Miami T-Bone Accident Lawyer

T-Bone Accident Lawyer in Miami

In 2021, there were over 22,000 car accidents in the city of Miami, while Miami-Dade County recorded over 65,000 car crashes that year. In addition to contributing to gridlock, car collisions account for 43% of motor vehicle accident-related fatalities, and 78% of motor vehicle accident injuries. 

T-bone car accidents can cause severe injuries and death because the point of impact typically occurs where drivers and passengers are seated. 

Bernstein & Maryanoff help T-bone car accident victims seek fair compensation for accident injuries. Our lawyers specialize in T-bone accidents, and can determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Get expert legal advice now. Call 1-800-429-4529 for your free consultation..

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

Understanding what a T-bone accident is can help you understand if you may have grounds for compensation after a collision. A T-bone car collision occurs when one vehicle’s front end strikes the side of another vehicle. These accidents get their name from the shape of the vehicles involved at the point of impact because it resembles the letter T.

T-bone car accidents typically occur at intersections. Intersections increase the risk of T-bone accidents, and other types of car accidents, because drivers converge at intersections. One driver failing to stop at a red light can cause a car accident. The driver who’s at fault in a T-bone accident is the one who failed to yield to the driver with the right-of-way. The at-fault driver responsible for the accident may be liable for damages.

Although deadly car accidents include head-on collisions and being rear-ended, the distance between the point of impact and the people inside the vehicle is usually greater, allowing the vehicle to absorb more of the force of impact. With T-bone accidents, the people in the vehicle have minimal protection.

Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

In a T-bone accident, the at-fault driver is typically the driver who failed to yield to the driver with the right-of-way. However, there are times when determining fault isn’t straightforward.

If the lights at an intersection malfunction, multiple drivers may enter the intersection, increasing the risk of a collision. Although drivers should always exercise due care and attention to the drivers around them, if a driver approached the intersection and saw their light turn green, they may be traveling at a higher speed and be unable to stop in time to prevent a collision.

Florida’s comparative negligence laws allow multiple drivers to share fault for an accident. The police and insurance adjusters will investigate the accident to determine who is responsible for the collision. If multiple drivers are at fault, they’ll assign a percentage of blame to each driver.
Accident investigations involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing photos and video footage, and reviewing documentation about the accident.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Common causes of car accidents and T-bone collisions in the Miami area include the following:

• Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving involves a driver committing traffic violations in a manner that makes it likely they will harm others or property. Speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way, and disregarding traffic signals can all be factors in aggressive driving. 
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving occurs when a person’s mind or eyes are off the road, or their hands are off the wheel, such as when they’re drinking or eating. The driver’s response time is delayed because they aren’t paying attention to the road. 
• Driving under the influence: A driver may have slower response times, increasing the risk of accidents if they have been drinking or using drugs.

Unsafe intersections are another common cause of T-bone car accidents. Drivers may not see oncoming traffic at intersections with limited visibility, and if a light doesn’t control the intersection, they may enter it when it’s unsafe.

Common Injuries and Damages in T-Bone Accidents

Drivers and passengers involved in T-bone car accidents may suffer severe injuries.

Physical Injuries

T-bone car accident victims may suffer the following physical injuries:

• Broken bones: Closed, open, compound, and hairline fractures are common car crash injuries.
• Burns: Drivers and passengers may suffer burns if a vehicle catches fire, or they come in contact with hot fluids or surfaces.
• Head injuries: Head injuries include lacerations and traumatic brain injuries, which may cause short-term or permanent disabilities.
• Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are possible after a T-bone car accident.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries include damaged muscles and tendons and sprains. Whiplash is a common soft tissue neck injury that occurs when a person’s neck jerks back and forth.  
• Spinal cord injuries: Car accidents can cause back and spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries may cause permanent or temporary paralysis.

Impact on Mental Health 

Car accident victims may suffer emotional distress and mental health conditions. Conditions affecting car accident victims include the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Pain and suffering
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 

The physical, emotional, and mental health impacts affecting a car crash victim may impair their quality of life, preventing them from enjoying hobbies and preferred activities. Those with severe injuries may not be able to work or complete household tasks and may find themselves struggling with depression because of their physical limitations due to their injuries.

