T Bone Accidents
Car Accidents Involving Trains
June 25, 2025
T-bone Accidents
T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous types of car crashes. These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. Due to the limited protection on the sides of most vehicles, T-bone collisions frequently result in major injuries and substantial property damage. Dr. Deryk Harting, a team member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in the Tampa Bay area, explains the dangers of T-bone accidents.
T-bone collisions usually occur at intersections when a driver runs a red light, fails to yield, or misjudges oncoming traffic while making a turn. The physics of the crash involve high lateral force concentrated on a vehicle’s weakest structural points—the doors. While frontal and rear end impacts benefit from crumple zones and bumpers designed to absorb shock, side panels offer far less protection. This shortcoming can be amplified if the vehicle lacks side airbags or reinforced doors and side pillars.
The force of the impact in these accidents often pushes the struck vehicle sideways, sometimes into other lanes, objects, or even causes the struck vehicle to rollover if the speed is high enough. The vehicle’s side absorbs most of the kinetic energy, often causing severe deformation and pushing into the cabin where passengers are seated.
Florida sees a high number of traffic crashes annually due to its large population and tourism traffic. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 390,000 traffic crashes occurred in the state in 2023. Of those, intersection crashes accounted for more than 30% and many of these were side impact collisions. T-bone accidents have a higher rate of fatality compared to rear end crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that side impact crashes account for about 23% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in the U.S. annually.
T-bone accidents are most common at intersections, especially in high traffic city areas. Unprotected left turns and rushed signal running are two of the most frequent causes. In Tampa, intersections along busy roads like Hillsborough Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway, as well as other Florida roads such as, U.S. 1, I-95 exits, and US-41 are frequent hotspots. These accidents tend to peak during rush hours (between 7:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 7:00pm) when traffic increases and drivers are often in a hurry or distracted. Popular tourist areas with unfamiliar drivers, like near theme parks or beach cities, also see elevated crash rates.
Because the impact comes from the side, occupants are more vulnerable to serious injury, especially if seated on the side that is struck. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma from hitting windows, airbags, or being thrown sideways.
- Spinal Injuries: Sudden lateral force can cause disc herniations, strains, or whiplash.
- Chest and Rib Injuries: From door intrusion or seat belt compression.
- Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries: Caused by direct side impact or from being crushed between the seat belt and impacted door.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable in side impact accidents.
- In more severe cases, drivers and passengers may be pinned or trapped and require extrication.
To minimize the risk of being involved in a T-bone accident in Florida, follow these safety tips:
- Always obey traffic signals and signs. Do not rush through a yellow or red light.
- Use defensive driving techniques and expect the unexpected at intersections.
- Look both ways at intersections, even if you have a green light. Not all drivers obey signals.
- Drive cautiously in unfamiliar or congested areas. Many crashes happen because drivers misjudge traffic flow or become distracted.
- Vehicle safety features can also make a difference. Vehicles with side curtain airbags, reinforced side impact beams, and blind spot monitoring systems enhance protection in the event of an accident.
T-bone accidents in Florida are a serious threat in city centers and high-volume intersections. If you or someone you know was in a side impact crash, seek medical attention right away—even if there are no obvious injuries as not all injuries can be immediately apparent. You may also want to consult a legal professional familiar with Florida’s traffic laws and insurance system.
— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.
