A broadside collision, also called a T-bone accident, occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a T shape at the point of impact. These crashes happen most often at intersections and can cause serious injuries due to the fact that the side of a vehicle provides far less protection than the front or rear.
Pennsylvania car accident attorneys Lawrence M. Kelly and Attorney Joseph A. George of Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. represent injured victims in car accident cases throughout New Castle, Lawrence County, and Western Pennsylvania. Our team helps clients pursue compensation after serious side-impact and intersection crashes caused by negligent drivers.
This guide explains what a broadside collision is, where and why these crashes happen, which Pennsylvania traffic laws apply, common injuries, fault and liability rules, insurance options under Pennsylvania’s tort system, and what steps to take after a side-impact accident. If you were injured in a T-bone accident, contact Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. at (724) 658-8535 for a free consultation.
What Is a Broadside Collision?
A broadside collision, often referred to as a T-bone accident, occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. This type of crash typically occurs at intersections or when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light, resulting in one vehicle’s side being struck directly by the front of another. The two vehicles form a T shape at the point of impact, which is why these crashes are commonly called T-bone accidents.
Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, where crumple zones and bumpers absorb some of the force, the side of a car has only the door panel and window between the occupant and the striking vehicle. These accidents can lead to significant damage and serious injuries, depending on the speed and angle of impact.
Key Takeaway: A broadside collision happens when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. The side of a vehicle offers minimal crash protection, making T-bone accidents especially dangerous for occupants on the struck side.
Where Do Broadside Collisions Happen in Pennsylvania?
Most broadside collisions occur at intersections, but these crashes can happen anywhere vehicles cross paths. Driveways and parking lots are also common locations for side-impact crashes in Pennsylvania.
Intersections
Intersections are especially dangerous because vehicles travel in perpendicular directions and may cross paths unexpectedly. This can happen when one vehicle runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign, causing the side of another vehicle to be struck. Intersections are particularly risky due to cross-traffic, turning vehicles, and the potential for human error. The Federal Highway Administration reports that intersections account for roughly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and about one-half of all traffic injuries in the United States.
In New Castle and throughout Lawrence County, many intersections are controlled by traffic signals or stop signs, but driver error at these locations remains a leading cause of broadside crashes.
Driveways and Side Roads
When vehicles pull out of driveways or side roads, they may not see oncoming traffic and can be struck on the side. These situations are common in residential neighborhoods and along busy routes where side streets connect to main roads.
Parking Lots and Private Property
Vehicles moving through parking lots or making turns may unexpectedly collide with other vehicles. While speeds in parking lots tend to be lower, the angle of impact in a broadside crash can still cause injuries, particularly to passengers on the struck side.
Key Takeaway: Intersections are the most common location for broadside collisions, but these crashes also happen at driveways, side roads, parking lots, and highway merge areas. Drivers should check for cross-traffic carefully at every point where vehicles may cross paths.
What Causes T-Bone Accidents?
Broadside collisions can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which involve driver error or risky behavior.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
One of the most common causes of broadside collisions is when drivers ignore traffic signals or attempt to “beat the light.” According to the AAA, 27% of drivers reported driving through a red light in the past 30 days when they could have stopped safely. Many Pennsylvania cities have installed red-light cameras to help combat this problem. Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign is a violation of 75 Pa. C.S. § 3112 and 75 Pa. C.S. § 3323, respectively.
Failure to Yield on a Left Turn
Left-turn broadside crashes are among the most common T-bone scenarios. A driver making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3322. When a turning driver misjudges the speed or distance of an approaching vehicle, the oncoming car may strike the turning vehicle broadside. Obstructed sight lines, such as vehicles waiting in opposite turn lanes, can make it harder for the turning driver to see oncoming traffic.
Distracted Driving
Texting or failing to pay attention while driving can lead to serious accidents. In broadside collisions, distracted drivers may miss a stop sign or fail to recognize that they don’t have the right-of-way. The NHTSA reported that distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives in 2024, underscoring the danger of inattention behind the wheel.
Speeding
Excessive speed increases the risk of an accident at intersections. A driver traveling too fast may have difficulty stopping for a red light, and the force of impact in a broadside crash can be catastrophic. According to the NHTSA, 11,288 people died in speeding-related traffic crashes in 2024, and speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.
