Houston Broadside Collision Lawyer

After a serious crash, legal matters are often the last thing on your mind—but they can’t wait. That’s where a seasoned Houston broadside collision attorney steps in. More than just handling paperwork, your lawyer helps you understand what’s at stake, lays out your options clearly, handles all communication and negotiations with the insurance company, and stays with your case until the compensation you’re owed is in your hands.

What is a Broadside Collision? Also Known As a T-Bone Accident

Often occurring at intersections, a T-bone—or side-impact—collision happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a shape similar to the letter “T.” These types of accidents are frequently caused by drivers who fail to yield or run red lights, and they pose a high risk of injury due to the limited protection on the sides of most vehicles.

What makes these collisions especially hazardous is the limited protection on the sides of vehicles compared to the front or rear. As a result, occupants on the impacted side face a significantly higher risk of serious injury.

In such accidents, not only may moving vehicles be affected, but also a T-bone collision may cause damage to parked autos.

The Severity of Side-Impact Collisions in Texas

Intersections across Texas have become hotspots for side-impact collisions, posing a serious threat to road safety. Intersection-related incidents accounted for nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in the state between 2017 and 2021. 

These accidents resulted in over 4,100 deaths and more than 28,000 serious injuries, making it necessary to implement targeted safety interventions. Particularly, smaller vehicles struck by larger ones face a significantly higher risk of fatal injury, up to 100 times greater for the driver of the smaller vehicle.

National data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reinforces this concern. Side-impact crashes account for nearly 25% of all passenger vehicle fatalities in the U.S., and even occupants wearing seat belts are not safe from the dangers. Each year, more than 5,500 people suffer serious or fatal injuries in these types of collisions.

Why You Need a Houston Broadside Collision Lawyer in Texas

Simple and Honest Case Evaluation

Your lawyer will walk you through the details of your case and help figure out who is legally at fault. They can also estimate economic and non-economic damages—like physical pain, emotional stress, and mental suffering—so you know what your claim is really worth.

Support from Experts

To make your case stronger, attorneys often work with professionals like doctors, accident reconstruction experts, and other specialists. These experts can provide important evidence that supports your side of the story.

Protection Against Insurance Tactics

These companies often rely on well-practiced strategies, delayed responses, undervalued settlement offers, or efforts to shift fault. An experienced attorney understands these tactics and knows how to handle them effectively. With their assistance, you can be confident that the insurance company is providing you with a fair settlement.

What Are The Common Causes And Injuries of T-Bone Collisions?

Causes

Failure to Yield 

By disregarding a stop sign or failing to yield the right-of-way, a driver can unexpectedly enter the path of another vehicle that is legally entitled to proceed. This unexpected maneuver decreases the other driver’s reaction time and can result in a direct collision with the side of the vehicle, which is particularly susceptible to damage.

Distracted Driving

Everyday actions—like checking the phone,switching radio channels, grabbing a snack, or chatting with passengers, might seem harmless actions; however, they can steal critical seconds of awareness. In that brief window, a missed stoplight or an unnoticed vehicle can turn a routine drive into a devastating T-bone collision.

Intersection Accidents 

At an intersection, vehicles cross from different directions at the same time. This forces drivers to make quick decisions: whether to turn, brake, move forward, or yield. One misinterpretation or distraction is all it takes for one vehicle to end up sideswiping another.

Reckless Driving

Impulsive or aggressive driving may disrupt the natural flow of traffic. This increases the chances of colliding with, or being hit by, another vehicle that crosses their path. Since the side of a car provides less protection than the front or rear, such collisions can be particularly dangerous.

Injuries 

Burns 

In T-bone or side-impact crashes, burn injuries can happen for several reasons—whether from contact with flames or from friction caused by seat belts or airbags during deployment. These burns often leave lasting scars, which can significantly affect the value of a compensation claim.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Because the sides of a car offer far less protection than the front or rear, broken bones and fractures are common in these types of accidents. The ribs, pelvis, arms, and legs often take the full force of the impact in a side collision. These injuries can leave lasting consequences—such as chronic pain or reduced mobility—which may increase the overall value of your accident claim.

Back and Neck Injuries

The lateral impact in T-bone crashes frequently causes significant trauma to the spine and surrounding structures. These collisions can result in whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage, with symptoms often manifesting days or weeks after the initial impact. 

