At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, our New City T-bone collision accident lawyers have decades of experience handling complex side-impact motor vehicle accident cases throughout New York. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you're facing. We're committed to standing by your side throughout the legal process, fighting to hold negligent drivers accountable, and winning the compensation you need for your recovery.
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a "T" shape. Unlike rear-end or head-on crashes, side-impact collisions offer occupants almost no structural buffer between them and the striking vehicle, which is why the injuries in these cases tend to be so severe.
These accidents are particularly dangerous for several reasons:
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact collisions account for approximately 24% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths, highlighting their severe nature.
T-bone collisions are almost always preventable. They happen because a driver made a choice (to speed, to look at a phone, to push through a red light), and someone else paid the price. These are the most common causes we see in the cases we handle.
One of the most frequent causes of T-bone collisions is drivers disregarding traffic signals. When a motorist runs a red light or stop sign, they create a dangerous situation where cross-traffic with the right of way collides with the side of their vehicle. These violations often result from impatience, distraction, or misjudgment of timing.
Many T-bone accidents occur when drivers fail to yield properly at intersections, make left turns, or enter traffic from driveways or parking lots. This negligence frequently stems from confusion about traffic rules, poor visibility, or aggressive driving behaviors.
The increasing prevalence of smartphones and in-vehicle technology has made distracted driving a leading cause of T-bone collisions. When drivers text, make calls, adjust GPS settings, or engage with passengers instead of monitoring the road, they may miss crucial traffic signals or fail to notice oncoming vehicles.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs experience impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination. These effects significantly increase the likelihood of running red lights, misjudging distances, and failing to yield properly — all common precursors to T-bone accidents.
Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to changing traffic conditions and increases stopping distance. Reckless behaviors like racing through yellow lights or accelerating aggressively through intersections create high-risk scenarios for side-impact collisions.
Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and traction, making it difficult to stop in time or accurately judge distances. Similarly, poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, or obscured signs may contribute to driver confusion and subsequent T-bone crashes.
Let our dedicated attorneys handle your case while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
New York law sets firm deadlines for personal injury claims, and missing them typically means losing your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from T-bone accidents is generally three years from the date of the accident.
However, this timeframe can vary based on specific circumstances:
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Evidence also deteriorates and witness memories fade over time, making prompt legal action essential for building a strong case.
The value of your T-bone accident case depends on numerous factors unique to your situation. While no attorney can promise a specific amount, these key factors influence the potential value of your claim:
Our attorneys carefully evaluate all of these factors. We work with medical professionals, financial analysts, and life-care planners when necessary to fully document your losses and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
The injuries in T-bone accidents are often severe, not because victims are unlucky, but because the physics of a side-impact collision leave very little room for the body to absorb the force. These are the injuries we most frequently see in the cases we handle.
Side-impact collisions frequently cause head trauma when occupants' heads strike the window, door, or intruding vehicle. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that can cause cognitive impairment, memory problems, personality changes, and long-term disability. Even seemingly minor head injuries can have lasting consequences and should be evaluated promptly by medical professionals.
The forceful impact of a T-bone collision can damage the delicate structures of the neck and spine. These injuries include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and in severe cases, partial or complete spinal cord damage leading to paralysis. Spinal injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potentially lifelong care and assistance.
The side of a vehicle provides minimal protection against impact forces, leaving occupants vulnerable to broken bones. Common fractures in T-bone accidents include ribs, pelvis, arms, legs, and collarbone. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention with plates, screws, or rods, followed by extensive physical therapy during the recovery process.
The tremendous force of a side-impact collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Internal injuries typically require emergency medical intervention and prolonged recovery periods.
The sudden sideways motion during a T-bone collision can cause the head and neck to move violently, resulting in whiplash. This soft tissue injury affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck region, causing pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion. While some whiplash injuries resolve within weeks, others can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications.
Beyond physical trauma, T-bone accidents can cause significant psychological effects. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or phobias related to driving or riding in vehicles. These conditions may require professional mental health treatment and can seriously impact a person's quality of life and ability to function normally.
Fault in a T-bone accident is rarely self-evident, even when one driver clearly ran a red light, the other side may dispute it. Building a solid liability case requires moving fast, gathering the right evidence, and knowing how to use it. Here's how we approach it.
