Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is proud to serve Boston and communities across Massachusetts with trusted personal injury representation. Among the most serious and common types of car accidents in urban areas are T-bone collisions, crashes where one vehicle strikes another squarely on the side, often at intersections. These accidents can cause devastating injuries and raise difficult questions about who is at fault.

In Massachusetts, determining liability after a T-bone collision requires careful analysis of traffic laws, driver behavior, and sometimes even city infrastructure.

Why T-Bone Collisions Are So Dangerous

Unlike rear-end crashes, where vehicles often absorb impact with crumple zones, T-bone collisions expose drivers and passengers directly to force with little structural protection. As a result, injuries are often severe and may include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Broken bones and internal organ injuries
Fatal outcomes in high-speed crashes

Intersections in Boston neighborhoods like Dorchester, Brighton, and South Boston are frequent sites of these collisions, particularly when drivers run red lights, fail to yield, or misjudge left turns.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

While every case is unique, several common causes often lead to intersection collisions:

Running a red light or stop sign
Failing to yield while making a left turn
Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
Speeding through an intersection
Impaired or fatigued driving
Obstructed views caused by buildings, large vehicles, or poor signage

Understanding the cause is the first step in determining liability.

Determining Fault in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law requires drivers to obey traffic control devices and exercise reasonable care at intersections. Liability in a T-bone accident may fall on:

The driver who ran a red light or stop sign
A driver who failed to yield during a left turn
A distracted or impaired driver whose negligence caused the crash

In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility. For example, one driver may have been speeding while the other failed to yield. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, an injured victim can still recover damages as long as they were not more than 50% responsible for the crash.

Evidence Used to Prove Fault

Strong evidence is essential in T-bone accident claims. At Sweeney Merrigan, our attorneys work to collect and preserve proof such as:

Police reports from Boston Police or Massachusetts State Police
Intersection camera footage showing traffic light violations
Eyewitness statements from other motorists or pedestrians
Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Medical records documenting the severity of injuries

This evidence helps establish liability and ensures victims are not unfairly blamed.

Injured in a T-bone crash? Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston today for your free consultation.

How Insurance Companies Handle Intersection Accidents

Insurers often dispute liability in T-bone crashes because both drivers may claim they had the right of way. They may argue that you were partially responsible or attempt to minimize your injuries. Without legal representation, victims may end up with far less compensation than they deserve.

At Sweeney Merrigan, we stand up to insurance companies with a proven record of success in car accident, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death claims across Massachusetts. We fight for full compensation, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Local Risks: Boston’s Intersections

Certain intersections in Greater Boston are known for high crash rates, including areas near Kenmore Square, the Mass Pike exits, and major arteries like Commonwealth Avenue and Blue Hill Avenue. Heavy traffic, pedestrian crossings, and outdated infrastructure can all increase the risk of T-bone accidents.

Our attorneys understand these local conditions and use that knowledge to strengthen claims for Boston-area crash victims.

Taking the Next Step After a T-Bone Collision

Recovering from a T-bone accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers has decades of combined experience helping injured victims across Massachusetts hold negligent drivers accountable.

No matter where your accident occurred, whether at a busy Boston intersection or on a smaller roadway in Cambridge, Somerville, or Quincy we are here to help. Get a trusted Boston injury team on your side. Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation.