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T-Bone

New York T-Bone Accident Lawyer

T-bone accidents are one of the most dangerous types of car crashes that can occur. These accidents arise when the front of one vehicle strikes the driver or passenger side of another, creating what looks like a “T” formation. In some cases, these collisions can also result in a secondary accident by causing the struck car to spin out of control and hit a guard rail or a third vehicle. Also sometimes called a side impact or broadside collision, these crashes are responsible for roughly one-quarter of all passenger vehicle fatalities.

If you’ve suffered injuries in a T-bone accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The personal injury attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. know how a car accident can significantly impact your life and livelihood — while you concentrate on getting better, we focus on ensuring justice is obtained.

Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Often, T-bone accidents happen at intersections as a result of a driver running a red light or failing to yield to a vehicle with the right of way. Unlike other types of accidents in which several feet of steel protect the vehicle’s occupants, there is only the thin side door to absorb the impact of the oncoming vehicle in a T-bone collision. Depending upon which side of the vehicle was struck, a driver or passenger can become trapped inside the car and sustain catastrophic injuries.

Other common causes of T-bone accidents can include:

  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to obey traffic signals
  • Mechanical failure
  • Defective brakes
  • Cell phone use or texting


Liability in a T-bone accident usually hinges on who had the right of way, and determining fault can sometimes be complicated. However, an injured plaintiff may still be entitled to economic recovery under New York’s comparative negligence rule if they’re partly to blame for the collision. In these cases, a victim’s compensation is reduced by their share of fault.    

Every T-bone accident is different and each victim is uniquely affected by their injuries. The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. will thoroughly investigate your claim to help ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Common T-Bone Accident Injuries

Depending on the speed of the oncoming vehicle and the force of the impact, T-bone accident injuries can vary widely. Not only might the crash itself cause severe physical damage, but in many cases, window glass shatters and airbags deploy when a vehicle is struck on the side, causing additional injuries.

A T-bone accident victim may suffer from lacerations, torn ligaments, spinal cord damage, fractures, broken ribs, concussion, brain damage, paralysis, disfigurement, permanent disability, or fatality. Sometimes, certain injuries may not appear until weeks later — this is why it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately to treat them accordingly.

In the aftermath of a T-bone accident, your doctor may conduct various diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRIs, EMG-NCVs, or CAT scans. They may recommend a course of treatment that might include the use of medical equipment, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment, based upon your injuries. In some cases, surgical procedures may even be necessary. Following your doctor’s recommended course of treatment is essential not only to heal your injuries, but also to build a strong claim for your lawsuit.   

Trusted Advocates Striving to Secure the Compensation You’re Entitled

Victims of T-bone accidents may suffer significant financial losses due to their injuries. Medical bills can also add up quickly after a side impact crash. Additionally, you may have lost time from work as your injuries healed. If you have suffered a severe injury in a T-bone accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.

While no-fault insurance covers a certain amount of lost wages and medical costs up to $50,000, it is rarely enough to cover the full costs of your monetary damages. It also doesn’t compensate you for the physical pain and mental anguish you may have experienced in connection with your injuries. Importantly, you may be able to recover for your unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and your pain and suffering in a personal injury action.

Families who lost loved ones in a T-bone accident may also be eligible to receive compensation by filing a wrongful death action.

At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we handle every accident case with personalized time and attention. Carefully assessing the facts and circumstances of every accident and how your injuries have affected your daily life, we strive to reach a successful outcome — whether through negotiation or litigation.

Contact a Reliable T-Bone Accident Lawyer in New York

T-bone accidents can be physically, financially, and emotionally devastating — and it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can assist you with obtaining the full amount of compensation available for your injuries. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been helping T-bone accident victims and their families secure substantial verdicts and settlements in their cases for more than 30 years.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Long Island in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Contact us for a consultation.