The process of establishing liability begins at the accident scene. Critical evidence includes photographs of vehicle positions, damage patterns, skid marks, traffic signals, and surrounding conditions. Our legal team works quickly to preserve this evidence before it disappears or degrades.
Official accident reports contain valuable information about the responding officer's assessment of the crash, including statements from drivers and witnesses, citations issued, and preliminary fault determinations. While not definitive for liability purposes, these reports provide important foundations for building your case.
Accounts from people who observed the accident can provide crucial independent perspectives on what happened. Our investigators locate and interview witnesses to document their observations about driver behaviors, traffic signal status, vehicle speeds, and other relevant factors that help establish liability.
Many intersections in New York are equipped with traffic cameras, or nearby businesses may have security footage that captured the collision. This video evidence can be invaluable in demonstrating exactly how the accident occurred and which driver violated traffic laws, providing objective support for your claim.
In complex cases, we work with accident reconstruction professionals who use specialized knowledge in physics, engineering, and vehicle dynamics to scientifically determine how the crash occurred. These experts analyze vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and other physical evidence to create detailed reconstructions that help establish fault.
New York law allows T-bone accident victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, meaning both the financial costs you can document and the very real impacts that don't come with a receipt. Here's what your claim may cover.
Compensation should cover all medical costs related to your injuries, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any assistive devices. Importantly, your claim should also account for future medical needs such as ongoing therapy, follow-up procedures, or long-term care requirements.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you deserve compensation for lost income during your recovery period. Additionally, if your injuries result in permanent limitations that affect your ability to perform your job or advance in your career, you may be entitled to damages for diminished earning capacity over your lifetime.
The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries warrant compensation beyond just medical bills. Pain and suffering damages acknowledge the real but non-economic impacts of your accident, including physical discomfort, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In addition to personal injury damages, you're entitled to compensation for your damaged vehicle and any valuable personal property destroyed in the collision. This typically covers repair costs or, if your vehicle was totaled, its fair market value before the accident.
.webp)
Handling a T-bone accident claim on your own puts you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to pay out as little as possible. Here's what we bring to the other side of that table.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to establish exactly what happened and who was responsible. This includes visiting the accident scene, reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing traffic camera footage, and, when necessary, consulting with accident reconstruction professionals to build a complete understanding of the collision.
While the other driver is often the primary at-fault party, additional entities may share liability. These could include employers (if the driver was working), vehicle manufacturers (if defects contributed to the accident), or government entities (if road design or signal malfunctions played a role). We identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery options.
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by questioning liability or the extent of injuries. Our lawyers handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation. We negotiate skillfully to secure fair settlements and aren't afraid to reject inadequate offers.
Accurately calculating the full value of your claim requires a comprehensive assessment of all current and future damages. We consult with medical professionals, economic experts, and life care planners to ensure your settlement accounts for all losses, including those that will impact you in the years ahead.
Whether through negotiated settlements or courtroom litigation, our attorneys provide powerful advocacy for your best interests. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, gathering compelling evidence and crafting persuasive legal arguments to position you for the best possible outcome. Our reputation for thorough preparation and determined advocacy often leads to favorable settlements without needing a trial.
Our deep roots in New City and Rockland County provide valuable insights into the local court system, helping us navigate your case efficiently with a strong understanding of judges, procedures, and jury tendencies.
With a history of successful settlements and verdicts for T-bone accident victims, our firm demonstrates a commitment to securing justice for our clients, though past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case, ensuring access to high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.
We prepare every case as if it's going to trial, signaling to insurers and opposing counsel that we are serious, which leads to stronger outcomes at settlement or trial.
We provide consistent updates, respond promptly to calls, and ensure you are informed every step of the way so you can focus on your recovery.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s most successful plaintiff’s attorneys, Rob Fellows is the firm’s managing partner.
Steve Hymowitz is experienced in serving people who need help, but who do not have the resources to fight the big insurance companies on their own.
Regarded as one of the most passionate trial attorneys to litigate complex high-exposure personal injury matters in the tri-state area, Matthew “Matt” Rice possesses an unequaled fire and drive to succeed for his clients.
Joanne concentrates her practice on negligence, personal injuries, construction accidents, and medical malpractice law.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Jake is a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate attorney with a unique perspective shaped by his experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice proudly represents T-bone accident victims throughout New York State, including:
Don't hesitate to seek legal assistance after a T-bone collision. The dedicated team at Fellows Hymowitz Rice is ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
