T-bone accidents explained

What is a T-bone accident?

A T-bone accident happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape upon impact. You’ll also hear T-bones referred to as side-impact or broadside collisions — the terms are interchangeable.

T-bone collisions are different from sideswipe collisions, although they both broadly fall under the category of side-impact collisions. Sideswipes are those where the sides of two vehicles collide while travelling in the same or opposite directions. T-bones, meanwhile, involve two vehicles crashing at a perpendicular angle.

Think about the roads you travel on every day. For the most part, traffic flows in parallel lanes, with cars moving in the same or opposite directions. A conflict point is any location where the paths of two vehicles can cross, merge, or diverge. Commonly, T-bones happen in areas where there’s a crossing conflict, such as at an intersection.

A classic example is a driver running a red (or even a yellow) light and crashing into a vehicle with a green light from a side lane. Or, at uncontrolled intersections (like those without traffic signals), if a driver fails to yield to a vehicle that is already crossing. But intersections aren’t the only hotspots for T-bones — they are also common in parking lot accidents.

Common causes of T-bone accidents

Most T-bone collisions can be attributed to the following culprits:

• Disregarding the right-of-way. This usually involves a driver attempting to beat cross-traffic and… well, misjudging the gap. If everyone adhered to right-of-way laws, T-bone collisions would become rare.
• Distracted driving. When a driver’s focus drifts away from the road (even for a few seconds), it’s dangerously easy to miss a signal or a vehicle ahead and proceed when it isn’t safe. That momentary lapse in attention can quickly lead to a broadside collision.
• Impaired driving. Driving requires sharp judgment — something alcohol and drugs are notorious for taking away. An impaired driver is likely to misjudge another vehicle’s speed or path, especially at night.
• Speeding. When approaching a crossing point, it’s important to reduce speed and assess the road before proceeding through. Too much speed strips a driver of the precious time needed to react to a vehicle crossing their path — even with quick reflexes, a speeding car simply can’t stop or swerve in time.
• Poor driving conditions. This isn’t just about rain or snow. Yes, hydroplaning into cross-traffic is certainly possible, but any external factor that compromises a driver’s control or vision can also be a contributing factor. This can include dense fog, sun glare that blinds your front view, or even blind corners created by structures that force you to inch into cross-traffic.

Crumple zones

What makes T-bone collisions particularly dangerous is a result of basic physics and vehicle design.

Modern passenger cars are equipped with what’s known as crumple zones, which are energy-absorbing areas that deform and crumple upon impact. This controlled crumpling absorbs and cushions the blow of a collision, minimizing the force to which the passengers are subjected.¹

Generally, crumple zones are located on the front and rear of vehicles. In the event of a head-on or rear-end collision, this design enables the car to dissipate kinetic energy away from the cabin. Combined with airbags and seatbelts, these systems help prevent otherwise significant injuries.

Comparatively, vehicles have little protective material on their sides. Besides reinforced doors and the side airbags, there really isn’t much material to absorb a direct impact. The lack of a side crumple zone makes it much more likely for the occupants of the T-boned car (the one being struck from its side) to suffer major injuries.

Who’s at fault in a T-Bone accident?

In most T-bone collisions, the driver who failed to yield the right-of-way would typically be found at fault. Most of these accidents don’t happen by chance; they’re usually the result of one (or both) drivers’ negligence.

Common at-fault scenarios include:

• A driver running a stop signal and striking a vehicle that had the right to cross the intersection.
• A driver making a left turn who fails to yield to oncoming traffic and is struck.
• A driver pulling out of a private driveway onto a main road without ensuring the path is clear.
• In a parking lot, a driver pulling out of a feeder lane fails to yield to a vehicle already travelling in a thoroughfare lane.
• At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver who fails to yield to the vehicle that arrived first, or if arriving simultaneously, the vehicle to their right.

Deciphering fault is the job of insurance companies, which they’ll typically sort out after you file your insurance claim. So, rather than debating with others at the crash scene, your focus should be on collecting any evidence you can. Useful evidence includes photos of the crash site, witness statements, and the other driver’s insurance information. If anyone is injured, contact the police immediately.

