St. Louis T-Bone Accident Attorney

Why Choose Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers?

At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’re the only firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident law. We’ve spent decades representing T-bone accident victims and have extensive experience securing compensation for our clients. Our 35+ years of experience means we know exactly how to handle these challenging cases.

Insurance companies send their investigators to crash scenes within hours. They’re already building their defense against you before you even leave the hospital. That’s why you need our team working just as hard to protect your rights.

• Rapid Response Team: We dispatch investigators immediately to secure intersection cameras before footage gets deleted
• Medical Network: We connect you with doctors who specialize in T-bone collision injuries
• Insurance Tactics: We know every trick adjusters use to blame victims and reduce payouts
• Trial Experience: Insurance companies settle for more when they know we’re prepared to go to court

What Exactly Is a T-Bone Collision?

A T-bone accident happens when the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another vehicle. This creates a “T” shape at the point of impact. These crashes are also called side-impact or broadside collisions.

Most T-bone accidents occur at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield. The driver who gets hit on the side usually suffers the worst injuries because car doors provide very little protection compared to the front or rear of a vehicle.

Unlike head-on or rear-end crashes, there’s no crumple zone to absorb the impact in a side collision. The force transfers directly into the passenger compartment where you’re sitting.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in St. Louis

Driver negligence causes most T-bone crashes in St. Louis. These aren’t random accidents – they happen because someone made a dangerous choice behind the wheel.

Red light running is the leading cause of T-bone accidents in our city. Drivers speed up to beat yellow lights or simply ignore traffic signals completely. When they blast through intersections, they slam into cars that have the right of way.

Left-turn accidents are another major problem. Drivers making left turns often misjudge oncoming traffic or fail to wait for a safe gap. They turn directly into the path of approaching vehicles.

Other common causes include:

• Distracted driving from cell phone use
• Drunk driving that impairs judgment at intersections
• Speeding that makes it impossible to stop in time
• Rolling through stop signs without coming to a complete stop
• Poor visibility from weather, trees, or illegally parked cars

Injuries From T-Bone Crashes

T-bone accidents cause some of the most severe injuries we see in car crashes. The side of your car offers minimal protection, so the full force of the impact hits your body directly.

The injuries you suffer depend largely on which side of your car gets hit. Driver-side impacts often cause head injuries when your head strikes the window. Passenger-side impacts frequently result in neck and spine injuries from the violent twisting motion.

Common T-bone injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Broken ribs, arms, and legs
• Spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe cuts from broken glass
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries

Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. You might feel fine at the scene but develop severe pain hours or days later. That’s why you should always get medical attention immediately after any T-bone crash.

Who’s At Fault in St. Louis T-Bone Accidents?

Determining fault in a T-bone accident isn’t always straightforward. Just because one driver hit the other doesn’t automatically make them responsible. Missouri law requires proving that a driver was negligent or violated traffic laws.

The key question is usually who had the right of way at the intersection. We investigate traffic light timing, signal patterns, and witness accounts to establish which driver should have yielded.

Speed is another crucial factor. Even if you had a green light, the other driver might claim you were speeding and couldn’t be avoided. We analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and crash data to determine actual speeds.

• Traffic Signal Analysis: We obtain official timing reports from the city to prove light sequences
• Witness Interviews: Independent witnesses often provide the clearest picture of what happened
• Accident Reconstruction: Experts can recreate the crash to show fault when evidence is disputed
• Video Evidence: Traffic cameras and business security footage can definitively prove fault

Insurance companies will try to shift blame to you whenever possible. They know that even partial fault reduces what they have to pay under Missouri’s comparative fault system.

Proving Your T-Bone Accident Case

Building a strong T-bone accident case requires immediate action. Critical evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies start building their defense right away.

The first step is calling 911 and getting medical attention. The police report and your medical records create an official link between the crash and your injuries. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

Document everything you can at the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses who saw the crash happen.

Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without talking to us first. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can hurt your case. They might ask if you were speeding or if you saw the other car coming.

Our award-winning car accident attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri, take over all communication with insurance companies once you hire us. This prevents you from accidentally saying something that damages your claim. Insurance adjusters are not your friends – they work to minimize payouts.

Missouri’s Comparative Fault System

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system for car accidents. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the crash.

Under Missouri’s comparative fault system, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, so you may still recover a portion of your damages even if you are found partially responsible for the accident.

This often happens in T-bone cases where both drivers claim they had a green light.

Insurance companies exploit this system by trying to assign you unfair blame. They might argue that you were speeding, not paying attention, or could have avoided the crash somehow.

We fight these tactics by building strong evidence that shows the other driver was primarily responsible. Even a small reduction in your fault percentage can mean thousands more dollars in your pocket.

Compensation for T-Bone Accident Victims

T-bone accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The compensation you can recover depends on how severely you were hurt and how the crash has affected your life.

Medical expenses are usually the largest part of any T-bone accident claim. This includes emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing therapy. We also seek compensation for future medical care if you’ll need long-term treatment.

Lost wages become a major concern when injuries prevent you from working. We calculate not just the time you’ve already missed, but also any reduction in your future earning ability.

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical and emotional trauma of the accident. There’s no formula for calculating these damages, but severe injuries typically result in higher awards.

• Current Medical Bills: All treatment from the accident date forward
• Future Medical Costs: Ongoing care, therapy, and medications you’ll need
• Lost Income: Wages missed due to injuries and recovery time
• Reduced Earning Capacity: If you can’t return to your previous job
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement costs

Our Fee Structure

We handle all T-bone accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us anything.

We also advance all case costs including investigation fees, expert witnesses, and court filings. You’re never asked to pay out of pocket while we’re building your case.

Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. Our experienced St. Louis T-bone accident lawyers review your case, explain your options, and answer all your questions at no charge.

Time Limits for Filing Your Claim

Missouri gives you five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this seems like plenty of time, you shouldn’t wait to take action. Evidence disappears and witness memories fade as time passes.

Traffic camera footage may only be available for a limited time after an accident. Business security cameras may overwrite footage even sooner. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case.

If the T-bone crash resulted in a death, family members have only three years to file a wrongful death claim. This shorter deadline makes immediate action even more critical.

Schedule a Consultation With Our St. Louis Auto Accident Law Firm Today

T-bone accidents can change your life in an instant. While you’re dealing with injuries and medical bills, insurance companies are working to minimize what they pay you. You need experienced lawyers fighting for your rights.

At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve been helping T-bone accident victims for over 35 years. We know these cases inside and out, and we’re not afraid to take on big insurance companies.

You can reach out to us anytime to discuss your case and get answers to your questions. Don’t wait to get help – call us now for a free consultation.

T-Bone Accident Questions and Answers

How do you prove the other driver ran a red light?

We secure traffic camera footage, interview witnesses, and obtain official signal timing reports from the city. These documents show exactly when lights changed and which driver had the right of way.

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit-and-run T-bone crashes?

Yes, your uninsured motorist policy covers injuries from hit-and-run accidents where the driver can’t be identified. We help file these claims and negotiate with your insurance company.

What makes T-bone accident settlements higher than other crashes?

T-bone crashes often cause more severe injuries because the side of a car offers minimal protection. Brain injuries, spinal damage, and permanent disabilities result in larger compensation awards.

How quickly must I contact a lawyer after a T-bone crash?

You should call immediately because critical evidence disappears fast. Traffic cameras delete footage within weeks, and witness memories fade over time. Early action protects your case.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from insurance?

Never accept the first offer without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies always start with lowball offers hoping you’ll settle quickly. We know how to negotiate for full compensation.

Can I still win if both drivers claim they had a green light?

Yes, we can still prove your case through traffic signal analysis, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction. These disputes require thorough investigation and expert testimony.