T-Bone Accidents at Left Turns: Fault, Facts, and Common Defenses
T-bone collisions are among the most dangerous crashes that happen on Arizona roads. When one car drives straight into the side of another, the force of the impact often leads to serious injuries—and long legal battles about who was to blame.
Many of these crashes happen during left turns, especially at busy intersections in areas like South Tempe, North Tempe, and along arterials like Baseline or Rural Road. And while the driver making the left turn is often presumed to be at fault, it’s not always that simple.
If you were involved in a T-bone crash while turning—or hit by someone turning in front of you—understanding Arizona’s fault laws and common insurance defenses can make or break your injury claim. For more guidance, Tempe accident claim help can offer direction at any stage of your case.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These crashes most often happen when a driver is making a left turn across traffic and another car continues straight through the intersection.
The result is often devastating, especially for the person struck on the driver’s side. Injuries in these collisions tend to be severe, ranging from broken bones to spinal trauma and traumatic brain injuries. You can read more about the long-term impact of these injuries on our pages for spinal cord injuries and TBIs.
Arizona Law on Left Turns and Fault
Under Arizona traffic law, the driver making a left turn is required to yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow. This means that in most cases, the turning driver is presumed to be at fault if a crash occurs—especially if the other vehicle had a green light and the right of way.
But that presumption can be challenged. If the driver going straight was speeding, ran a red light, or was distracted, they may share fault.
For example, if someone turns left at an intersection in Downtown Tempe on a flashing yellow arrow, and the oncoming car is driving 25 mph over the limit and texting, both parties could be assigned a percentage of blame.
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence rule, which means even a mostly at-fault driver can still recover a portion of their damages. Learn more about this system in our write-up on comparative fault in Tempe crashes.
Key Evidence That Can Determine Fault
To prove who had the right of way, who was speeding, or who acted negligently, these types of evidence are often critical:
Intersection camera footage or dashcam video
Eyewitness statements from nearby drivers or pedestrians
Police reports, especially diagrams and officer observations
Skid mark patterns or vehicle resting positions
Signal timing records (available through city engineering departments)
Phone records if distraction is alleged
If your crash occurred near city-monitored intersections, you may be able to request traffic data through tempe.gov.
Injuries in T-Bone Crashes Can Be Severe
Side impacts leave far less protection between a person and the point of contact. Victims in these crashes frequently suffer:
Broken ribs, pelvis, or clavicle
Herniated discs or fractured vertebrae
Concussions and brain swelling
Internal bleeding or collapsed lungs
Permanent disability, such as paralysis
The side of impact also matters. If the struck vehicle was hit on the driver’s side, injuries tend to be worse. Passengers often suffer different injuries, including shoulder and hip trauma.
In addition to physical harm, many victims experience long-term emotional distress, sleep disruption, and fear of driving. For more information, see our guide on pain and suffering damages.
Common Defenses Insurance Companies Use
Even in what appears to be a straightforward T-bone crash, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or reduce payouts. Some of the most common arguments include:
“You Misjudged the Speed of Oncoming Traffic”
Insurance adjusters often claim that the left-turning driver simply made a poor judgment call. This is frequently raised when there’s no video footage and the scene is based on testimony alone.
“You Ran a Yellow or Red Light”
If timing of signals is unclear, insurers may allege that the turning driver entered the intersection after the light changed. They may also try to suggest that the driver going straight had a green when they did not.
“You Were Distracted”
Whether you were turning or traveling straight, the presence of distraction—such as using a phone—can be used to reduce your compensation. To see how this defense is used, check out our resource on distracted driving accidents.
Can T-Bone Accidents Involve Multiple Vehicles?
Yes. In busy Tempe intersections, one T-bone collision can set off a chain reaction—pushing vehicles into adjacent lanes, hitting pedestrians, or causing a second crash with a third party. These are known as multi-vehicle collisions, and determining fault becomes more complicated.
Police reports and witness accounts become especially important in these situations. The Arizona Judicial Branch explains how evidence is used in court for multi-defendant civil cases.
What If the Other Driver Was Impaired or Uninsured?
T-bone collisions are often caused by reckless behavior—including drivers under the influence. If the person who hit you was impaired, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which go beyond medical bills and are meant to punish dangerous conduct. Learn more in our article on DUI-related crashes.
If the driver had no insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage may kick in—but insurers still fight these claims. Documentation is key, regardless of who’s paying.
What to Do After a T-Bone Crash
Whether you were turning left or struck by someone who did, take these steps immediately:
Call 911 and request both medical help and police
Document the scene with photos and video
Collect witness contact info before they leave
Request the full police report when available
Get medical attention—even if you feel fine
Even low-speed side impacts can lead to lasting neck and back injuries that worsen over time. For injuries like these, don’t wait to get checked out.
If cost is a concern, local medical aid options are listed through the State of Arizona, and legal resource directories are available through Tempe services.
Final Thoughts
T-bone accidents at left turns are rarely as simple as they seem. While left-turning drivers are often presumed liable, that assumption can be challenged with the right evidence—and victims going straight aren’t always entirely free of fault either.
Whether your crash happened in Escalante, involved a rideshare vehicle, or triggered long-term injuries, don’t assume the insurance company’s version of events is the final word.
To understand what your claim is truly worth and how to defend it, start with the Arizona car accident attorney resource and take control of your recovery.
