Huntington Beach T-Bone Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone collision in Huntington Beach, you need an attorney who understands how insurance companies evaluate these cases. At DJA Injury Attorneys, we fight to recover the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. Our founder, Jeff Schwalbach, spent years on the insurance defense side, and he knows their tactics and how to counter them. With a track record of securing settlements that far exceed initial insurance offers, our Huntington Beach T-bone accident lawyers are ready to advocate for you.

Call (949) 229-7228 for a free consultation. Available 24/7. No upfront costs, we work on contingency.

What Is a T-Bone Accident and Why Are They Dangerous?

A T-bone accident, also called a side-impact collision or broadside accident, occurs when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These collisions typically happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light.

T-bone accidents are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle has far less protective structure than the front or rear. Modern vehicles feature crumple zones and airbags designed to absorb frontal impact. However, the sides of cars offer minimal protection. The force of a T-bone collision concentrates directly on the vehicle’s side panels. These panels can collapse inward and strike occupants with tremendous force.

In Huntington Beach, major intersections like Beach Boulevard, Goldenwest Street, and Warner Avenue experience heavy traffic. T-bone accidents occur with alarming frequency at these locations. The high speeds at which vehicles often travel through these intersections amplify the severity of injuries. Victims frequently suffer catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. If you’ve been injured in a T-bone collision at one of these Huntington Beach intersections, our team can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Huntington Beach

T-bone accidents result from specific driver behaviors and traffic violations. Understanding the cause of your accident is critical because it establishes liability and strengthens your claim for compensation.

• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
  The most common cause of T-bone accidents is a driver running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign. When a driver enters an intersection against the traffic signal, they strike vehicles that have the legal right of way, causing a T-bone collision. Under California Vehicle Code § 21800, drivers must obey traffic signals and yield the right of way as required. If you were struck by a driver who ran a red light, our Huntington Beach car accident lawyers can investigate and build a strong case for your claim.
• Failing to Yield the Right of Way
  Drivers must yield the right of way when turning left across oncoming traffic or entering an intersection from a side street. When drivers fail to yield, they create the conditions for T-bone accidents. Failure to yield violations are a leading cause of intersection accidents in Huntington Beach and throughout Orange County.
• Distracted Driving
  Texting, phone use, eating, or other distractions cause drivers to miss traffic signals and fail to notice oncoming vehicles. Distracted drivers often don’t see the vehicle they’re about to hit until impact occurs. If you were hit by a distracted driver, we can investigate and build a strong case for your claim. Our team has recovered significant settlements in distracted driving cases. Contact our Huntington Beach distracted driving lawyers if you are a victim of this.
• Impaired Driving
  Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. They may not recognize traffic signals or may misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles. If you were injured by an impaired driver, contact our Huntington Beach DUI accident lawyers immediately.
• Speeding Through Intersections
  Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop or avoid a collision. Speeding drivers often enter intersections too quickly to react to other vehicles. Speed is a critical factor in determining liability and the severity of injuries in T-bone accidents.
• Poor Visibility Conditions
  Rain, fog, or darkness can obscure traffic signals and oncoming vehicles. However, drivers remain responsible for adjusting their speed and attention to account for reduced visibility. Poor visibility does not excuse a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care.
• Defective Traffic Signals
  In rare cases, malfunctioning traffic signals cause T-bone accidents. If a signal fails to display properly, drivers may proceed through an intersection believing they have the right of way. We investigate traffic signal maintenance records to determine if equipment failure contributed to your accident.

