Learn how fault is determined, when you can sue in Florida, and what types of compensation you’re entitled to after a T-bone crash

With so many busy intersections on highways and streets like Dale Mabry Highway, Kennedy Boulevard, and Fowler Avenue, it’s no surprise that Tampa sees a high number of T-bone and side-impact crashes. 

These accidents often happen in the blink of an eye—when one driver runs a red light, speeds through a stop sign, or fails to yield while making a turn. Unfortunately, because the sides of vehicles offer far less protection than the front or rear, T-bone crashes commonly cause catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.

If you or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed in a T-bone accident in Florida caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation beyond what’s covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. In this article, we’ll break down why these crashes are so dangerous, how fault is determined, and when you may be able to file a lawsuit.

If you have individual questions about your car accident or your right to sue, reach out to Palmer Lopez and schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Tampa car accident lawyers.

Is T-bone the worst accident?

Yes. T-bone accidents are the most deadly type of vehicle accidents. According to the National Safety Council, angle crashes, like T-bones, caused about 8,800 deaths in the U.S. in 2022 alone, accounting for almost 45% of all traffic fatalities that year.

By comparison, there were approximately 5,800 head-on collision fatalities and 3,400 rear-end collision fatalities that same year.

What happens when a car hits you from the side?

Because the sides of a vehicle offer less protection than the front or the rear, it’s common for cars to be totaled, and occupants are often left to absorb the full impact of the crash. While newer cars come with reinforced side-impact beams and airbags, they’re still often no match for the sheer force of a high-speed side collision—especially when larger vehicles like trucks slam into smaller cars.

The result? Catastrophic, life-altering injuries that can take months or even years to recover from, if recovery is possible at all.

What are the most common injuries from a T-bone accident?

Some of the most common and severe injuries in T-bone crashes include the following:

Because of the devastating nature of these injuries, medical bills can skyrocket, and victims may require extensive surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. In some cases, victims may be unable to return to work, further straining their financial situations.

Is Florida a no-fault auto insurance state?

Yes, Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means that after a car accident, each driver’s own insurance policy covers their medical expenses, lost income, and certain other costs, regardless of who caused the accident. This system is designed to reduce lawsuits for minor accidents and ensure that drivers get immediate medical treatment without waiting for fault to be determined.

So, what does Florida PIP cover?

Under Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which is required for all drivers, coverage typically includes:

• Up to 80% of medical expenses related to accident injuries (e.g., hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and diagnostic tests)
• Up to 60% of lost wages if injuries prevent you from working
• Up to $5,000 in death benefits for funeral and burial costs

Please note that maximum coverage amounts vary depending on your policy’s limits, and property damage to your car is not covered under PIP. 

Unfortunately, while PIP provides some financial relief for minor accidents, it often falls far short in serious accidents that cause life-altering injuries or fatalities.

When can I sue for a T-bone accident in Florida?

Under Florida law (Section 627.737), you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold. This means you must have suffered one or more of the following:

• Extensive and permanent loss of an important bodily function (e.g., paralysis, severe nerve damage, or loss of mobility)
• Permanent injury (as determined by a doctor)
• Extensive and permanent scarring or disfigurement (such as deep lacerations, burns, or facial injuries)
• Death (in which case, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit)

If your injuries do not meet these criteria, your only option for compensation may be through your PIP coverage. However, if your injuries are serious, filing a personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek full compensation for damages beyond PIP, such as:

• Uncovered medical expenses (including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care).
• Total lost wages and future earning capacity (not just the percentage covered by PIP).
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, etc. (which is not covered under PIP).
• Property damage (to repair or replace your vehicle).

If you’ve been seriously injured in a T-bone accident in Florida, don’t assume PIP is your only option. Schedule a consultation with a local Florida car accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and determine the best way forward.

Who’s typically at fault in a T-bone accident?

In a T-bone accident, fault depends on who broke the law or acted negligently. These crashes often happen at intersections, so the at-fault driver is usually the one who:

• Ran a red light or stop sign and crashed into another vehicle with the legal right-of-way
• Failed to yield when making a left turn across traffic
• Sped through an intersection without regard for other drivers
• Was distracted or impaired by alcohol or drugs, causing them to misjudge timing or ignore traffic signals

However, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that fault can be shared between both drivers. Under Florida law, you must be 50% or less at fault to recover compensation from the other driver’s insurance.

For example, if one driver ran a red light but the other was speeding through the intersection, a court may find both drivers partially at fault. If you’re 30% responsible for the crash, you can still receive compensation, but it will be reduced by 30%.

Because fault is not always clear-cut in T-bone accidents, insurance companies will look for ways to shift blame and reduce payouts. Having a Florida personal injury lawyer on your side with experience in car accident claims can help minimize your liability and maximize your final compensation.

Looking for the best Tampa car accident attorney to help after a T-bone crash?

At Palmer Lopez, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming Florida’s insurance laws can be—especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one from a T-bone accident. 

Our Tampa catastrophic injury attorneys have extensive experience in car accident cases, so we know what it takes to prove fault, challenge insurance company tactics, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Whether you need help proving you have a serious injury under Florida law or pursuing a lawsuit against a negligent driver, we’re ready to guide you through every step. 

Contact Palmer Lopez today for a free consultation, and let us help you reclaim your life.