--- description: If you are a T-bone car accident victim in Washington, D.C., contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. title: T-Bone Car Accidents - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. --- T-Bone Car Accidents - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # T-Bone Car Accidents Last Updated: September 4, 2024 Reading Time: 7 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » T-Bone Car Accidents What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. # T-Bone Car Accidents in Washington DC You’re driving down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly, you hear a loud crash. You look out your window and see that a car has T-boned you! What do you do? This is not a question that most people think about daily, but it’s important to know what to do when t-bone accidents occur. If you are a car accident victim and unsure about what to do after a [car accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/), contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The accident attorneys with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have years of experience helping people who have been injured in accidents get the compensation they deserve. ## What is a T-Bone Accident? T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. ## What To Do If You Are in a T-Bone Accident If you are in a t-bone or side-impact collision, your first priority should be to get yourself and any passengers out of the car. Then, you should call 911 and ask for help. Once you have contacted emergency services, you should stay at the accident scene until they arrive. When law enforcement comes to a traffic accident, you can file a police report. Even if you are not injured, it’s a good idea to visit the hospital after an accident like this so that medical professionals can check out your injuries. If there is any indication of a [concussion](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) or other head injury, they will want to watch you and make sure everything is okay before allowing you to leave. Finally, If you’re feeling overwhelmed after being involved in a t-bone accident, it might be good to contact a personal injury attorney. They can help you file an insurance claim and represent you in court if you need to take an insurance company to trial. ## Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions There are many causes of T-bone accidents, but some of the most common include: - **Improper Left Turn Accidents**: This is when a car turning left collides with an oncoming car going straight. - **[Intersection Accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/intersections/)**: This is when two cars collide at an intersection. - **Wrong-Way Driver**: This is when a driver goes the [wrong way](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/wrong-way-accident/) down a one-way street or freeway. - **[Distracted Driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/)**: A driver is not paying attention to the road and causes an accident. - **[Drunk Driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/)**: A driver is drunk or high and causes an accident. - **Road Rage**: One driver gets angry at another driver and causes an accident. - **Running a Stop Sign: **This is when a driver fails to stop at a stop sign and causes an accident. - **Running a Red Light**: This is when a driver fails to stop at a red light and causes an accident. - **Mechanical Failure**: The vehicle breaks down due to mechanical failures, such as worn brakes or tires. - **[Weather Conditions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2020/01/how-bad-weather-increases-the-chances-of-a-car-accident/)**: Weather conditions cause accidents, such as slippery roads or low visibility. ## T-Bone Accident Injuries When t-bone accidents happen, it is common for victims to suffer injury. Some of the [most common injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-injuries/) include: ### Whiplash [Whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/) is a type of injury that is caused when the head and neck are whipped back and forth. It often occurs in car accidents but can also occur in other types of accidents, such as slip-and-fall accidents. ### Broken Bones Broken bones are another common injury that can occur in a T-bone accident. This is when one or more of the bones in your body fracture. ### Concussion A concussion is a type of [head injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/head-injuries/) that can occur when there is a car accident. A concussion can cause a variety of symptoms, such as [headaches](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/headache-after-a-car-accident/), dizziness, and nausea. A concussion is a type of brain injury. ### Traumatic Brain Injuries A [traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/brain-injuries/) (also called TBI) is when the brain has been damaged due to extreme internal or external force. This can happen in many different ways, but car accidents are one of the most common causes of a brain injury ### Spinal Cord Injuries A [spinal cord injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/spine-injuries/) (also called SCI) is when the spinal cord has been damaged due to an external force. Spinal cord injuries can potentially cause full or partial paralysis. ## How is Fault Determined in T-Bone Car Accidents? Depending on the circumstances of a t-bone car accident, drivers may share fault. Both drivers may dispute who had the right of way. Obtaining a lawyer to [collect key evidence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-a-lawyer-looks-for-in-a-case/) to prove your case can help you meet your t-bone accident case expectations. Here are some factors that can help decide: ### The Location of the Accident [Where the accident occurred](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/where-most-accidents-happen/) can give investigators clues to where the blame for the crash lies. ### Speeding If a car was [going too fast for conditions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/) and