T-bone accidents—also known as side-impact collisions—are among the most dangerous car accidents on Florida roads. In Brandon, where busy intersections along Brandon Boulevard (SR 60), Causeway Boulevard, Falkenburg Road, Parsons Avenue, and nearby I-75 interchanges experience constant congestion, these crashes happen far too often. When one vehicle strikes the side of another, occupants have little protection from the force of impact.
Side-impact collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries, long recovery periods, and aggressive insurance disputes. If you or a loved one was injured in a T-bone accident in Brandon, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At Slater | Grant, we represent victims of serious car and truck accidents and fight to hold negligent drivers fully accountable.
This article explains how T-bone accidents occur, who may be liable, and what injured victims should know about protecting their legal rights.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape at impact. These accidents most commonly occur at intersections and are often the result of a right-of-way violation.
Because vehicle doors offer far less structural protection than the front or rear of a car, side-impact crashes often lead to severe injuries.
Why T-Bone Accidents Are So Dangerous
Side-impact crashes expose occupants to direct force with minimal protection.
T-bone accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Side doors provide limited crash protection
- Occupants are struck close to the point of impact
- Head, chest, and pelvic injuries are common
- Vehicles may spin or roll after impact
- Secondary collisions with other vehicles or objects may occur
Even at moderate speeds, a T-bone collision can be life-threatening.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Brandon
Most T-bone accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
1. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Drivers attempting to “beat the light” cause many severe side-impact crashes.
2. Failure to Yield
Drivers turning left or entering intersections often misjudge oncoming traffic.
3. Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, or in-car distractions cause drivers to miss traffic signals.
4. Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases impact severity.
5. Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and signal awareness.
6. Confusing or Poorly Designed Intersections
Unclear signage, faded markings, or malfunctioning signals increase crash risk.
Identifying the cause of the accident is essential to determining liability.
Where T-Bone Accidents Commonly Occur in Brandon
Side-impact collisions frequently occur:
- At signalized intersections
- Near shopping centers and commercial plazas
- On multi-lane roads with heavy cross traffic
- At highway on-ramps and off-ramps
- In construction zones with altered traffic patterns
These locations require strict adherence to traffic laws—yet negligence remains common.
Who May Be Liable in a Brandon T-Bone Accident?
T-bone accident claims may involve multiple responsible parties, depending on the circumstances.
1. Negligent Drivers
Drivers who run red lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield are often primarily at fault.
2. Commercial Drivers or Employers
If a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or commercial driver caused the crash, the employer may be liable.
3. Government Entities
Poor intersection design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or missing signage may create government liability.
Claims against government entities involve strict notice requirements and shortened deadlines.
4. Construction or Maintenance Contractors
Temporary traffic changes or poorly marked work zones may contribute to confusion and crashes.
5. Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective airbags or side-impact safety systems may worsen injuries.
Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing compensation.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in Brandon
The steps you take after a side-impact crash can significantly affect your injury claim.
1. Call 911 Immediately
A police report documents traffic signal status and right-of-way details.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Side-impact crashes often cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
3. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of:
- Vehicle positions
- Intersection layout
- Traffic signals or signs
- Skid marks
- Your injuries
4. Gather Witness Information
Witnesses may confirm signal violations or driver behavior.
5. Avoid Insurance Statements
Do not give recorded statements without legal guidance.
6. Contact a Brandon T-Bone Accident Attorney
Early legal involvement helps preserve critical evidence.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in T-Bone Accident Claims
Insurance companies frequently dispute liability in side-impact crashes. Strong evidence is essential.
At Slater | Grant, we collect and analyze:
- Police crash reports
- Traffic signal sequencing data
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Vehicle black box (EDR) data
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical records
This evidence helps establish right-of-way violations and negligence.
Common Injuries in Brandon T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents often cause severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Victims often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Compensation Available After a T-Bone Accident
Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment
- Disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
Surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and companionship.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system:
- You may recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
Insurance companies often attempt to assign shared blame in intersection accidents. Slater | Grant aggressively challenges these tactics.
Why Insurance Companies Fight T-Bone Accident Claims
Insurers frequently attempt to:
- Dispute traffic signal timing
- Claim the light was yellow
- Shift blame between drivers
- Minimize injury severity
- Push quick settlements
Experienced legal representation is essential to protecting your claim.
How Slater | Grant Helps T-Bone Accident Victims
At Slater | Grant, we fight for injured victims by:
- Conducting immediate investigations
- Securing traffic signal and video data
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling all insurance communications
- Accurately valuing damages
- Negotiating aggressively or preparing for trial
Our mission is accountability and maximum compensation.
Why Choose Slater | Grant?
T-bone accident cases require experience, precision, and persistence. Slater | Grant offers:
- Extensive personal injury experience
- Aggressive legal advocacy
- Personalized client support
- Trial-ready representation
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
We stand with victims when negligence causes preventable harm.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one was injured in a T-bone accident in Brandon, do not face insurance companies alone.
Start by completing thefree case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444.
Slater | Grant is ready to fight for your recovery, your rights, and your future.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Intersection and side-impact crash data.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Research on side-impact collisions and injury severity.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Studies on intersection crashes and side-impact protection.
https://www.iihs.org
4. Florida Statutes – Right-of-Way & Comparative Negligence Laws
Legal standards governing intersection liability.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us
