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Action Guide
T-Bone Collision: Your Action Guide After a Side-Impact Crash
T-bone accidents, where one vehicle strikes another's side, often cause severe injuries due to the limited protection on vehicle sides. Raffi Naljian has helped many T-bone collision victims navigate the aftermath of these dangerous crashes. The intersection dynamics often make liability questions complex. This guide walks you through the essential steps to protect yourself after a side-impact collision.
Injured in a T-bone collision?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
T-bone accidents frequently involve disputed liability—both drivers may claim they had the right of way. Raffi Naljian handles these intersection collision cases and understands how to investigate signal timing, witness perspectives, and physical evidence to establish fault. When seeking representation, look for an attorney experienced with these fact-intensive cases. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
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What to Do Next
- 1Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- 2Call 911 immediately
- 3Document the intersection—traffic signals, stop signs, lane markings
- 4Take photos from multiple angles showing vehicle positions
- 5Look for cameras at the intersection or nearby businesses
- 6Get witness information, especially from uninvolved observers
- 7Seek medical attention even if you feel okay
- 8Request the police report and note the officer's preliminary fault assessment
Evidence Checklist
- Photos of the intersection and traffic controls
- Photos of damage to both vehicles
- Traffic signal timing records (if available)
- Witness statements about signal colors and vehicle movements
- Police report with officer's diagram
- Traffic camera footage
- Medical records documenting injuries
- Vehicle damage assessment showing point of impact
Dealing with disputed liability?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the scene without photographing traffic signals and signs
- Not getting independent witness contact information
- Assuming the police report definitively establishes fault
- Ignoring side-impact injuries that may develop over time
- Not requesting intersection camera footage before it's deleted
- Making statements about who ran the light without certainty
How the Process Typically Works
1
Immediate Response
Medical care, police report, scene documentation
2
Investigation
Gather intersection evidence, camera footage, witness statements
3
Liability Analysis
Determine who had right of way
4
Medical Treatment
Complete necessary care for side-impact injuries
5
Claim Pursuit
Present evidence-backed demand to insurer
6
Resolution
Negotiate settlement or proceed to litigation
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Emergency room and hospitalization costs
- •Surgery for side-impact injuries
- •Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- •Lost wages during recovery
- •Pain and suffering
- •Permanent injury or disability
- •Vehicle repair or replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are T-bone accidents so dangerous?
Vehicle sides have less structural protection than front or rear. Occupants on the struck side are close to the point of impact, leading to higher rates of serious injury—broken ribs, pelvic fractures, head injuries.
How is fault determined in a T-bone crash?
Typically, the driver who violated the right of way is at fault. Evidence includes traffic signals, stop signs, witness statements, and physical evidence. But both sides often dispute who had the right of way.
What if both drivers claim they had a green light?
Investigation is crucial. Traffic camera footage, independent witnesses, and accident reconstruction can help determine who actually had the green. Police reports help but aren't conclusive.
What injuries are common in T-bone accidents?
Side-impact crashes often cause: traumatic brain injury, broken ribs and pelvis, internal organ damage, spinal injuries, hip injuries, and injuries from side airbag deployment.
What if I was hit while making a left turn?
Left-turn accidents are common. The turning driver often bears fault, but not always—if the other driver was speeding or ran a red light, they may be responsible. Evidence matters greatly.
Should I move my vehicle after a T-bone crash?
If safe to leave vehicles in place, do so until police arrive and document positions. If vehicles are blocking traffic dangerously, move if possible, but photograph positions first.
Intersection accidents require thorough investigation.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.