T-boned at an intersection? Fault often comes down to the light.

Why T-bone crashes are often serious, even at moderate speeds

In a side-impact crash, there is far less vehicle between you and the other car than in a front or rear collision. No engine block, no trunk, just a door. That is why injuries from T-bone crashes can be significant even when the other driver was not going especially fast.

Common injuries include head and neck injuries, rib and chest injuries, hip and pelvis injuries, and internal injuries that do not always show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a doctor soon after the crash matters for your health and for your claim.

Why fault is often disputed at intersections

Most intersection crashes come down to a simple question: who had the light, or who had the right of way. A driver who ran a red light or turned left across traffic is usually responsible, but both drivers often insist they had the green.

That is why you should be cautious about accepting the other insurer's early version of events. Their first account is based on what their driver told them, and it is not the final word on what happened.

Evidence that can decide an intersection crash

Because these cases often turn on a few seconds of light timing, evidence carries a lot of weight. Some of it disappears quickly, so acting early helps.

• Traffic or security camera footage, which can exist at some intersections and nearby businesses, though it is often deleted within days or weeks
• Independent witnesses who saw the light or the turn
• The police report and any citations issued at the scene
• The location and angle of vehicle damage, which can support one version of events
• Vehicle data and phone records, which attorneys can sometimes obtain in disputed cases

What to do in the first days

See a doctor even if you feel mostly okay, since side-impact injuries can take time to show up. Keep every record: the police report number, photos of both vehicles and the intersection, witness names and numbers, and all medical paperwork.

If you know of a camera that may have caught the crash, note the business or intersection. Footage can be overwritten quickly, and an attorney can send a preservation request if you decide to involve one.

Mistakes that hurt T-bone claims

A few missteps come up again and again in intersection cases.

• Accepting the other insurer's version of who had the light without pushing back
• Giving a recorded statement before you understand the fault dispute
• Guessing about details you are not sure of, like your speed or the light timing
• Delaying treatment, which insurers use to argue the injury was minor or unrelated
• Settling early, before the full extent of your injuries is known

How Alex helps

Alex is a free AI case assistant. You describe the crash, the intersection, and your injuries, and Alex explains in plain English how fault disputes like yours typically play out, what evidence tends to matter, and what your case could be worth in general terms.

If the other insurer is disputing fault or pressuring you, that is often a sign your case deserves a professional look. If you want one, Alex can connect you with a highly rated independent attorney in your area for a free review. No pressure either way.

The other driver says they had the green light. What now?

Disputed light cases are common, and the other driver's word is not the final answer. Witness statements, camera footage where it exists, the police report, and the damage pattern can all support your version.

Will there be camera footage of my crash?

Sometimes. Some intersections and nearby businesses have cameras, but footage is often deleted quickly, so it helps to identify possible sources early.

I feel sore but not badly hurt. Should I still see a doctor?

Yes. Side-impact injuries, especially internal and head injuries, can take days to show symptoms, and early treatment records also protect your claim.

The driver who hit me was turning left. Are they automatically at fault?

Often the turning driver is responsible, since left turns usually must yield to oncoming traffic, but there are exceptions, such as when the oncoming driver ran a red light or was speeding.

Is Alex a lawyer?

No. Alex is an AI consultant, not a licensed attorney, and this page is general information, not legal advice. If you want legal advice, Alex can connect you with an independent attorney for a free review.

What does it cost to use Alex?

Nothing. Alex is free by chat or phone, and there is no obligation to speak with an attorney afterward.