When determining fault in a T-bone car accident, consider the facts of the case. The police report and witness statements are key evidence in a T-bone crash. Driving history is also important.
In a T-bone accident, the fault driver is usually assigned to the driver who didn't yield the right of way. Drivers must follow laws and signs at intersections. If a driver causes a side impact collision accident by not doing so, they are held liable.
Sometimes, fault may be assigned to both. This is called comparative negligence. Each driver is responsible for their share of the damages. The court can determine fault if the parties can't agree. Determining fault in a T-bone type of accident is complex. They consider all case evidence before deciding.
Contact Marks Law Group's Decatur car attorneys for more information on T-bone accident injuries and fair compensation. Call us at (678) 251-9309 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Definition of a T-bone Accident
A T-bone accident is a type of collision where the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. This type of crash is also known as a side-impact or broadside collision.
In a T-bone accident, both drivers are usually turning at an intersection when the crash occurs, although it can also occur in other scenarios. The impact generally occurs in the center of the side of the vehicle that was struck, referred to as the “T-bone.”
Factors That Affect Fault in a T-Bone Accident
T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle enters an intersection, unaware that another vehicle is crossing from the opposite direction. Victims of such accidents often sustain severe injuries due to the force of the impact, and determining fault can be difficult. However, there are a few factors that can determine who is at fault in a T-bone accident.
The first factor is whether or not the driver of the vehicle that was hit had the right of way. If they did, then the driver who struck them is usually found to be the fault party.
The second factor is whether or not either of the drivers acted negligently or carelessly before the auto accident crash. This could include speeding, running a red light, drunk driving, or failing to yield when turning at an intersection. The court will examine all evidence to determine if either driver was negligent in the motor vehicle accident.
The third factor is the speed of each vehicle when the crash occurred. Generally, a driver who is found to be traveling at a higher rate of speed will be found more at fault for an accident than a driver who was driving slower.
Finally, the court can consider any other mitigating factors that may have contributed to the accident. This includes the weather, visibility, or any other contributing factors.
Traffic Lights and Fault in T-Bone Accidents
Traffic lights are an important part of any roadway system and can help reduce the number of traffic accidents, including T-bone collisions. There are typically three types of traffic lights that are used in most cities: red, yellow, and green.
The red light indicates a stop at an intersection and should be obeyed by all drivers. A driver who disregards the red light could be found at fault for a car accident.
The yellow light indicates that the driver should prepare to stop or proceed with caution. If two drivers enter an intersection while the yellow light is active, both could be held partially responsible for the accident.
The green light indicates that it is safe to proceed through an intersection. If a driver runs a green light, they could be found to be fully responsible for any T-bone accident that occurs.
Role of Insurers and Lawyers in a Car Accident Claim
Insurers and accident lawyers have an important role in determining fault in a car accident. Personal injury lawyers investigate the accident scene and review available evidence. This evidence includes witness statements, accident reports, scene photographs, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other relevant information.
It helps establish liability. If a party is found at fault, they may be responsible for damages caused. Experienced car accident lawyers assist victims in negotiating with insurers and seeking compensation for medical expenses and medical costs, lost wages, non-economic damages, funeral expenses, and other expenses resulting from the crash.
Insurance Company Involvement
In a T-bone accident, insurance companies are typically involved in determining who is at fault. Insurance companies review all the details of the accident to determine which driver was negligent and should be held responsible for damages. They assess factors such as speed and road conditions, witness statements, vehicle damage, and any other evidence available.
The insurance company will look at the angles of impact when determining who was at fault. If one driver was speeding or disregarded a traffic signal, they may be held solely responsible for the accident. However, if both drivers were equally negligent in some way, then both parties may be found partially liable.
When to Hire an Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in a T-bone accident, determining fault can be difficult. In these cases, it may be beneficial to hire an accident lawyer from an accident law firm. An experienced left-turn T-bone car accident attorney will be knowledgeable of state laws and regulations and can help you maximize your claim’s settlement value or defend yourself if you are liable for the accident.
Here are some signs that you could benefit from hiring an accident injury lawyer:
- If you are unsure of who is at fault for a T-bone accident, it can be beneficial to seek legal assistance. An experienced T-bone car accident lawyer will guide you through the court process and ensure that all necessary evidence is properly presented to the court. An experienced lawyer will also provide advice on how to handle insurance companies after an accident and work towards a successful outcome.
- Understand your rights. Accident lawyers are well-versed in the legal rights and responsibilities of those injured in a T-bone accident. They can help you understand your broadside accident rights and ensure that they are not being violated.
- You have received a low settlement offer. Insurance companies often try to lowball T-bone accident victims by offering an initial settlement that is much lower than what they deserve. An experienced attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the maximum financial compensation possible for side-impact accidents.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can be a great benefit if you’ve been involved in a T-bone or side-impact accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine fault in the accident, which is essential for ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation claim allowed by law.
They will have extensive knowledge of all relevant laws and regulations about your specific case, which may greatly increase the chances of a successful compensation claim.
Additionally, an experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal system and understand your rights and responsibilities as an injured party. They can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit against the other driver or their insurance company, if necessary, to seek appropriate compensation for your losses. Finally, hiring a car accident lawyer may provide some peace of mind that your case is being handled in a timely and effective manner.
Common Causes of T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collision accidents can cause severe injuries because the sides of cars don't offer much protection. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, complete paralysis, wrongful death, and emotional distress. To prevent these accidents, drivers should stay focused and aware of their surroundings.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a major problem worldwide. It includes activities like using cell phones, eating, talking to passengers, and adjusting controls.
- Running a Red Light or a Yellow Light: Running a red or yellow light can determine fault in a T-bone accident. The driver who runs the light is usually at fault because they didn't follow traffic laws and ignored the right of way. In most states, any color other than green means you must stop at the intersection. Not stopping can lead to a crash, causing property damage and injury.
- Speeding: Speeding causes T-bone accidents when one car crashes into the side of another at an intersection, usually because the driver failed to yield the right-of-way.
- Other Unsafe Driving Behaviors: Unsafe driving behaviors are actions that increase the risk of accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, not obeying traffic laws, not yielding to pedestrians and other drivers, impaired driving or driving under the influence, aggressive driving, and impaired driving.
Marks Law Group Fights For You!
T-Bone or side-impact car accidents can be scary and confusing. Both drivers are often disoriented and unsure of fault. That's why it's important to consult an experienced injury attorney like those at Marks Law Group. We have extensive experience with car accidents, especially T-bone collisions.
We understand the balance between justice and compensation. Our experienced legal team will protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation.