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Intersection & T-Bone Accident Lawyer in Peoria, IL

Intersection crashes are some of the most serious accidents on Illinois roads. When one vehicle strikes the side of another, the impact can cause significant injuries because there is less structural protection on the side of a vehicle. These cases also commonly involve disputed fault — especially when drivers disagree about who had the green light or right of way.

At Parker & Parker, we help injured victims pursue full compensation after intersection and T-bone crashes by identifying fault, preserving evidence early, and building a clear medical narrative. If you’d like to speak with an intersection accident lawyer in Peoria, contact us today for a free consultation.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. We handle the insurance company while you focus on recovery.

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Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Crash in Illinois?

T-bone collisions almost always involve a right-of-way violation. The most common causes include running a red light, failing to yield at a stop sign, turning left across oncoming traffic, or entering an intersection without a clear path.

Common right-of-way violations that lead to intersection crashes

  • Red light violations (including “late yellow” decisions)
  • Stop sign failures (rolling stops or misjudged timing)
  • Left-turn failures to yield across oncoming traffic
  • Improper lane changes inside the intersection
  • Distracted driving (texting, navigation, phone calls)
  • Speeding through intersections and reduced reaction time

Even when liability seems clear, intersection cases often turn into “he said / she said” disputes. That’s why early evidence collection matters.

How Fault Is Proven After an Intersection Crash

Insurance companies often dispute fault in T-bone crashes because they want leverage to reduce payouts. The best way to protect your claim is to preserve evidence before it disappears.

Evidence that commonly proves fault

  • Crash report + diagram (including statements and citations)
  • Witness statements (often the deciding factor)
  • Photos of vehicle positioning and damage patterns
  • Traffic camera footage or nearby business surveillance
  • Event data recorder (“black box”) data from modern vehicles
  • 911 call timing and dispatch logs

Important: Video footage is frequently overwritten within days. If footage might exist, it should be requested immediately.

Common Injuries in Intersection & T-Bone Accidents

Side-impact crashes tend to produce serious injuries because the occupant has less protective structure between their body and the point of impact. Even when airbags deploy, the force of the collision can cause significant trauma.

  • Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Neck and back injuries including herniated discs
  • Rib fractures and chest trauma
  • Shoulder, hip, and knee injuries
  • Internal injuries that may not appear immediately

Warning: Some injuries (including internal bleeding) can present later. Seek medical attention promptly after any significant intersection impact.

Comparative Fault & Disputed Right of Way

Intersection crashes commonly involve disputed fault — especially when both drivers claim they had the green light. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You may recover if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery can be reduced by your fault share. Recovery is barred only if you are more than 50% at fault.

Related: When fault is disputed, documentation becomes more important. See our breakdown of what increases settlement value after a car accident.

Want a deeper breakdown? These articles cover settlement factors, what to do after a crash, and common insurer tactics that reduce payouts.

What Affects Settlement Value in Intersection & T-Bone Cases?

Intersection crashes often involve serious injuries and disputed liability, so settlement value can depend heavily on evidence quality and medical documentation. Key factors include:

  • Severity of injuries and the need for specialist care
  • Objective findings (imaging, neurological signs, fractures)
  • Consistency of treatment and symptom documentation
  • Lost wages and work restrictions
  • Liability clarity (video/witnesses vs disputed right of way)
  • Insurance coverage and possible UM/UIM involvement

Medical Bills & Liens: How We Help You Keep More

Even when a settlement is fair, medical bills can reduce what you take home. We regularly work to reduce medical liens and outstanding balances so clients keep more of their recovery.

What to Do After an Intersection Crash (Checklist)

  • Seek medical care immediately — side-impact injuries can be serious.
  • Call police and obtain a crash report.
  • Photograph the intersection, lane markings, traffic signs, and vehicle positions.
  • Collect witness contact information.
  • Ask about nearby cameras (traffic cameras, gas stations, businesses).
  • Avoid recorded statements and early settlement pressure.
  • Speak with an intersection accident lawyer early to preserve evidence.

Related: For a step-by-step plan, see What To Do After a Car Accident in Illinois.

Important: Before signing anything, read our warning about release of liability forms.

Talk to an intersection accident lawyer in Peoria today. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Get a Free Case Review
Call 309-673-0069

Intersection & T-Bone Accident FAQs

Who is at fault in a T-bone crash in Illinois?

T-bone crashes typically involve a right-of-way violation, such as running a red light, failing to yield at a stop sign, or turning left across traffic. Fault depends on evidence such as crash reports, witnesses, and video footage.

Why are intersection crashes more dangerous?

Side impacts offer less protection than front or rear collisions, and injuries can include head injuries, rib fractures, internal injuries, and spine injuries even at lower speeds.

What if both drivers say they had the green light?

Conflicting stories are common. Evidence can come from witnesses, traffic camera footage, nearby business video, vehicle event data, and crash reconstruction. Evidence should be preserved quickly because video is often overwritten.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You may recover if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery can be reduced by your fault share. Recovery is barred only if you are more than 50% at fault.

How long do I have to file an intersection accident claim in Illinois?

Many injury claims have a general two-year filing deadline, but some cases have different timelines. Speak with a lawyer early to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Want the main overview page? Visit our Peoria Car Accident Lawyer hub for a complete guide to Illinois car accident claims and next steps.