Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
A T-bone crash can cause serious injuries because the impact hits the side of the vehicle. The driver or passenger closest to the impact may have less protection from the crash’s force.
Some injuries heal with treatment. Others can lead to ongoing pain, medical care, missed work, or changes to daily life. This guide covers common injuries caused by T-bone crashes and the effects they can have long after the accident.
A T-bone accident happens when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. The vehicles form a shape similar to the letter “T.” These crashes often happen at intersections.
Common causes include:
You can learn more about how driver behavior contributes to crashes through our guide on Nevada distracted driving laws and information about drunk driving accidents.
These crashes can be dangerous because there is less space between the person inside the car and the point of impact.

A T-bone crash can cause serious injuries because the impact hits the side of the vehicle. The people sitting on the side that gets hit may face the greatest risk.
The injuries can range from neck pain and broken bones to brain or internal injuries. Some may also lead to long-term problems.
A side impact can make your head hit the window, door, or another part of the vehicle. The sudden movement can also cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) without any visible wound.
Common symptoms include:
Some symptoms may continue for weeks or longer after the crash.
The force of a T-bone crash can cause the neck and spine to move suddenly.
This may lead to:
Serious spine injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care.
The impact can also break bones, especially in the arms, legs, hips, and ribs. Some people recover with time and treatment. More serious fractures may need surgery and months of rehabilitation. Learn more about broken bones after a car accident.
Not every injury shows up right away. A hard side impact can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys.
Possible signs include:
Get medical attention after a serious crash, even when you do not see an injury.
The effects of a T-bone crash can also continue after the physical injuries start to heal. Some people experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Others may become afraid to drive or have trouble returning to their normal routine. Counseling or other mental health care may help.
A T-bone crash can affect more than your body. Some injuries and emotional effects may continue long after the accident.
A serious injury can change how you work, move, and handle everyday tasks. You may need ongoing treatment or time away from work.
Some people may face:
These effects can continue even after the initial injuries have healed.

| Injury | Less Serious |
More Serious |
| Whiplash | Neck pain and stiffness | Long-term pain or nerve problems |
| Brain injury | Headaches or concussion | Memory or thinking problems |
| Broken bones | Minor fractures | Multiple breaks or surgery |
| Internal injuries | Bruising | Internal bleeding or organ damage |
| Emotional trauma | Anxiety | PTSD or lasting distress |
The losses from a T-bone crash can go beyond the first medical bill. Depending on the case, compensation may include:
The amount depends on the injuries, treatment, and other losses caused by the crash.
Getting medical care is one of the first steps after a serious crash. You should also keep records of your treatment and accident-related costs.
Other helpful steps include:
These records can help show what happened and how the crash affected you.
Being T-boned means another vehicle strikes the side of your vehicle, usually with the front of their vehicle hitting your side. These crashes often happen at intersections.
They can be. Side-impact collisions may expose occupants to greater injury risks because there is less space between the point of impact and the passenger area.
Common injuries include brain injuries, whiplash, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and emotional trauma.
Fault depends on the facts of the crash. Investigators may review traffic signals, driver actions, witness statements, and other evidence.
Possibly. You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages if another party was responsible.
A T-bone accident can leave you with injuries that are still affecting you weeks or months later. The insurance company may not fully account for what you have been through.
Gina Corena & Associates can review your accident, injuries, and losses and help you deal with the insurance company.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how overwhelming this situation can be, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.