Huntington Beach intersections prone to accidents include Beach Boulevard and Edinger Avenue, Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue, and Beach Boulevard and Main Street. If your accident occurred at one of these locations, we can investigate whether traffic patterns, signal timing, or road design contributed to the collision.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in T-Bone Collisions

The side-impact nature of T-bone accidents means occupants on the struck side experience direct trauma. These injuries are often severe and can result in permanent disability.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions
  The force of impact can cause the head to strike the side window or interior of the vehicle, resulting in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBI symptoms include headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. Some victims experience long-term cognitive impairment. Traumatic brain injuries from T-bone collisions often require extensive medical treatment and can significantly impact your earning capacity. Our Huntington Beach T-bone accident attorneys have recovered substantial settlements for clients with traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
  T-bone collisions frequently cause spinal cord damage. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries require extensive medical treatment and often result in permanent disability and loss of earning capacity. These catastrophic injuries demand aggressive legal representation to secure full compensation.
• Neck Injuries
  Whiplash occurs when the force of impact causes the head and neck to move suddenly. Cervical fractures and other neck injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility. Neck injuries from T-bone accidents often require ongoing physical therapy and pain management.
• Chest and Rib Fractures
  The side-impact force often strikes the chest area, causing rib fractures and internal injuries. Broken ribs cause severe pain with breathing and movement. Chest injuries can lead to complications, including pneumonia and other respiratory issues.
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
  Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest can cause internal bleeding and damage to organ,s including the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. Prompt medical evaluation is critical after any T-bone collision.
• Broken Bones and Fractures
  Arms, legs, and pelvis fractures are common in T-bone accidents. These injuries require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods. Fractures can result in permanent scarring and reduced mobility.
• Soft Tissue Injuries
  Muscles, ligaments, and tendons sustain damage from the impact. Soft tissue injuries cause pain and can limit mobility for months or years. These injuries are often underestimated by insurance companies but can have lasting effects on your quality of life.
• Psychological Trauma and PTSD
  Survivors of serious accidents often experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of a near-fatal collision can be as disabling as physical injuries. We document psychological injuries to ensure you receive full compensation for all damages.

Determining Liability in a T-Bone Accident

Determining liability in a T-bone accident centers on evidence, witness statements, and the application of California’s traffic laws. California law establishes clear rules about right-of-way at intersections. The driver who fails to follow these rules is generally held responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. To learn more about those regulations, review traffic laws from the California DMV. Understanding these laws is essential when proving negligence in your case.

When investigating a T-bone collision, police examine traffic signals, witness statements, and vehicles’ positions at the scene. The police accident report becomes an important record of how the officer determined fault based on traffic signals, physical evidence, and eyewitness accounts. While not definitive proof, this report can weigh heavily in settlement negotiations and litigation.

Establishing negligence involves gathering multiple forms of evidence. This may include footage from intersection or business security cameras, debris patterns, vehicle damage, and digital records such as cell phone use or traffic light triggers. Witness statements are vital in showing who had the right of way and how the crash unfolded, and medical records can strengthen any claim involving impairment or distracted driving.

California uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning both drivers can share fault. Even if you are partly to blame, you may still recover compensation, although your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Citing California Civil Code § 1431.2, courts and adjusters assign fault proportionally, ensuring you are never barred from seeking damages unless you are entirely at fault.

Insurance companies carefully scrutinize T-bone accidents and may try to shift blame or downplay the extent of injuries. Common tactics include arguing that the other driver ran a light, that injuries are less severe, or that property damage is minimal. Our team prepares each case with a detailed investigation, strong evidence, and strategic advocacy to counter these defenses and protect your right to fair compensation.

How DJA Injury Attorneys Handles Your T-Bone Accident Claim

T-bone accident claims require immediate action, careful documentation, and a law firm prepared to challenge insurance company tactics. At DJA Injury Attorneys, we use a results-driven process to pursue every dollar your case deserves.

• Thorough Evidence Gathering: Our team acts fast to investigate the crash site, secure police and traffic camera reports, gather key witness statements, and analyze both vehicle damage and medical records to support your claim.
• Building a Strong Compensation Case: We consult trusted experts to document medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring our compensation demand reflects the full impact of your injuries.
• Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Preparation: We build persuasive claims and negotiate assertively.

With our dedicated team, you benefit from prompt action, detailed casework, and a record of securing strong outcomes for car accident victims. Our goal is to protect your interests at every step and maximize your financial recovery.

Compensation Available in T-Bone Accident Cases

California law allows you to recover two categories of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.