Impaired or Drowsy Driving
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that a driver will run a light or fail to stop when needed. Broadside collisions resulting from impaired driving are particularly dangerous and, from a legal perspective, may lead to punitive damages. Fatigue can have a similar effect, as a drowsy driver may fail to stop at an intersection or miss important cues such as traffic signals. The NHTSA reported 644 deaths from drowsy-driving-related crashes in 2024, and it cautions that drowsy-driving crashes are difficult to measure and likely underreported.
Poor Visibility and Weather
Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, can obstruct a driver’s ability to see clearly, leading to poor judgment and collisions. Visibility issues, like turning left with a blocked line of sight, are also common contributors to broadside accidents. Western Pennsylvania’s frequent rain and winter weather conditions can create dangerous driving situations at intersections throughout Lawrence County and Allegheny County.
| Common Cause | How It Leads to a Broadside Collision | Relevant Pennsylvania Law |
|---|---|---|
| Running Red Lights | A driver enters an intersection against a red light and strikes the side of another vehicle. | 75 Pa. C.S. § 3112 |
| Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign | A driver fails to stop or yield before entering an intersection. | 75 Pa. C.S. § 3323 |
| Unsafe Left Turns | A turning driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic and is struck broadside. | 75 Pa. C.S. § 3322 |
| Distracted Driving | A distracted driver may miss traffic signals, stop signs, or crossing vehicles. | General negligence principles |
| Speeding | Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. | 75 Pa. C.S. § 3361 |
| Impaired Driving | Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and decision-making. | 75 Pa. C.S. § 3802 |
| Poor Visibility or Weather | Rain, fog, snow, or blocked sight lines make it harder to see cross-traffic. | Duty to drive safely under conditions |
Key Takeaway: Most broadside collisions are caused by driver error, including running red lights, failing to yield on left turns, distracted driving, speeding, and impairment. Pennsylvania Vehicle Code sections 3112, 3322, and 3323 specifically govern the traffic behaviors that most often lead to T-bone crashes.
What Pennsylvania Traffic Laws Apply?
Several sections of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code directly govern the driving behaviors that cause most broadside collisions. When a driver violates one of these statutes and causes a crash, that violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
The key statutes include:
- 75 Pa. C.S. § 3112 (Traffic-control signals): Requires drivers to obey red lights and other traffic signals. A driver who enters an intersection against a red light and causes a T-bone crash has violated this section.
- 75 Pa. C.S. § 3323 (Stop signs and yield signs): Requires drivers to come to a complete stop at stop signs and yield the right of way before proceeding. Failing to stop at a stop sign is one of the most common causes of intersection broadside crashes.
- 75 Pa. C.S. § 3322 (Left turn yield requirement): Requires a driver making a left turn to yield to all oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard. Left-turn broadside crashes often result from a violation of this statute.
A traffic citation issued under any of these sections does not automatically prove fault in a civil lawsuit, but it is strong evidence that the cited driver was negligent. Police reports, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage can further support the connection between the statutory violation and the crash.
Key Takeaway: Pennsylvania Vehicle Code sections 3112, 3322, and 3323 cover the intersection behaviors that most often cause broadside collisions. A violation of these statutes can serve as strong evidence of negligence in an injury claim.
Why Are Broadside Collisions So Dangerous?
Broadside collisions are particularly dangerous due to the way the force of impact affects the occupants of the vehicle. Unlike front or rear crashes, where the vehicle’s crumple zones can absorb some of the impact, side impacts offer very little protection. With only the door and window between the occupant and the force of the collision, the risk of injury is significantly higher.
While modern vehicles are often equipped with side airbags and reinforced side-impact bars to provide additional protection, these features may not be enough to prevent serious injuries, especially at higher speeds. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side impacts accounted for 22% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2023.
What Injuries Are Common in T-Bone Accidents?
T-bone accidents can result in a range of severe injuries, many of which require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries in broadside collisions include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: The force of the impact can cause the head to strike the side window or pillar, or result in whiplash movement, leading to brain injuries. These injuries can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries that can have long-lasting effects.
