Side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents, often occur in the blink of an eye but leave lasting consequences. They are especially dangerous due to the minimal protection offered on the sides of most vehicles. While front and rear-end crashes are often easier to reconstruct and determine fault, T-bone accidents frequently lead to complicated investigations, conflicting accounts, and serious injuries. For Michigan drivers, understanding the causes, risks, and legal process involved is essential—especially if you’re the one left injured.
Why Side-Impact Crashes Are So Severe
When two vehicles collide at a perpendicular angle—such as when one vehicle runs a red light or fails to yield at an intersection—the side of one car bears the full force of the impact. Unlike the front or rear ends of vehicles, which are designed to absorb more energy in a crash, the sides typically offer much less structural buffer. Even with side airbags, occupants are more exposed.
The most common results of T-bone crashes include:
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Head and brain trauma
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Pelvic and rib fractures
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Internal injuries
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Neck and back damage
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Paralysis or permanent disability in severe cases
These types of injuries can result in long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and in some cases, loss of income or earning potential. That’s why proving who was at fault is not just about closure—it’s about protecting your financial future.
Where and How These Accidents Happen in Michigan
T-bone collisions are especially common at intersections where traffic lights, stop signs, and turning lanes create multiple points of potential conflict. In cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing, where traffic volume and speed often combine, these crashes can be devastating.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
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Running a red light or stop sign
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Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic when turning
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Distracted or impaired driving
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Failure to yield during left-hand turns
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Speeding through intersections
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Poor visibility due to weather or obstructions
In many cases, both drivers may claim to have had the right-of-way. This makes the investigation crucial.
Why Proving Fault in Michigan Is More Complicated Than You Think
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system. That means after an accident, your own insurance typically pays for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, if your injuries are serious enough—such as resulting in permanent disfigurement, disability, or extensive medical bills—you may be entitled to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver.
To do this successfully, you need to establish that the other driver’s negligence directly caused the crash. That often requires detailed evidence, and T-bone accidents are rarely cut and dry.
What Evidence Helps Prove Liability
Building a strong case starts immediately after the crash. The following forms of evidence can be especially helpful:
1. Police Reports
Law enforcement officers will usually investigate the scene and write an accident report. These often include diagrams, statements from the drivers and witnesses, and sometimes the officer’s opinion on who caused the accident. While not the final word in court, police reports can be persuasive.
2. Surveillance or Dash Cam Footage
In today’s world, many intersections are monitored by traffic cameras. Additionally, more drivers are using dash cams. If video footage shows one driver clearly running a red light or speeding through an intersection, it can be difficult for them to deny responsibility.
3. Eyewitness Statements
Neutral third-party witnesses can offer objective accounts. This becomes especially useful when both drivers insist they had the green light or right-of-way.
4. Vehicle Damage and Accident Reconstruction
The location and angle of the damage can help experts determine how the accident happened. Accident reconstruction specialists use physics, vehicle positions, and road conditions to explain who likely caused the crash.
5. Medical Records and Injury Reports
The nature of your injuries can sometimes reflect the direction and severity of impact. Emergency room records, imaging scans, and doctor’s notes can support your version of events, particularly when used in conjunction with other evidence.
6. Phone Records or Toxicology Reports
If distracted or impaired driving played a role, your attorney may be able to request the at-fault driver’s phone records or toxicology reports. This information could show they were texting, calling, or under the influence at the time.
Comparative Fault in Michigan
Michigan follows a comparative negligence rule. That means if you were partly at fault for the crash, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% responsible, your award would be reduced by that amount. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
This makes it even more important to have detailed evidence and a strong legal strategy, particularly when liability is contested.
Protecting Yourself After a Side-Impact Accident
If you’re involved in a T-bone crash, taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and strengthen your case:
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Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
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Report the crash to police and request a copy of the report.
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Take photographs of the scene, damage, and injuries if you can.
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Get names and contact information of any witnesses.
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Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or posting about the crash on social media.
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Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Even if you believe your no-fault insurance will cover your expenses, it’s important to understand the limits of that coverage. A qualified attorney can help you determine if your injuries meet the threshold for a third-party claim and what evidence you’ll need to move forward.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Prove Liability
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Michigan can play a key role in gathering evidence, hiring accident reconstruction experts, negotiating with insurance companies, and building a case that proves liability.
In side-impact cases, lawyers often need to challenge conflicting statements and dissect confusing accident reports. They may also be tasked with tracking down missing video footage, questioning eyewitnesses, or obtaining expert testimony about driving behaviors and impact forces.
This isn’t the kind of case you want to handle alone—especially when you’re focused on recovering from serious injuries.
Conclusion
T-bone accidents can change lives in seconds, and proving liability is often the hardest part of securing compensation. Michigan’s no-fault system provides a foundation of protection, but it doesn’t always cover everything—especially if your injuries are severe. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a side-impact crash, getting legal advice early can make all the difference. A skilled attorney can help you gather the right evidence, determine fault, and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
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