A busy intersection like Mount Vernon Avenue and Columbus Street can lead to driver mistakes and scary T-Bone accidents.
Victims will want to call 911 for help first. Then, if they are able, they should think about collecting important evidence that will only be found at the scene. It’s the best way to make sure the right driver is blamed.
Maison Law of Bakersfield offers a free accident consultation to all injured Kern County victims. It’s a chance to identify what an injury is worth and how to hold a car insurance company 100% responsible.
How Many T-Bone Accidents Are There in Bakersfield?
There were 1,435 accidents involving injuries in Bakersfield in 2025. 580 of those accidents involved a “broadside” impact, or around 40% of all collisions in the city. Those T-Bone impacts also led to nine tragic fatalities. That’s based on data from California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS).
Speeding contributes to many of these frightening collisions across the state. Safe-TREC of California found that 11% of all California accidents blamed on speeding in 2023 involved a broadside collision.
T-Bone Hazards During Bakersfield Rush Hour
T-Bone accidents, also classified as broadside collisions, apply force to the weakest parts of vehicles, the side panels. A collision may target the doors and windows of cars, causing occupants to strike metal surfaces and shattering glass.
The vehicle intruding into an SUV’s side wall can make direct contact with victims, causing dangerous crush injuries. Vehicles can also be sent spinning or rolling over to cause more harm to passengers.
Patients can suffer traumatic injuries and soon need expensive surgery, medical equipment, and even home care. The goal of any insurance claim is to get victims the support they need to pay for these expenses, especially while they must take time off work to heal.
Taking Action After a T-Bone Accident
Bakersfield police officers aren’t usually around to see accidents with their own eyes. They must arrive at the scene and use car positions and driver statements to figure out why an accident occurred. With a broadside collision, it’s easy to get it wrong.
It’s why victims should take action on the scene to collect important information before it’s swept up or hauled away.
Victims should see to their safety first, but then they should take these steps:
- Call 911. Get checked out by EMTs and go to the hospital if your injuries are serious enough.
- Give a Full Report. Tell the police or the California Highway Patrol everything you saw leading up to the accident.
- Get Pictures. Make sure to the damage to the vehicles. Show where the debris landed and what marks were left on the road surface. Take photos of any of your injuries that are visible.
- Get Contact Information. Phone numbers of witnesses. Driver’s license and insurance info from other drivers.
- Keep Evidence. Set aside any damaged or bloody clothing. Preserve it and don’t wash it.
- Report the accident. Call your own auto insurer, even if you weren’t to blame.
- See your doctor. In the shock of what’s happened, the pain of any injury may not be noticeable at first. You may really feel it the next day. Have your doctor check out new pain and all of your injuries. Follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to treatment, seeing specialists, and going to physical therapy.
- Call a Lawyer. Talk over your case with an experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyer. This is a great protection so you don’t accept a settlement offer without knowing what it’s really worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of things should I earn accident support for?
You should receive money to pay all of your current medical bills and for any future medical expenses that are expected. This includes all physical therapy costs in the coming months. The income and benefits you lose while missing work must be replaced. You should also receive support for the pain you’ve endured. The emotional trauma your injuries cause, such as a loss of enjoyment of life, should be compensated. The repair bills to fix or replace a car should go directly to the car insurer.
How long do I have to file an injury claim after a broadside crash?
Injured victims have up to two years to file a claim. But it’s never a good idea to wait years to file. Victims should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible so that evidence doesn’t get lost and witnesses don’t become hard to find.
How will I afford to pay a Bakersfield car accident attorney?
After an accident, you should focus on healing, and not on finding money to hire a lawyer. Maison Law works on a contingency basis. It means we aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our attorney fee is take from the settlement check a car insurance company must write for you.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney
Maison Law offers free case reviews to all injured Bakersfield area car accident victims and their families. It’s a chance to figure out what your injuries are worth and how to hold a car insurance company fully liable for all of your hardships.
We want to help you through this difficult time and make sure you get what you need to rebuild your health and your finances.