- Neck and Spinal Injuries: Whiplash injuries are common in side-impact collisions, but the lateral force of the crash can also directly affect the spine, increasing the risk of severe injuries, including paralysis.
- Chest and Abdominal Injuries: The intrusion of the side of the car can cause broken ribs, damage to internal organs, and internal bleeding, all of which can lead to life-threatening conditions and require urgent medical attention.
- Broken Bones: Fractured arms, legs, or pelvis are common in side-impact crashes, particularly for the driver or passenger on the side of the vehicle that was hit.
- Lacerations: Shattered glass or metal from the door and window can cause deep cuts and lacerations, adding to the trauma of the collision.
These injuries often require significant medical intervention, including surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care. The impact on the victim’s quality of life can be profound, with many people facing permanent disabilities or a long recovery process. Even at moderate speeds, a broadside hit can lead to life-changing injuries, and the risks are even higher when a larger vehicle, like a truck or SUV, strikes a smaller car.
Key Takeaway: Common T-bone crash injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and lacerations. Many of these injuries meet Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold, which matters for Limited Tort insurance claims.
Car Accident Attorneys in New Castle, PA – Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
Lawrence M. Kelly, Esq.
Lawrence M. Kelly has been practicing law in Pennsylvania since 1983 and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. A cum laude graduate of the University of Akron School of Law, he has built a respected legal career rooted in trial advocacy, leadership, and service to the profession.
Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Kelly has held major leadership roles, including Past President of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and President of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice in 2024. He has also served his community through years of coaching baseball and basketball at the high school and college levels, reflecting his dedication to mentorship, teamwork, and local involvement.
Joseph A. George, Esq.
Joseph A. George focuses his practice on motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, personal injury claims, and workers’ compensation matters. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, and American Association for Justice.
Mr. George has earned significant peer and professional recognition for his work, including being named to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers from 2018 through 2026. He also holds the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the American Bar Foundation, and The National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Who Is Liable for a Broadside Collision in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the driver who violates traffic rules and causes a broadside collision will generally be found at fault. This is typically the driver who ran a red light in violation of 75 Pa. C.S. § 3112, failed to yield during a left turn under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3322, or disregarded other right-of-way rules. When a driver violates traffic laws and that violation causes a crash, the violation can be evidence of negligence.
Police often issue a traffic citation to the at-fault driver, and this citation can play a crucial role in supporting an injury claim. However, there are situations where fault may be disputed. For example, both drivers may claim the other had the red light. In these cases, additional evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, skid marks, and accident reconstruction can help determine who was truly responsible for the crash.
Key Takeaway: The driver who violated traffic laws and caused the broadside collision is generally liable in Pennsylvania. When fault is disputed, evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction helps determine responsibility.
How Does Pennsylvania’s Negligence Rule Affect Your Claim?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102, which means that if both drivers share some level of fault for the accident, their liability will be divided based on their percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages from the other driver.
If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but the amount will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault (perhaps because you were slightly speeding), and the other driver is 80% at fault, you could still receive compensation. If the total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000 after the 20% reduction for your own fault.
This rule means that insurance companies often try to place some of the blame on the victim to minimize their payout. For this reason, having an attorney is extremely helpful. An experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that unfair blame isn’t placed on you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaway: Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to reduce your payout, making legal representation important.
How Does Pennsylvania’s Tort System Affect a Broadside Claim?
Pennsylvania requires first-party medical benefits under 75 Pa. C.S. § 1711, which can help pay medical bills after a crash regardless of who caused the accident. Your own insurance company will cover medical expenses up to the policy limit, which is at least $5,000.
This means that if you are injured in a broadside collision, you don’t have to wait for fault to be determined before receiving treatment. Required first-party medical benefits help pay medical expenses up to the policy limit, but they do not cover pain and suffering. Separate first-party benefits, such as income loss benefits, may be available if purchased.
When it comes to pursuing additional compensation, Pennsylvania offers two options under 75 Pa. C.S. § 1705: Limited Tort and Full Tort. The type of coverage you choose will impact your ability to seek damages beyond medical expenses, particularly for pain and suffering.
- Full Tort: If you select Full Tort, you have the unrestricted right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for all damages resulting from the accident. This includes medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages.
