- April 20, 2025
- Tucker Law
- Car Accident Lawsuits
Whether you’re changing lanes or turning at an intersection during your commute into or out of New York City, you certainly don’t expect another driver to come out of nowhere and smash into the side of your vehicle. That kind of sudden and brutal collision can leave you dealing with significant vehicle damage and injuries, not to mention confused and shaken up. Determining T-bone accident fault in NYC might be the last thing on your mind right now, but it’s a critical element in seeking compensation to cover costs if you ever find yourself in such circumstances.
In the aftermath of a car accident, you have a lot to cope with, including recovering from your injuries, stressing over medical bills, and trying to figure out when or if you can return to work. When you’re already overwhelmed, the thought of fighting insurance goliaths for compensation can feel impossible, but the capable and compassionate attorneys at Tucker Lawyers PC can help. We’ll provide the trusted guidance, support, and representation necessary to put your mind at ease and let you focus on healing.
The talented team at Tucker Lawyers PC offers over 30 years of experience advocating for New York residents involved in accidents and helping them fight for fair compensation.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident is a vehicle collision that occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. These crashes frequently take place in intersections where one car is turning and another is going straight through, although that isn’t always the case. They can also happen in parking lots, driveways, and multi-lane roadways.
Statistics from the Federal Highway Administration show an average of nearly 40,000 intersection crashes occurring annually over a five-year period, resulting in an average of almost 11,000 fatalities per year. While not all of these intersection crashes are T-bone accidents, they can certainly cause serious injury or death when factors like high speeds, drinking, or distractions are involved.
How Do T-Bone Accidents Occur?
Common Scenarios Resulting in a Side Collision
T-bone accidents may be most common in intersections, but they can take place in various settings for all kinds of reasons. That’s important to keep in mind, as how an accident occurs can be a crucial factor in determining side-impact collision liability in NY.
A few scenarios that could lead to serious T-bone collisions include the following:
Negligence When Turning or Changing Lanes
In any accident, one or both drivers could play a part in causing the crash. T-bone accidents, in particular, could occur when a turning vehicle doesn’t have enough time to make it through an intersection and is struck by oncoming traffic. Alternatively, a driver preparing to go straight through the intersection may not be paying attention to signals and think it’s their turn to proceed when a turning vehicle has the right of way. Additionally, motorists who are changing lanes might fail to signal or check their blind spots and be hit by a driver in the lane they’re trying to enter. Regardless of the exact cause, though, one thing is clear: Negligence is often a root cause of T-bone accidents.
Speeding, DUI, and Distracted Driving
Some of the most common factors that play into determining New York T-bone accident fault align with the most common causes of car accidents overall. A driver speeding through an intersection to beat a yellow light, for instance, might not have enough time to avoid colliding with an oncoming driver turning left across their lane. Drunk drivers might crash due to delayed reaction time or poor decision-making, and anyone distracted by a phone, stereo, or passenger could take their eyes off the road for just a moment too long. Any one of these circumstances can result in a T-bone accident.
Road Hazards
Despite how common accidents involving driver errors are, not every T-bone accident is the direct result of them. In some cases, municipalities may, in fact, be to blame. For example, you might experience hazardous roadway conditions like potholes or poorly controlled work zones that cause you to swerve or lose control of your vehicle, creating the conditions for a T-bone accident. Malfunctioning traffic signals could also be behind your accident. Both of these instances would mean the city may bear some liability.
No matter how it occurs, a T-bone accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries and expenses. Contact Tucker Lawyers PC today at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
Determining T-Bone Accident Fault in New York
As the State of New York observes a no-fault policy when it comes to auto insurance, drivers must meet minimum insurance requirements that include personal injury protection (PIP), liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. That may lead you to wonder why it even matters who is at fault in a T-bone accident in NYC. The answer is that in cases of significant property damage and serious injuries, you may have a basis to pursue a claim against an at-fault driver. In addition, the state has a pure comparative negligence law that says you can still seek damages even if you’re partially at fault, with the caveat that damages are reduced proportionally based on your level of fault.
The Benefits of Hiring a Qualified Car Accident Attorney
Why You Should Consult With a Legal Professional About New York Side-Impact Collision Liability
Navigating the complex laws surrounding vehicle collisions and liability in New York City becomes much easier with a reputable and experienced lawyer by your side, as they can guide you through the process and help you understand what to expect. They will also help you file paperwork with the courts and collect evidence to bolster your case. Perhaps most importantly, they can negotiate for a settlement on your behalf and build a strong case if your claim goes to court.
Tucker Lawyers PC Is on Your Side
Suffering a serious T-bone accident effectively upends your entire life. Determining side-impact collision liability in New York and fighting insurance companies for fair compensation may simply be too much to deal with alone, but the attorneys at Tucker Lawyers PC are ready to step in and take the reins, alleviating your stress and advocating for your best interests.
If you’re facing an uphill battle with an insurance company to get compensation after a T-bone collision, the compassionate attorneys at Tucker Lawyers PC are here to help. Contact us today at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free case review.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]