Crucially, never admit fault, even if you believe you caused the accident. If the incident ends up in a courtroom, the legal process will refer to the established fault determination rules for vehicle accidents in your specific province.

Applicable car insurance coverages

Like any accident, you’ll need certain coverages on your car insurance policy to be reimbursed for losses resulting from a T-bone.

• Collision coverage. This covers repairs for damage to your own vehicle when you’re at fault in a T-bone collision. It’s usually an optional coverage, but you must have it on your policy before the incident occurs to use it.
• Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD). This covers damage to your vehicle when the other driver is at fault. DCPD exists in many provinces that don’t have public auto insurers, like Ontario. To claim DCPD, it must be on your policy before the accident.
• Accident benefits coverage. This is a standard feature of all car insurance policies. It offers compensation to those injured in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
• Third-party liability coverage. This is part of every car insurance policy by default. It protects you if you are legally responsible for damage or injury to others involved in a T-bone or any other accident.

Collision and DCPD are the only coverages from this list with a deductible. Unless you were entirely blameless (or zero percent at fault), you’ll have to pay this deductible when you make your collision claim.

• What to do after a vehicle accident
• Parking lot accidents: who is at fault?

Tips for avoiding a T-bone accident

While you can’t control other drivers, you can adopt smart driving habits to reduce your risk of getting T-boned.

1. Be extra cautious at intersections. Always scan the cross-traffic before you enter an intersection. Never turn until you’re 100% certain that oncoming traffic is clear or has stopped for their red light or stop signal.
2. Eliminate distractions. This one should be obvious: your eyes and mind should be on the road at all times, especially when approaching any cross-traffic. Shifting your focus even for a split second can leave too little time to react.
3. Control your speed. Remember, you can’t out-brake bad physics. On any road, stick to the posted speed limit — it’s there for your safety. When approaching intersections or other high-risk areas, cover your brakes in case you need to avoid a close call.
4. Assume the worst. It might be a great life motto to assume the best in people, but on the road, it’s smart to assume the worst. For example, if a car is reversing into your path in a parking lot, there’s a chance it’s because they haven’t seen you, even if you had the right of way. Even advanced rear cross-traffic sensors have a limited field of view. When in doubt, give other drivers room to make mistakes.

Commonly asked questions

What are the insurance implications of a T-bone accident?

They can be significant, mainly because T-bones often result in severe injuries and major vehicle damage. If you’re found to be the at-fault driver, your liability insurance will cover the other party’s medical bills and vehicle repairs, up to your policy limits. Your own collision coverage (if you have it) would pay for your car’s repairs, but you’d have to cover your deductible.

If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance is responsible for covering your expenses.

Either way, an at-fault T-bone accident is very likely to cause your insurance premiums to increase at renewal time.

What are the factors for the high collision rate of young drivers?

Young drivers — meaning under 25, but particularly teenagers — are involved in a disproportionate number of collisions, both T-bone and otherwise.

Young drivers are more frequently involved in accidents that arise from a failure to yield, or from careless operation. Careless operation comprises rear-end accidents, illegal lane changes, and similar incidents.²

What is the average payout for T-bone accidents in Canada?

There is no useful way to average the payouts for T-bone (or other) car accidents, as settlements are based on numerous factors. For example, an accident could result in a $500 door repair, an $18 million injury settlement, or anything in between.

Sources

1. Desapriya, Ediriweera, et al. “The Risk of Injury and Vehicle Damage Severity in Vehicle Mismatched Side Impact Crashes in British Columbia.” IATSS Research, Vol. 29, Issue 2, 1 July 2005, pp. 60–66.
2. Rahman, Ashifur, et al. “Understanding the Contributing Factors to Young Driver Crashes: A Comparison of Crash Profiles of Three Age Groups.” Transportation Engineering, Vol. 5, 100076, September 2021, doi.org/10.1016/j.treng.2021.100076.

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