Victims frequently develop chronic pain, reduced mobility, or neurological complications that worsen over time. Severe spinal injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, underscoring the critical importance of immediate medical evaluation and intervention. 

The delayed onset and progressive nature of these injuries make them particularly challenging in legal proceedings, often requiring extensive medical documentation to establish causation and long-term prognosis.

Common Mistakes After a Broadside Collision in Houston

Following a T-bone accident, emotional distress is common, and it’s easy to make choices that can unintentionally harm your case. Here are some of the most common errors individuals make after a broadside collision in Houston, and how to avoid them:

1. Not Calling the Police

Even if the crash seems minor, failing to file a police report is a serious mistake. This official documentation can be crucial when determining liability and negotiating with insurers.

2. Admitting Fault at the Scene

You may feel pressure to apologize or take responsibility. However, anything you say can be used against you later. It’s best to stick to the facts and let investigators determine fault.

3. Delaying Medical Treatment

Not all injuries are immediately visible. Waiting too long to see a doctor can affect your case and give insurance companies a reason to question the seriousness of your injuries.

4. Speaking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to protect the company’s interest. Giving a statement too soon, or without legal guidance, can jeopardize your claim.

5. Failing to Consult a Houston Broadside Collision Lawyer

Some victims assume they don’t need a lawyer or wait too long to reach out. Unfortunately, important evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your rights and strengthens your case from the start.

Avoiding these missteps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. If you’ve been in a side-impact accident, DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is ready to guide you forward and step by step.

Texas Law and Side Impact Collisions

When a side-impact collision occurs, Texas law outlines specific responsibilities for all drivers involved. According to state statutes, any driver who causes or is involved in a crash that results in injury or death must immediately stop as close to the scene as possible, check on the condition of others, and remain there until necessary information is exchanged and aid is provided. 

If the accident only causes property damage, drivers are still required to stop, share contact and insurance details, and, when safe, move their vehicles out of traffic to avoid further danger.

In addition, the law requires drivers to assist injured individuals, including arranging transportation to medical care when necessary. Failing to meet these obligations isn’t just a traffic violation, it can lead to serious criminal charges, especially in cases involving injury or fatality. 

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Broadside Collision Due To Someone Else’s Negligence in Texas?

Determining fault in a side-impact collision can be challenging, especially when each driver has a different version of the accident. In many cases, the person truly responsible may try to shift the blame to protect themselves or to avoid liability. However in Texas, the law takes a more nuanced approach. 

Through the modified comparative negligence system, you may still be entitled to financial recovery even if you’re being partially blamed. The key factor is your percentage of fault: as long as it’s 50% or less, you can pursue compensation, though your recovery may be reduced accordingly.

These cases often come down to evidence. Photos, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert analysis can all help clarify what really happened. That’s why having a legal team that knows how to investigate and push back against unfair blame is so important.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorney to Speak With a Houston Broadside Collision Lawyer for a FREE Consultation

If you’ve been in a T-bone accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. From medical bills to insurance calls, it’s a lot to handle—but we’re here to help.

Speaking with a Houston broadside collision lawyer as soon as possible can protect you from common mistakes that may affect your ability to recover fair compensation. Our team will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. 

Whether fault is being disputed or you’re facing big medical expenses, we’ll step in to advocate for you and guide you through the process in every step of the way.

We know that after an accident, time matters. That’s why we offer FREE consultations with no obligation. It’s your opportunity to speak directly with an attorney who understands the challenges you’re facing and has the experience to help resolve them. No legal jargon. No pressure. Just real answers and a legal strategy built around your best interests.

Your recovery—physical, emotional, and financial—starts with the right team by your side. Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Houston broadside collision lawyer. 

Houston Broadside Collision Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a Houston broadside collision lawyer after a T-bone accident?

If you’ve suffered injuries, significant vehicle damage, or are being blamed for the crash, consulting a lawyer is highly recommended. A Houston broadside collision lawyer can help determine liability, assess the full value of your claim, and deal with insurance companies that may try to minimize your compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim after a broadside collision in Texas?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within that period may result in losing your right to compensation. It’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin building your case.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

You may be eligible for several types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress may also be factored into your settlement or court award. 

How much does it cost to hire a Houston broadside collision lawyer?

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront—our fees only come out of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t carry insurance—or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages—you may still have options. Texas drivers are encouraged to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help pay you when the at-fault driver can’t.