Who is at fault in a T-bone accident in Texas? You may end up considering this question after a collision. Determining fault for these accidents is essential, as the liable driver may have to cover your medical expenses and other losses after a wreck.
Other drivers often hold the fault for these accidents. However, vehicle manufacturers may sometimes be liable for a collision. Go over responsibility for side-impact collisions with our team at the Buzbee Law Firm.
What does It Mean to Be “T-Boned” in a Car Accident?
You may have heard the term T-bone used to refer to some accidents. These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes another in the side, forming the shape of a T. Accidents can happen if a vehicle hits either the driver or passenger side of another car.
Many people also use the term “side-impact collision” to refer to T-bone accidents. You can use these terms interchangeably to refer to the same kind of accident.
Who Can Cause a T-Bone Accident in an Intersection?
Fault for T-bone accidents can vary based on the circumstances surrounding the collision. Many of these accidents occur in intersections when one driver ignores a stop sign or red light to proceed illegally across traffic.
In these situations, liability usually falls on the driver who ignored traffic signals. Drivers may:
- Proceed directly through an intersection without stopping
- Make an illegal left-turn into traffic
- Make an unsafe right turn
In many cases, drivers ignore traffic signs due to distraction when they approach the intersection. Distracted driving may arise due to motorists paying attention to mobile devices, their radio, food, drink, or even passengers in the vehicle.
Drivers also ignore traffic signals while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if they’re driving while fatigued. Some drivers behave recklessly because they’re impatient to reach their destination.
A lawyer can assess the cause of any intersection T-bone car accident, determining fault for the collision.
Who Can Cause a T-Bone Accident Away From an Intersection?
Not all T-bone collisions occur in intersections. They may take place when vehicles try to cross a roadway. We often see these collisions:
When Vehicles Leave a Parking Lot
Pulling out of a parking lot often requires a driver to turn across the path of oncoming traffic. Mistiming the turn could result in a collision. Who is at fault in a T-bone accident by a parking lot?
Liability often depends on the action of each driver involved. Police may assess the speed of all drivers, whether they appropriately obeyed yield signs, and whether they paid sufficient attention to their surroundings.
When a Driver Makes a U-Turn
You may also end up in a T-bone accident if a driver makes a u-turn in front of you. Drivers making illegal turns generally end up at fault for these collisions.
Can You Be at Fault for a T-Bone Accident if You Had the Right of Way?
Texas uses modified comparative fault laws to handle car accident claims. These laws mean that more than one party could be liable for a collision, including a T-bone accident.
Lawyers and insurance agents review everything that happened in the accident. Then, they attempt to determine how much percentage of fault each driver holds. Generally, the amount of compensation you receive depends upon your level of responsibility for the collision.
Therefore, you could end up partially at fault for a T-bone accident, even if you had the right of way. The insurance company could argue you were speeding, driving dangerously, or even driving without your headlights on.
Can a Vehicle Manufacturer Cause a T-Bone Accident?
In some cases, drivers do not cause T-bone accidents in Texas. Instead, faulty vehicle construction can lead to these accidents.
Some vehicles have issues with their braking system, leading to issues at an intersection. In this situation, a car accident lawyer may file a claim against the car manufacturer.
How do Lawyers Establish Fault for T-Bone Accidents?
Who is at fault in a T-bone accident? Fault varies based on numerous factors. Lawyers assess liability in these accidents by:
- Questioning all eyewitnesses
- Visiting the scene of the accident
- Getting a copy of the police report
- Working with T-bone accident experts
Establishing that someone else caused your collision can help secure damages to cover your losses.
Lawyers often move quickly after accidents so that they can collect evidence before it disappears. Moving quickly can also help you avoid issues with the statute of limitations, which can impact the time you have to file a claim after a collision.
What Type of Injury Is Commonly Associated With T-Bone Accidents?
Due to T-bone car crash physics, many people sustain injuries like whiplash in this kind of collision. These accidents can also lead to other injuries, like broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, and internal injuries.
Some accidents even result in fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), over 800 lost their lives in accidents around intersections in 2020. Many of these accidents involve T-bone collisions.
We can step in to help if you lost a family member in a side-impact collision. Allow us to provide you with compassionate care today.
Seek Legal Help After a T-Bone Accident in Texas
Who is at fault in a T-bone accident? In some cases, liability can fall on any driver involved in the accident or the vehicle manufacturer. You can discuss the specifics of your case when you reach out to a car accident lawyer.
Our team at the Buzbee Law Firm can represent you after a side-impact collision. Call us or complete our online contact form to get immediate help.