• Economic Damages
  Economic damages compensate you for financial losses caused by the accident:
• • Medical expenses: Emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, medical devices
  • Ongoing treatment: Physical therapy, mental health counseling, pain management
  • Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from injuries
  • Reduced earning capacity: If injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
  • Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Future medical care: Projected costs for ongoing treatment
• Non-Economic Damages
  Non-economic damages compensate you for the non-financial impact of your injuries:
• • Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort
  • Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD
  • Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Visible injuries affecting appearance
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Punitive Damages
  In cases involving gross negligence or DUI, California law allows punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages are rare but can significantly increase your total recovery. We pursue punitive damages when the evidence supports such claims.
• California Statute of Limitations
  You have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. This deadline is critical. If you miss it, you lose your right to recover compensation. We recommend contacting a Huntington Beach personal injury attorney immediately after your accident to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your T-Bone Accident Claim

Many accident victims attempt to handle their claims without an attorney, not realizing how much compensation they risk losing. Insurance companies are trained to undervalue claims and offer the lowest settlements possible, especially to unrepresented claimants. An experienced attorney knows how to present your case using comparable verdicts and settlements, ensuring you do not leave money on the table.

Insurers frequently exploit comparative negligence arguments to justify lower payouts, and they may dispute whether your injuries were caused by the accident. Attorneys respond to these tactics with expert testimony and carefully documented evidence, maximizing the chances of a successful result.

Hiring a skilled attorney offers several practical advantages:

• Negotiation leverage: Insurers take attorneys seriously and know they must offer fair settlements or risk litigation.
• Medical causation disputes: Lawyers work closely with trusted medical professionals to establish clear links between your injuries and the crash.
• No upfront costs: Contingency fee arrangements mean you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and answer your questions. During this meeting, you receive a realistic assessment of your legal options and an explanation of how we will advocate for your recovery. Choosing legal representation can make a lasting difference in both your outcome and your peace of mind.

Why Choose DJA Injury Attorneys for Your T-Bone Accident Case

T-bone collisions at intersections require experienced investigation, knowledge of traffic law, and the ability to stand up to insurance companies. DJA Injury Attorneys is dedicated to helping crash victims secure the compensation they deserve after these severe accidents.

• Depth of Legal Experience
  We have handled a wide range of significant car accident cases involving intersection collisions, sideswipes, and disputed liability. Lead attorney Jeff Schwalbach, a former insurance defense lawyer, brings both plaintiff and defense experience, giving our team unique insight into how insurers defend T-bone claims. Since 2021, Jeff has advocated for injury victims facing insurers’ efforts to dispute fault or minimize payouts.
• Industry Recognition
  Jeff Schwalbach is a Super Lawyers Rising Star for each year from 2019–2024, demonstrating professional standing and a commitment to outstanding client service.
• Proven Auto Accident Results
  Our record in car collision cases highlights our refusal to accept unfair offers and our readiness for trial. For example:
  • Secured $1,000,000 in a rear-end accident where the insurer initially offered just $55,000
  • Won $750,000 for a client in a low-speed rideshare collision after the insurer tried to shift fault and offered only $3,000 initially
  • Achieved $1,350,000 for profound emotional injuries from a car crash, despite minimal physical harm
  • Recovered $600,000 for a client whose pre-existing back condition was aggravated in a collision
• Client-First Approach
  Every case is handled on a contingency fee basis. There is no charge unless we recover compensation for you. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for urgent client needs, and all consultations are free and confidential. We provide honest, realistic advice and keep your best interests front and center at every stage.

At DJA Injury Attorneys, you benefit from proven results, practical insurance knowledge, and a commitment to maximizing every dollar of your recovery in intersection accident cases. Meet our team and learn more about our experience.

Contact DJA Injury Attorneys Today for Help With Your T-Bone Car Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident in Huntington Beach, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin investigating your accident and building your case.

Call (949) 229-7228 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. There are no upfront costs—we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.

DJA Injury Attorneys’s Huntington Beach office is located at 19671 Beach Boulevard, Suite 415, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, with an additional office in Santa Ana to better serve clients throughout Orange County and Southern California. We provide flexible meeting options for clients across the region, including Los Angeles County.

Your recovery matters. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.