By Christopher Dyer, Partner at Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Injury Attorneys · Member, The Florida Bar · Last updated September 21, 2026
Hit in the side at an intersection, maybe on U.S. 19 or at a busy crossing on State Road 54? Side-impact, or T-bone, crashes are among the most dangerous, because there is little between you and the other vehicle. Fault usually comes down to who had the right of way, and here is how that gets proven.
1. Get medical care and call the police
Side-impact crashes can cause serious injuries even at moderate speeds. Get medical care right away, and make sure police respond and create a crash report, since the report is key evidence at a disputed intersection.
2. Fault turns on right of way
These cases usually come down to who had the right of way (Fla. Stat. § 316.121 covers approaching and entering intersections). Evidence like the signal timing, skid marks, vehicle damage angles, and independent witnesses often decides it. Traffic and business cameras near the intersection can be valuable, so note them early.
3. Protect your claim
Do not admit fault or speculate about the light. Stick to the facts, get the crash report number, and preserve any camera leads. Fault can be shared under comparative negligence (Fla. Stat. § 768.81), and your PIP (Fla. Stat. § 627.736) pays first.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident in New Port Richey
Get medical care within the 14-day window.
Make sure a crash report is created and get the number.
Note nearby traffic and business cameras before footage is lost.
Talk to a local attorney, since intersection fault is often disputed.
Frequently asked questions
Who is at fault in a T-bone crash? Usually the driver who failed to yield the right of way, but it must be proven. Signal timing, damage angles, skid marks, camera footage, and witnesses all help establish it.
Why do intersection cameras matter? They can show who entered on the green and who ran the light. Footage is often overwritten quickly, so it helps to identify cameras early.
What if the other driver blames me? Do not argue fault at the scene. Preserve the evidence and let an attorney handle the dispute; Florida shares fault under comparative negligence.
Talk to a real attorney, free
If you or someone you love was hurt in a T-bone crash in New Port Richey or anywhere in Pasco County, we are ready to help. Get a free case evaluation: no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we win your case. (Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.)
Christopher Dyer is a partner at Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Injury Attorneys and a member of The Florida Bar. The firm has more than 20 years of experience and has recovered over $100 million for injured clients across West Central Florida.
This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Talk to an attorney about your specific situation.
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