonder about a car accident attorney for head and brain injuries after a T-bone car accident, you need to learn what makes it dangerous. A t-bone crash can be dangerous for several reasons, and not just internal injuries. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones:
Exposure and Impact
Motorcyclists are inherently more vulnerable in any auto accident, but especially in T-bone accidents, where the impact force is often direct and sudden.
With no airbags or external protection, riders face a high risk of being ejected from the bike, leading to more intense contact with pavement or other vehicles.
These impacts significantly increase the odds of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even partial or complete paralysis.
Common Injuries in T-Bone Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers involved in a t-bone motorcycle accident can face various damages, depending on how the incident occurs. However, here are some common ones to look out for:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when a motorcyclist’s head strikes the vehicle, pavement, or another object.
Symptoms include memory loss, dizziness, and cognitive impairments. These injuries can require long-term rehabilitation and may lead to permanent disability.
TBIs are especially devastating because the full impact may not be visible on initial scans, and symptoms often worsen over time.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of motor function. Victims may need surgery, assistive devices, and ongoing care for life.
Rehabilitation can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it essential to pursue a personal injury claim that accounts for future medical needs.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from the crash may lead to internal bleeding and organ damage, often requiring emergency surgery. These injuries are especially dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent.
Immediate medical attention is critical—even minor signs like dizziness or abdominal pain can signal serious internal issues.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries
The impact can easily break bones or tear muscles and ligaments. Victims may require surgeries, casts, or physical therapy for recovery. Some suffer long-term joint pain or limited mobility.
These types of medical expenses often include follow-up surgeries or rehabilitation sessions that extend months, if not years.
When and Why T-Bone Accidents Happen
Common Scenarios Where T-Bone Accidents Happen
T-bone collisions typically occur at intersections. Common causes include:
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign:
One driver ignores a traffic control and strikes a vehicle crossing legally. Under local traffic laws, this is a clear act of negligence and can be a strong basis to prove liability.
- Failing to Yield:
Turning left across traffic or merging into an intersection without checking for oncoming vehicles is another frequent cause. These failures often occur when drivers misjudge the speed of motorcycles.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving:
Drivers texting, drunk, or not paying attention can misjudge speed or fail to see motorcycles. In these cases, punitive damages may apply if reckless conduct can be established.
T-bone accidents involving one vehicle striking the side of another often result in extensive vehicle damage, which can be used to demonstrate the angle and severity of the impact.
What Happens after a T-bone Motorcycle Crash? Legal Options Explained
Step-by-Step Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Treat all injuries, even those that seem minor. Conditions like internal bleeding and TBIs can escalate quickly. Never assume adrenaline masks the severity of your injuries.
- Document the Accident Scene:
Take photos of the damage, surroundings, and your injuries to preserve evidence. Capture angles that show street signs, weather conditions, and vehicles involved.
- Report to Authorities:
File a police report, which is essential for insurance and legal claims. Ask for a copy and note the officer’s badge number and contact info.
- Gather Witness Testimony:
Get contact details of any witnesses who can verify what happened. Independent accounts can greatly support your injury claim.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: An experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected and guides you through the legal system. They also shield you from predatory tactics by insurers.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Starting Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
File a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This should include:
- Medical Records:
Proof of diagnosis, treatments, and related medical bills. Ensure your care provider documents pain levels and projected recovery time.
- Lost Wages:
Documentation from your employer detailing time missed and lost income. If you are self-employed, supply tax returns or invoices.
- Property Damage:
Costs of repairs or replacement for your motorcycle and gear. Photos before and after the accident help substantiate losses.
- Pain and Suffering:
Journal entries, therapy notes, or assessments from mental health professionals. Emotional damages are especially relevant in cases involving serious injuries or life disruption.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may try to reduce your claim value. Your attorney will:
- Respond to lowball offers and vague communication
- Present strong evidence to support your claim
- Fight for fair reimbursement of medical expenses and damages
Be cautious with what you say to adjusters. Even a polite comment like “I’m okay” can be misused to downplay your suffered injuries.
Determining Liability in a T-Bone Motorcycle Crash
Applicable Laws and Real-World Examples
In many states, T-bone motorcycle crashes are judged under general negligence standards. For instance, under California Civil Code Section 1714, everyone is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care. If a driver runs a stop sign and T-bones a motorcyclist, they can be found liable under this law.
In Nevada, NRS 41.141 governs comparative fault. In a case where both the motorcyclist and the car driver were partially at fault—say, one was speeding and the other failed to yield.
Moreover, in such cases, the court assigns each party a percentage of fault. If the motorcyclist is less than 51% responsible, they can still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault.
In Arizona, A.R.S. §12-2501 also outlines fault and liability in auto accidents, stating that fault can be shared but does not bar recovery. This is crucial for t-bone accident victims dealing with insurance adjusters who may argue contributory negligence.
How to Prove Fault
Liability is often clear in T-bone accidents, but evidence is still critical. Your legal team may:
- Use traffic camera footage or dashcam video
- Analyze police reports
- Gather expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
- Collect statements from witnesses
Comparative Negligence and Shared Fault
In states like California (Civil Code Section 1714) and Nevada (NRS 41.141), even if you share partial fault, you can still recover compensation if you’re less than 51% responsible.
This is key when multiple vehicles are involved or facts are disputed. Having a strong legal team is crucial to navigate these technicalities and counter any unfair attribution of fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Types of Compensation
With legal help, motorcycle accident victims may be eligible for:
- Medical Expenses: Past and ongoing care, surgeries, and rehabilitation. This may include prescriptions, mobility aids, and home modifications.
- Lost Wages and Income: Income lost during recovery and diminished future earnings. Vocational expert testimony can support claims of long-term economic impact.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life. Mental health evaluations and documented lifestyle changes are often used to support this.
- Property Damage: Repairs or full replacement value of your motorcycle.
- Punitive Damages: If the at-fault driver was grossly negligent or reckless (e.g., DUI). These aim to punish egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.
The compensation also those wondering if they can sue for t bone car accident and get compensation.
Legal Representation Makes the Difference
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
A motorcycle accident attorney:
- Navigates the legal process
- Handles all communications with the insurance company
- Assembles documentation and evidence to prove liability
- Secures expert witnesses if needed
- Negotiates aggressively for a fair settlement or prepares for court
Determining who is at fault in a t bone accident is one of the most challenging tasks during the lawsuit. However, an experienced lawyer can greatly help this process.
What to Ask When Hiring Legal Help
Choose a lawyer with:
- A successful track record with T-bone accident cases
- Experience in personal injury law and dealing with insurance adjusters
- Client testimonials that reflect strong results
- A commitment to pursuing maximum compensation
Bourassa Law Group: Advocating for T-Bone Accident Victims
At Bourassa Law Group, our seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injury victims recover. We handle everything—from case investigation and evidence collection to filing your personal injury lawsuit and negotiating with the insurance company.
We’ve helped clients secure compensation for:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
Our mission is simple: to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the resources our clients need to rebuild their lives.
Contact us today for your free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Final Thoughts
Being involved in a T-bone motorcycle crash can change your life in an instant. But with the right legal team, you can pursue justice and secure your financial future.
Don’t wait. Whether you’ve suffered severe injuries, mounting medical bills, or lost income, Bourassa Law Group is here to help you recover compensation.
Call now for your free consultation and begin the path to healing with experienced legal representation on your side.
1-800-870-8910