Rob King & Associates, Trail Lawyers | January 3, 2026 | Car Accidents
Being involved in a T-bone accident can be terrifying and life-altering. These crashes occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape, and they often happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield, runs a red light, or misjudges oncoming traffic. Because the sides of vehicles have less structural protection than the front or rear, T-bone collisions can cause particularly serious injuries and extensive property damage.
If you’re involved in a T-bone accident, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation later.
Ensure Safety
Your first priority after any collision is safety.
To protect yourself, consider the following:
- Check for injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like internal trauma or concussion) might not be immediately obvious.
- Call 911. Report the accident to law enforcement and request emergency medical help if needed. First responders can provide medical care and create an official accident report, which is critical later on.
- Move to a safe location. If the vehicles are drivable and you’re not seriously injured, pull over out of traffic to prevent additional hazards.
Staying at the scene and ensuring the proper authorities respond is crucial, both for your safety and later documentation.
Document the Scene
After the immediate danger has passed and if it’s safe to do so, it’s helpful to do the following:
- Take photos and videos of both vehicles, the scene, injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions.
- Capture every angle — this visual evidence can be invaluable when proving fault or describing what happened to insurance companies or lawyers.
- Exchange information with the other drivers — This includes names, contact info, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details.
- Get contact information from witnesses if there were bystanders who saw the crash.
The more thorough your documentation, the better prepared you’ll be for what comes next.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries from T-bone accidents, like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions, might not show symptoms right away.
Follow through on recommended treatments, as documenting your injuries and treatment helps support any future claim for compensation. You should also keep records of all medical appointments, diagnoses, and bills.
Delaying medical care can not only jeopardize your health but also weaken your injury claim later.
Notify the Insurance Company
You’re generally required to report the crash to your insurer in a timely way. When you do, give only the necessary facts — don’t discuss fault or make broad statements about injuries or damages beyond what you know. You should also avoid recorded statements if possible until you’ve had a chance to speak with a legal professional.
Insurance companies often act quickly and may try to limit what they pay out. Handling this part carefully helps protect your rights.
Keep Organized Records
Create a dedicated folder for all documents related to the accident, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Photos and videos of the crash and injuries
- Repair estimates if your vehicle was damaged
- Receipts
- Correspondence with insurance companies
Being organized will help you monitor expenses, losses, and timelines as your case progresses.
Get Legal Help
T-bone accidents can be complex. Determining fault often involves analyzing police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and traffic laws.
An experienced attorney can help:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence
- Handle communication with insurers
- Advise whether to negotiate a settlement or pursue litigation
Proper legal guidance ensures your rights are protected and can help you seek the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact the Carmel Car Accident Attorneys at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for Help Today
Being involved in a T-bone collision is stressful and disruptive. You must act methodically—from calling 911 and seeking medical care to documenting the scene and handling insurance matters. Waiting to make decisions about compensation until you understand the full scope of your injuries and losses is essential for a strong recovery.
If someone else’s negligence contributed to your crash and injuries, seeking experienced legal support can be an important first step. For more information, contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
320 N Meridian St Suite 906
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
