Tampa T-Bone Accident Lawyer

T-bone accidents can cause life-changing harm because the side of a car provides very little protection from a strong impact. Many accident victims feel overwhelmed after a T-bone crash, especially when they face medical expenses, lost income, and the stress of dealing with an insurance company that may try to limit their claim. These side impact collisions can lead to serious injuries that may take months or even years to heal.

Fiol and Morros Law Group helps you understand your legal rights, deal with the legal process, and seek compensation for the damage caused by a careless or reckless driver. Our team knows how painful and confusing T-bone accidents can be, and we work hard to support T-bone accident victims in every step of their personal injury claim. With simple guidance and clear answers, we make sure you feel heard and protected.

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident, also called a broadside collision, happens when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle at a 90-degree angle. These side-impact crashes often occur at intersections when a driver fails to stop at a red light or stop sign, fails to yield, or makes an unsafe left-hand turn into oncoming traffic.

Because one vehicle strikes the other directly in the door area, T-bone accidents can lead to severe injuries, major property damage, and even wrongful death claims.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Tampa

T-bone accidents are common in Tampa because of heavy traffic, fast-moving roads, and many busy intersections. These broadside accidents are usually caused by a driver’s unsafe choices, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to obey important safety laws.

Understanding these causes helps show how negligence caused the crash and why the at-fault driver should be held responsible for the harm they created.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.075 and § 316.123, drivers must stop at all red lights and stop signs. When a driver ignores these rules, they may drive straight into another car that is crossing the intersection with a green light.

This careless act is one of the most common reasons why T-bone accidents happen in Tampa, and it often leads to very serious injuries.

Failing to Yield the Right of Way

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.121, drivers must yield when required, such as when turning or entering an intersection. When a driver fails to yield, they can hit the side of another car that had the right of way. These crashes are often sudden and give the other driver no time to avoid harm.

Distracted Driving and Texting

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.305, Florida bans texting while driving. When a driver looks down at a phone, even for a moment, they may miss a light change, a stop sign, or a car crossing in front of them. This distraction can cause a strong side-impact crash that leaves victims with painful and long-lasting injuries.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.192, speeding and reckless driving are illegal because they increase the risk of deadly crashes. A driver who rushes through an intersection or drives too fast to stop in time may strike another car in a T-bone collision. These crashes are often severe because higher speeds result in a much stronger impact.

Impaired Driving

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.193, it is illegal to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drunk or high drivers have slow reaction times and poor judgment, making it easy for them to enter an intersection at the wrong time.

This behavior causes many T-bone accidents and often leads to catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death.

Improper Turns at Intersections

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.151, drivers must follow all rules for turning at intersections. When a driver turns without checking for oncoming traffic or cuts into another car’s path, they may cause a side-impact crash. These mistakes happen often in busy areas where drivers make quick or unsafe turns.

Poor Intersection Design or Malfunctioning Traffic Signals

Some T-bone accidents happen because of faulty roads or traffic signals. Poor design, missing signs, blocked views, or malfunctioning lights can confuse drivers about who should stop or go. When signals or signs do not work properly, even careful drivers can end up in a dangerous T-bone collision.

Types of Injuries Caused by T-Bone Accidents

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A strong hit to the head can cause memory problems, confusion, headaches, or long-term harm.
2. Broken Bones: Arms, ribs, hips, and legs often break when the door crushes into the body.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: A sudden jolt can cause nerve damage, chronic pain, or even partial paralysis.
4. Internal Bleeding: A strong impact can damage internal organs, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
5. Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries are very common after side impact collisions.

Who May Be Liable in a Tampa T-Bone Crash?

Many T-bone accidents involve a single driver making a quick mistake, but several parties may still be legally responsible for the harm caused. Liability depends on how the crash occurred, what the traffic laws require, and whether anyone acted carelessly or unsafely.

Here are the groups that may be held responsible in a Tampa T-bone collision:

Negligent Drivers Who Fail to Yield

A driver who fails to yield, runs a light, or enters an intersection at the wrong time can be held at fault for the T-bone crash. When a driver ignores clear traffic rules, they put other people at risk and may be legally responsible for the injuries and damage they cause.

Distracted or Impaired Drivers

Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or driving under the influence often miss signals or do not see oncoming traffic. These unsafe choices make the driver responsible for the broadside accident, as the crash would not have occurred without their distraction or impairment.

Commercial Drivers and Their Employers

When a commercial driver causes a T-bone collision, both the driver and the employer may be held responsible. The employer may be liable for poor training, unsafe schedules, or failure to follow safety rules. This means the injured person may have more than one source of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Compensation Available After a T-Bone Accident

A T-bone collision can leave accident victims with high medical bills, lost income, and major stress, and Florida law allows injured people to seek compensation for these losses. The amount depends on the severity of the injuries, how long recovery takes, and how the crash affects daily life.

Here are the types of compensation that may apply in a Tampa T-bone accident case:

Medical Expenses (Current and Future)

This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medication, therapy, and long-term treatment that may be needed after the T-bone collision. Victims may also recover the cost of future medical care if the injuries require ongoing treatment or monitoring.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If the injured person cannot work because of the crash, they may recover the income they lost during recovery. If the injuries cause lasting problems that limit future earning ability, the at-fault driver may also be responsible for that long-term financial loss.

Pain and Suffering

Victims may receive compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. These damages recognize the extent to which a severe injury can affect a person’s daily comfort and mental well-being.

Property Damage

This covers the cost to repair or replace the vehicle and any personal items damaged in the T-bone accident. It may also include towing, rental cars, and other expenses caused by the loss of transportation.

Wrongful Death Damages for Families

If a loved one passes away because of the crash, surviving family members may recover damages for funeral costs, the loss of financial support, and the emotional loss caused by the death. Florida law allows these families to seek compensation to help with the sudden and overwhelming impact of a fatal crash.

What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Tampa

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Get checked by a doctor right away, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries from T-bone accidents do not show symptoms at first, and prompt medical attention creates a strong record for your personal injury claim.

2. Call the Police and Report the Crash: A police report helps document what happened and may include details about fault, injuries, and road conditions. This report becomes important evidence when dealing with the insurance company or proving that the other driver caused the crash.

3. Take Photos and Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the vehicles, the damage, skid marks, traffic lights, and your visible injuries. This evidence helps show how the T-bone crash happened and supports your claim later.

4. Collect Names and Contact Information for Witnesses: Witness statements can make your case stronger because they provide an unbiased view of the crash. Ask for phone numbers and names so your lawyer can contact them if needed.

5. Exchange Information With the Other Driver: Get the other driver’s name, contact details, license number, and insurance information. This step helps you start your personal injury claim and ensures you can properly report the crash.

6. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that weakens your claim. It’s safer to speak with a lawyer first so you don’t risk hurting your case.

7. Contact a Tampa T-Bone Accident Lawyer Quickly: A skilled car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek compensation for your injuries. Fiol and Morros Law Group can gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

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Contact Our Tampa T-Bone Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

If you were injured in a T-bone crash, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer can make the entire process easier and less stressful. Fiol and Morros Law Group is a trusted law firm serving Tampa Bay, and we understand how much these crashes can affect your health, income, and peace of mind. Our personal injury lawyer team offers caring support and strong legal assistance from the first call through the end of your case.

We work hard to help clients seek fair compensation and, when possible, maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term harm. Our team also works on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win your case.

Contact us for a free consultation today so we can help you understand your rights and start building a strong claim for the recovery you deserve.