- Limited Tort: With Limited Tort coverage, your ability to seek compensation for pain and suffering is restricted. You can only pursue non-economic damages if you suffer a “serious injury,” which Pennsylvania defines as:
- Death
- Serious impairment of bodily function
- Permanent serious disfigurement
Many of the injuries that occur in broadside collisions, such as broken bones, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and internal injuries, often meet Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold. Therefore, even if you have Limited Tort coverage, you may still be eligible to pursue compensation for pain and suffering if your injuries qualify.
Exceptions to Limited Tort
There are exceptions to the Limited Tort rule where you can still pursue non-economic damages, even if you don’t meet the serious injury threshold:
- If the at-fault driver is convicted of or accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for DUI in connection with the crash, Limited Tort restrictions may not apply.
- If you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, you are not subject to Limited Tort restrictions and can always pursue pain and suffering claims against the at-fault driver.
Limited Tort may lower premiums, but it can restrict pain and suffering claims unless a serious injury or another exception applies.
Key Takeaway: Pennsylvania drivers choose between Full Tort and Limited Tort coverage. Full Tort gives you unrestricted rights to sue for all damages, while Limited Tort restricts pain and suffering claims unless you have a serious injury. Many serious broadside collision injuries may meet the serious injury threshold under Limited Tort.
What Should You Do After a Broadside Collision in Pennsylvania?
Being involved in a broadside collision can be a traumatic experience, but knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here is what you should do immediately following an accident:
- Check for injuries and call 911: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Your safety and health should be your top priority. If you are able to do so, move to a safe location to avoid further accidents or injury.
- Wait for the police to arrive: Have law enforcement respond to the scene, especially in intersection accidents like broadside collisions. The police will create an official report, which serves as an impartial record of the accident and can help establish who was at fault.
- Exchange information with other drivers: Collect names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details (make, model, license plate number) from all drivers involved. Get contact information for any witnesses as well.
- Document the scene: If you are able to, take photos of the vehicles involved, including the angle of impact and visible damage. Photograph the location, any traffic signals or signs, skid marks, and debris. This visual evidence can play a key role in establishing the facts of the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t have apparent injuries, get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries such as concussions or soft-tissue damage may not show up immediately. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash.
- Notify your insurance company: Your auto policy likely requires prompt notice after a crash. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
- Consult a car accident attorney: After a serious broadside collision, consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can guide you through the claims process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Key Takeaway: After a broadside collision, call 911, wait for police, exchange information, document the scene with photos, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, notify your insurer, and consult an attorney. Taking these steps protects both your health and your legal rights.
Get Help from a New Castle Car Accident Attorney Today
A broadside collision can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your legal options. You should not have to handle insurance companies and liability disputes on your own while you are focused on recovering.
Attorney Lawrence M. Kelly and Attorney Joseph A. George at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. have years of combined experience representing injured clients in car accident cases throughout Lawrence County, Butler County, and Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about how our team handles broadside collision claims and other car accident cases.
Call Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. at (724) 658-8535 or visit our office at 315 N Mercer St, New Castle, PA 16101. We serve clients across Lawrence County, Allegheny County, Butler County, and all of Western Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broadside Collisions
What is the difference between a broadside and a T-bone collision?
There is no difference. “Broadside collision” and “T-bone accident” are two names for the same type of crash, where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. The term “T-bone” comes from the T shape the two vehicles form at the point of impact.
Who is usually at fault in a broadside collision?
The driver who violates a traffic law, such as running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, or turning left without yielding, is usually found at fault. Police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage help determine responsibility.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault for a T-bone accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule (42 Pa. C.S. § 7102), you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What injuries are most common in broadside collisions?
The most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, broken bones, chest and abdominal injuries, and lacerations from shattered glass. Side-impact crashes are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle provides limited protection.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Consulting an attorney early helps preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Does Limited Tort prevent me from suing after a T-bone accident in PA?
Not necessarily. Limited Tort restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffered a “serious injury,” defined as death, serious impairment of bodily function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Many broadside collision injuries meet this threshold. Exceptions also apply if the at-fault driver was under the influence or if you were a pedestrian.
What evidence helps prove fault in a broadside crash?
Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, crash-scene photos, and traffic footage can help establish fault in a broadside collision.
