T-Bone and Side-Impact Collisions

T-bone accidents, formally known as side-impact collisions or broadside crashes, represent one of the most violent and inherently dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents on Colorado roads, including Boulder County. Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, where vehicles benefit from the substantial crumple zones and structural integrity built into the front and rear, a side-impact collision delivers the full force of a moving vehicle directly into the weakest point of the struck car: the side door. The structural components on the side of a vehicle, primarily the door frame and pillar, offer minimal protection against the crushing intrusion of a striking vehicle’s front end. This devastating lack of protection translates directly into an alarming rate of catastrophic and fatal injuries, transforming a routine drive into a life-altering event in a matter of seconds.

At Cook Bradford & Levy, our experience handling T-bone accident claims throughout Colorado has shown us the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll these collisions inflict on victims and their families. When a client comes to our firm, often dealing with spinal cord injuries, severe orthopedic trauma, or traumatic brain injuries, they are not just dealing with medical recovery; they are navigating a complex legal system that requires expert knowledge to secure justice. Headed by seasoned trial lawyers Jason Levy and Brian Bradford, our firm is committed to establishing clear liability against the at-fault driver and their insurance company, ensuring our clients receive the maximum compensation necessary to cover their substantial past and future damages.

The Anatomy of a T-Bone Collision

A T-bone collision occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, creating the shape of the letter ‘T’ at the point of impact. The vast majority of these crashes take place at intersections controlled by traffic signals, stop signs, or yield signs. These locations are the most frequent sites because they involve drivers who are expected to stop or yield the right-of-way but fail to do so due to negligence. Understanding the mechanics and common causes of these accidents is the first step in building a strong legal case, as the point of impact and the speed of the striking vehicle are crucial factors in proving fault and linking the impact to the severity of the injury.

The violence of a side-impact collision is exacerbated by the physics of the crash. The force transmitted into the side of the vehicle results in rapid lateral movement and intrusion into the passenger compartment. Occupants are often violently thrown against the intruding door panel, the side window, or other passengers, resulting in direct trauma to the head, chest, and pelvis. This lateral movement is highly unnatural for the human body and often leads to severe, life-altering injuries that are far more complex than typical whiplash or soft tissue strain.

Common Causes of Side-Impact Crashes

Nearly every T-bone accident stems from one driver’s negligent failure to follow a traffic control device or yield the right-of-way. While the specific circumstances of every crash are unique, a handful of negligent behaviors are overwhelmingly responsible for these devastating intersection accidents. The most prevalent cause is a driver running a red light or stop sign. A driver who blatantly ignores a traffic signal or fails to stop completely at a stop sign will inevitably enter an intersection when another vehicle has the legal right-of-way, leading to a catastrophic broadside crash. Additionally, failure to yield during a left turn is a frequent contributor. A driver attempting a left turn at a green light must yield to oncoming traffic, and an improper or impatient left turn often results in the turning vehicle being T-boned by the oncoming vehicle that has the right-of-way. Other major factors include distracted driving, where a moment of inattention such as texting, eating, or using a GPS device can cause a driver to miss a change in the traffic signal or a legally required stop, allowing them to barrel through an intersection. Impaired driving is also a major concern, as drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs suffer from severely impaired judgment, reaction time, and perception of distance and speed, making them exceptionally dangerous at intersections. Finally, excessive speeding reduces a driver’s time to stop and dramatically increases the force of impact, turning a potentially minor intersection error into a fatal collision.

The challenge in T-bone cases often lies in the “red light/green light” defense, where both drivers involved in the crash claim to have had the green light or the right-of-way. This requires a meticulous legal investigation that goes beyond the drivers’ initial statements to find corroborating evidence.

Establishing Negligence and Proving Fault in Colorado

The entire basis of a successful personal injury claim in Colorado is proving that the at-fault driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal concept rooted in the idea that every driver on the road owes a Duty of Reasonable Care to others. In the context of a T-bone accident, this duty includes obeying traffic laws, maintaining a proper lookout, and yielding the right-of-way when required.

The Role of Right-of-Way Laws (C.R.S. § 42-4-701)

In Colorado, the law provides explicit rules regarding who has the right-of-way at any given moment, and a driver’s violation of these rules is often considered negligence per se, or negligence as a matter of law. Colorado Revised Statutes, particularly those governing traffic control devices and intersection operations, clearly define the responsibilities of drivers. For example, a driver proceeding into an intersection against a red signal is in direct violation of the statute, and that violation creates a powerful presumption of fault.

When two vehicles collide in an intersection, the primary focus of the investigation is to determine which driver had the right-of-way and which driver failed to yield. We utilize every resource available to establish this crucial fact. This includes gathering Witness Testimony, specifically statements from objective, third-party witnesses who saw the color of the traffic light or the actions of the drivers, as such testimony is paramount. We also seek Traffic Camera and Surveillance Footage, as video evidence from nearby businesses or traffic enforcement cameras can offer irrefutable proof of who ran the red light or stop sign. Furthermore, in severe injury cases, we often employ Accident Reconstruction specialists. Our firm works with forensic engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to analyze skid marks, crush damage, and momentum data. They can calculate the vehicles’ speeds and trajectories, often proving conclusively that one driver had insufficient time to stop, thus demonstrating that the other driver violated the right-of-way.