caused an accident, they will be found at fault. If both cars were speeding, the courts may decide that neither party is completely at fault or blameless. ### Running Red Lights or Stop Signs If one driver [ran a red light](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/do-red-light-cameras-cause-more-accidents/), then they will be found to be at fault. ### Automobile Manufacturers Manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their vehicles, so if there is a design flaw or [manufacturing defect](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/vehicle-defects/) in the vehicle that caused an accident, then they may be held liable as well. ### Road Engineers and Municipalities If a [road is poorly designed](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/roadway-defects/) or inadequately maintained, then the municipality or road engineers may be held liable. For example, if a street has potholes that cause an accident, then the municipality may be held liable. ### Who Is At Fault When There is No Intersection? If the t-bone collision occurred on the road and there was no intersection, then it is likely that the driver who was going the wrong way is at fault. For instance, a car exiting a driveway or parking lot would be responsible for yielding the right of way to a car traveling on the street. ## Filing a Lawsuit After a T-Bone Accident If you have been injured in a T-Bone accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will allow our legal team to investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. ### Why You Need an Attorney After a T-Bone Crash There are many reasons [why you need an attorney](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/should-i-get-a-lawyer/) after a t-bone accident. Some of the most important include: - Attorneys know how to investigate complex traffic accidents, especially those involving [car rollovers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rollover-accident/). They can [gather evidence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-a-lawyer-looks-for-in-a-case/) and prove that your accident was caused by another driver or defective vehicle. - Attorneys understand [insurance company tactics](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-insurance-companies-dont-want-you-to-know-in-personal-injury-cases/) and can help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. - An attorney can provide emotional support and guidance through the legal process. ### How Attorneys Prove Liability in T-bone Accidents The [first thing the attorney will do](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-does-a-personal-injury-lawyer-do/) is gather evidence. They may use witness statements, police reports, medical records, and other pieces of evidence to prove who was at fault for causing the accident. They may also hire an expert or investigator to determine what caused the accident. The car accident lawyer will then present this information in court and try to get a settlement or judgment in favor of their client. ## What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## Recoverable Damages in a T-Bone Accident If you have been injured in a collision accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The following [types of damages](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-can-you-sue-for-in-a-car-accident/) are typically recoverable if the evidence shows that another driver was negligent: - Medical Expenses - Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity - Pain and Suffering - [Emotional Distress](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/trauma/) - Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses ## What is the Value of My Case? [Many factors](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/factors-that-affect-the-value-of-your-case/) go into determining the [value of your case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/02/what-is-the-value-of-my-case/). These include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys have experience evaluating cases just like yours to determine what they may be worth and will work hard to get you fair compensation for your injuries. Here are a few of our case results: - $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision. - $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle. - $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident. - $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle. - $1 million settlement obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens. - $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle. ## Contact an Accident Lawyer Today If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Why Some Insurance Companies Take Longer to Settle After a Car Accident in Washington, DC Washington, DC Tint Laws Why Insurance Companies Lowball Car Accident Settlements in Washington, DC Economic VS Non-Economic Damages In Washington, DC Car Accident Cases How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case Car Accident Lawyer Arlington, VA Should You Talk To the Other Person’s Insurance Company? 100 Deadliest Days of Summer How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) Brain Injury Liability and Umbrella Insurance Protects You and Your Family As we enter a new year, it is the perfect opportunity to take stock of Read More » 12/16/2021 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) Car Accidents The Courts Have Reopened and the Doors are Wider Than Ever For months, the coronavirus pandemic practically shut down the courts in the District of Columbia, Read More » 08/25/2021 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) Car Accidents Law Firm Receives Super Lawyers Awards for 11th Consecutive Year The 2021 Washington, DC Super Lawyers® annual list of “Top Lawyers” was recently featured in Read More » 08/25/2021 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/school-bus-safety/) Bus Accidents School Bus Safety There are more than 471,000 school buses on the roads every day. School bus safety Read More » 08/18/2021