If you were hurt in a side-impact crash in the Lafayette area, you probably have more questions than answers right now. T-bone accidents, also called broadside or side-impact collisions, are among the most violent crashes that happen on Louisiana roads. Below, we answer some of the questions our Lafayette T-bone accident attorneys hear most often from people in your situation.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident happens when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming the shape of the letter “T.” These crashes are especially common at intersections, where drivers may run red lights, roll through stop signs, or misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic. They also occur in parking lots and driveways when a driver pulls out into a lane without seeing an approaching vehicle.
What makes T-bone crashes so dangerous is the limited protection a vehicle’s side offers compared to its front or rear. Modern cars have crumple zones at the front and rear, but the sides of a vehicle provide much less protection.
What Kinds of Injuries Do T-bone Accidents Cause?
The injuries from a side-impact collision can be severe and long-lasting. Because the force of impact is directed straight at the occupant on the struck side of the vehicle, the body absorbs a tremendous amount of energy. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Internal injuries.
- Soft tissue injuries.
Even if you do not think your injuries are severe, you should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Seeking immediate medical attention can save your life. It can also help protect your right to recover full compensation for your damages.
Who Is at Fault in a T-bone Accident?
Fault in a T-bone crash depends on the specific facts of the collision. In many cases, the driver who violated a traffic signal or failed to yield the right of way is responsible.
But liability is not always straightforward. For example, if a traffic signal were malfunctioning, the government entity responsible for maintaining it could be held partially at fault. If a mechanical defect, such as brake failure, contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer or a repair shop might also bear some responsibility.
Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault system, in which fault can be apportioned among multiple parties. Beginning January 1, 2026, Louisiana law bars your claim if you are determined to be 51% or more at fault. However, if you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover compensation, but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages are determined to be $100,000 and you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. But if you are 50% at fault, you could still recover $50,000 after deducting your percentage of fault.
How Long Do You Have To File a T-bone Accident Injury Claim?
You typically have two years to file a Louisiana personal injury claim arising from a motor vehicle accident. However, there are some exceptions to the two-year filing deadline. So, you must promptly consult an experienced Louisiana T-bone accident lawyer to determine how long you have to file your claim.
Contact a Lafayette Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident caused by another party, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, our Lafayette car accident lawyers have a proven record of securing maximum compensation for our clients, and we want to do the same for you. Call (337) 233-3366 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your car accident injury claim today.