Financial Damages

Crash victims may have expensive medical bills and lose income if they’re unable to work or cannot return to their careers because of permanent injuries. Crash victims may be able to seek monetary damages to cover their bills, and they may be entitled to non-monetary damages for pain and suffering, and other mental health conditions they suffer from due to the accident.

What To Do After a T-Bone Car Accident

You should move to a safe location after a crash if you’re able to do so. Other steps you should take include the following:

• Check for injuries
• Call 911
• Seek medical attention
• Exchange information 
• Record crash information
• Contact your insurance company
• Contact a Miami car accident attorney 

Checking for injuries ensures you report accurate details when you call 911, so they can send appropriate emergency personnel to the scene. 

Document contact information for any witnesses at the scene. Taking photos is an excellent way to identify witnesses and verify relevant information. Video footage can confirm details, like whether a driver attempted to stop before the collision, or the traffic lights weren’t working.

You should seek medical attention to ensure you receive prompt care for all injuries, and have documentation confirming your accident injuries. Your medical records can justify your claim if you seek compensation.

You can call a lawyer from the scene and receive a free consultation. A T-bone car accident lawyer will ensure you take all required steps and explain how to protect your rights.

What You Can Expect in a T-Bone Accident Settlement

There are multiple factors that can affect the amount of money you could receive after a T-bone accident. The relevant factors in your accident case make your claim unique, which is why it’s hard to pinpoint an average settlement for T-bone accidents. 

The type of injuries you suffered are a key factor when calculating a settlement. Those who suffer back and neck injuries usually receive between $10,000 and $50,000 in compensation. However, you would only receive a percentage of the compensation available if you were partially responsible for the crash.

Who’s at fault is a critical factor. The nature and severity of your injuries also affect the damages you can seek. Suppose, in scenario one, you were 49% responsible for your accident but suffered permanent injuries. In scenario two, you had no fault but recovered from your injuries. In scenario one, you may be entitled to more compensation despite being partially responsible because of your medical expenses and lost income.

Experienced T-bone accident lawyers understand the complexities involved when calculating the average payout for T-bone accidents. They’re familiar with all valid grounds for recovering compensation after an accident, and will ensure you seek all available compensation when pursuing your T-bone accident settlement.

Your attorney will gather documentation and, if necessary, expert testimony to support your claims for economic and non-economic damages. They will also seek punitive damages if they can prove the at-fault driver’s gross negligence caused the accident.

How Insurance Companies Attempt To Minimize T-Bone Accident Payouts

Insurance companies try to mitigate their client’s liability after an accident by increasing the percentage of blame on other drivers, or finding other factors that reduce their client’s fault. For example, if they can prove the traffic lights weren’t working, they can argue their client wasn’t solely responsible for the accident.

The insurance companies representing at-fault drivers may try to convince victims to share blame before the cause of the accident is determined, which is why you should not talk to another driver’s insurance company. 

Insurance companies may also claim that some of your injuries did not stem from the accident, so they do not have to cover medical bills related to them. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, and complete all recommended medical tests after your accident.

Hiring a Miami car accident attorney protects your rights because experienced T-bone accident lawyers are familiar with insurance company tactics. Your lawyer will communicate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to prevent them from trying to get you to accept blame for the accident or agree to a low settlement.

Your Trusted Miami T-Bone Accident Lawyer: Bernstein & Maryanoff

The experienced T-bone accident lawyers with Bernstein & Maryanoff know how to help T-bone accident victims get the maximum compensation available. We’ll investigate your accident to ensure the at-fault parties are identified and held liable for damages. We’ll ensure all grounds for compensation are included in your claim, and gather supporting evidence to justify the settlement you seek. We’ll negotiate with the insurance companies until they get you a fair settlement, or take your case to court and fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.

Have you been injured in a T-bone accident? Get immediate legal help.

FAQs

Sources:

Injury Facts: Type of Crash. (2025). 

Miami Road Safety Overview. (2025). 

Speed and Aggressive Driving. (2023).

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Suite 226
Miami, Florida 33173