This evidence is meticulously gathered and analyzed by attorneys Jason Levy and Brian Bradford to counter the inevitable arguments from the defendant’s insurance company, who will often try to muddy the waters by claiming the traffic light was yellow, that their insured had the right-of-way, or that the plaintiff was speeding.

The Severity of T-Bone Injuries

Because the side of a vehicle lacks the structural strength and air space of the front and rear, T-bone collisions frequently result in Catastrophic Injuries. The force of the impact can cause the vehicle door to crush inward, leading to immediate and severe trauma to the occupants. The types of injuries seen in these cases are often life-changing and require extensive, long-term medical care.

Common catastrophic injuries sustained include Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). The rapid sideways motion and the head striking the window, door frame, or interior of the vehicle often cause concussions or severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and mood changes. Furthermore, Spinal Cord Injuries are tragically frequent. The tremendous torque and lateral forces on the body can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries are also highly common, as the pelvis, legs, ribs, and arms are highly vulnerable to crushing forces. Fractures to the pelvis and femurs are particularly common and often require complex surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. Internal Injuries must also be assessed, as the sheer force can cause blunt trauma to internal organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys, which may lead to life-threatening internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery. Finally, due to the high severity of impact, T-bone accidents are a leading cause of fatal crashes in urban and suburban areas, resulting in Wrongful Death. Our firm handles these wrongful death claims with the utmost compassion and dedication to secure justice for the surviving family members.

Securing compensation for these severe injuries requires more than just proving fault; it demands a clear articulation of the victim’s past, present, and future medical needs. This is where our firm’s deep experience in working with medical and life care planning experts provides a critical advantage, ensuring that the compensation reflects the true lifetime cost of the injury.

Colorado’s Modified Comparative Negligence and Shared Fault

In the defense of a T-bone accident claim, the at-fault driver’s insurance company almost always attempts to place some degree of blame on the injured victim. They will argue that the injured driver was also speeding, failed to keep a proper lookout, or could have taken some action to avoid the collision. This strategy is designed to utilize Colorado’s Modified Comparative Negligence law.

Colorado operates under a 50% Bar Rule. This means that if the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, they are legally barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver. If the injured party is found to be less than 50% at fault (e.g., 20% at fault), their total damages award is reduced by that percentage.

For example, if a jury determines a victim’s total damages are $500,000, but assigns the victim 20% fault for failing to slow down, the recoverable award will be reduced by 20%, or $100,000, leaving a net recovery of $400,000.

Because the financial stakes are so high in T-bone cases involving catastrophic injuries, the insurance defense strategy will be aggressive in assigning fault to the plaintiff. The attorneys at Cook Bradford & Levy are prepared for these tactics. We use strong evidence and expert testimony to effectively minimize or eliminate any blame unfairly placed on our client, protecting their right to maximum recovery. This is a critical legal maneuver in nearly every contested side-impact case.

Protecting Your Claim: Why Immediate Action Matters

The moments immediately following a T-bone accident are crucial for the long-term success of your injury claim. If you or a loved one are involved in a side-impact collision, your priority must be safety and medical care, but once those are addressed, securing evidence becomes essential.

The first step is to Call 911 and Demand a Police Report. Due to the severe nature of T-bone crashes, police should always be called. A formal police accident report provides an official, initial determination of fault that is highly influential in the insurance claim process. It is essential to ensure the officer records accurate information, particularly regarding the traffic signal status. Second, you must Document the Scene. If physically able, take photos and videos of the vehicles, the intersection, any skid marks, and the traffic control signals in question. This visual evidence can disappear quickly as traffic resumes. Third, Do Not Give a Recorded Statement. Never speak to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to use any statement against you, and a simple misspoken word can jeopardize your entire claim under the comparative negligence rule. Finally, Seek Comprehensive Medical Care. Injuries from T-bone collisions, especially TBI and internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A complete medical examination is vital to link your injuries directly to the trauma of the crash.

Your Trusted Advocates: Jason Levy and Brian Bradford

At Cook Bradford & Levy, we understand that a T-bone collision is not just an accident; it is an event that can dismantle a life. Our firm, led by Jason Levy and Brian Bradford, is dedicated to providing the aggressive, meticulous, and compassionate legal representation needed to navigate the fallout of these devastating crashes.

Brian Bradford is a highly skilled trial lawyer and a Colorado native who has successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients across the state. His experience includes working for state and federal trial court judges, giving him unparalleled insight into judicial decision-making, which he uses to benefit every client. Jason Levy brings his own extensive trial experience and a focused dedication to fighting large insurance companies and corporations, ensuring they cannot simply dismiss or undervalue a catastrophic injury claim.

We handle every phase of your T-bone case, from the immediate investigation and evidence preservation to expert witness retention and, if necessary, taking your case to trial. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery. We pursue full compensation for all your damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a side-impact collision due to another driver’s negligence,in the Boulder-Longmont-Greeley region, the time to act is now. We offer a free and confidential consultation to evaluate your case and discuss how our trial-tested expertise can fight for the justice you deserve.