Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, can change lives in an instant. 

According to the National Safety Council’s (NSC) 2023 Injury Facts,  there were approximately 282,000 T-bone injury crashes across the United States. These crashes are not only sudden but also extremely dangerous, often causing serious or fatal injuries for those involved. 

Craig Swapp & Associates, a respected team of car accident lawyers, is committed to helping injured people find answers and support during these challenging times. 

If you’re wondering about fault in a T-bone accident and your legal rights, keep reading to learn more about these crashes and what determines liability.

How Does a T-Bone Accident Happen?

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These collisions often take place at intersections, driveways, or parking lot exits where vehicles cross paths. 

Several factors can lead to a T-bone accident:

• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way at intersections put themselves and others at serious risk.
• Failure to Yield: Misjudging another vehicle’s speed or ignoring traffic rules can result in a side-impact crash.
• Distracted Driving: A driver who is not paying full attention to the road may miss signals or other vehicles crossing their path.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment reduces a driver’s reaction time and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of running traffic signals or failing to yield.
• Poor Weather or Visibility: Rain, snow, fog, or sun glare can affect a driver’s ability to see traffic signals and other vehicles, sometimes resulting in intersection collisions.

Regardless of the cause, a T-bone accident typically involves high forces, especially for occupants seated on the side of the vehicle that is struck. These crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from broken bones and internal bleeding to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Who Is Usually at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

Determining fault in a T-bone accident often hinges on which driver had the legal right of way at the time of the crash. The driver who fails to yield or disregards traffic signals is usually considered at fault. However, every T-bone accident is unique, and the circumstances can be more complicated than they first appear.

Some of the most common scenarios for establishing who is at fault in a T-bone accident include:

• If a driver ignores a red light or stop sign and enters an intersection, colliding with a vehicle that has the right of way, the violating driver is generally held responsible.
• If a driver enters the roadway without checking for cross-traffic, they may be found at fault.
• If police determine that a driver was under the influence or using a phone at the time of the crash, this can be strong evidence of fault.

While insurance companies and law enforcement officers often assign fault based on these principles, it is not always clear-cut. Fault in a T-bone accident may also depend on other contributing factors, including the actions of both drivers and even the road design or visibility issues.

How Do You Prove Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

Proving fault in a T-bone accident requires a careful investigation and solid evidence. Insurance adjusters, police, and legal representatives look at various sources to build a clear picture of what happened. 

Some of the most important pieces of evidence include:

• Police Report: A police report is one of the first documents reviewed after a crash. Officers document the scene, take witness statements, and may issue citations to drivers who violated traffic laws. The report typically notes the position of each vehicle, road and weather conditions, and whether any laws were broken.
• Witness Statements: Neutral third parties can provide valuable testimony about which vehicle had the green light, whether either driver was speeding, or if one appeared distracted. Witnesses help clarify the sequence of events, especially in cases where both drivers claim to have had the right of way.
• Traffic Camera or Surveillance Footage: Video evidence from intersection cameras, traffic lights, or nearby businesses can be extremely persuasive in establishing who is at fault in a T-bone accident. Footage can show which vehicle entered the intersection illegally, ran a light, or made an unsafe turn.
• Vehicle Damage and Accident Reconstruction: The point and severity of impact on each vehicle provide clues about the direction and speed of travel. Accident reconstruction specialists use this physical evidence to recreate the crash and determine likely fault.
• Physical Evidence at the Scene: Skid marks, debris, and the final resting position of the vehicles can indicate which driver had the right of way, how fast each vehicle was traveling, and whether any evasive actions were taken.
• Cellphone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, cell phone records may show whether a driver was texting, calling, or using an app at the time of the accident.
• Expert Testimony: Although most T-bone accident claims are resolved with physical evidence and statements, professionals such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals may be brought in to clarify complicated details.

Collecting and analyzing these forms of evidence is essential for a successful personal injury claim. Car accident lawyers know how to access and interpret this information to strengthen a case.

Can More Than One Driver Be at Fault in an Accident?

In some T-bone accident cases, liability is not limited to a single party. More than one driver can share responsibility if their actions contributed to the crash. 

This situation arises in several ways:

• Both Drivers Disobeyed Traffic Controls: For example, if one driver ran a red light while another was speeding through a yellow light, both may be assigned a percentage of fault.
• Contributory Actions: If one driver failed to yield and the other was distracted, both behaviors could have played a role in the crash.
• Sudden or Unexpected Actions: A driver who stops suddenly or accelerates unexpectedly may cause confusion, increasing the risk of a T-bone collision.

In these situations, insurance companies and courts often apportion fault based on the degree to which each party’s actions contributed to the accident. This assessment can significantly affect how compensation is awarded and who ultimately pays for the damages.

How Does Comparative Negligence Apply in a T-Bone Accident?

Comparative negligence is a legal principle used in many states to determine fault in an accident involving more than one responsible party. Under this rule, each driver’s degree of fault is assessed as a percentage. Compensation is then reduced by the injured party’s share of responsibility.

There are different types of comparative negligence, depending on state law:

Pure Comparative Negligence

In states following pure comparative negligence, an injured party can recover damages even if they are found to be mostly at fault. For example, if a jury determines a driver is 80% responsible for a T-bone accident, that person can still recover 20% of their total damages.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Most states, including Utah, Idaho, and Colorado, use a modified comparative negligence rule. This means an injured person can only recover damages if their percentage of fault is less than a certain threshold, often 50% or 51%. If a driver is found 51% or more responsible for the T-bone accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages.

Understanding how comparative negligence applies in your state can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. That’s why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Determine Fault?

After a T-bone accident, injured individuals are often overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance adjusters, and the stress of trying to recover. Determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident can be challenging, especially when the facts are disputed or when multiple parties are involved. 

Car accident lawyers are equipped to investigate every angle of the crash, gather critical evidence, and advocate for fair compensation.

Some of the ways a car accident lawyer can help include:

• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Lawyers have access to resources that allow them to obtain police reports, camera footage, and expert analysis.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame. An attorney will negotiate aggressively to protect your interests.
• Interpreting State Laws: Every state has unique laws regarding fault and comparative negligence.  Car accident lawyers provide crucial guidance tailored to your state’s rules.
• Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial.
• Maximizing Compensation: By building a strong case, your lawyer helps you pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Craig Swapp & Associates serves injured individuals across Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona. With a commitment to justice and client care, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no legal fees unless the firm wins or settles the case. 

If you need legal help to establish fault in a T-bone accident, it all begins with “One Call, That’s All!” Call us today at 866-308-3822 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.