T-Bone Accident: Who Is at Fault
The screech of tires, the crunch of metal, and the violent jolt from the side—a T-bone accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences may last a lifetime. In the confusing aftermath, as you deal with injuries and a damaged vehicle, the most urgent question on your mind is likely this: after a T-bone accident, who is at fault? The answer isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and it can impact your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain. At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects of side-impact collisions. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress you’re going through. Our team is here to offer clear and straightforward guidance to help you navigate this difficult time.
How Is Blame Determined in a Side Impact Crash?
In most cases, the driver who fails to yield the right-of-way, causing a T-bone accident, is at fault. Right-of-way rules are the traffic laws that determine which driver has the legal right to proceed first at an intersection or merge point. A driver who runs a red light, ignores a stop sign, or a yield sign, and enters the path of a vehicle with the right-of-way is usually considered negligent and therefore responsible for the crash. However, proving who had the right-of-way requires a detailed investigation of the specific circumstances of the collision.
What Are Common Scenarios for T-Bone Accidents?
While every crash is unique, most T-bone accidents occur at intersections under a few common scenarios. Understanding these examples can help clarify how, after a T-bone accident, fault is typically assigned.
- Running a red light. This violation is the most straightforward scenario. If a driver proceeds through an intersection in violation of a traffic signal and strikes a vehicle that had a green light or did not have a stop sign, the driver who violated the signal is at fault.
- Failure to yield on a left turn. Drivers making a left turn at an intersection must yield to oncoming traffic. If a driver turns left in front of an oncoming car proceeding straight through the intersection on a green light, the turning driver is usually liable.
- Failure to stop at a stop sign. At an all-way stop, the driver who arrives first has the right-of-way, while at a two-way stop, drivers must yield to all cross-traffic. A driver who pulls out into the intersection without properly yielding is negligent.
- Pulling out from a driveway or parking lot. Drivers exiting a private drive, parking lot, or alley must yield to all traffic already on the main roadway. They typically bear the fault if they pull out and another vehicle strikes them.
In any of these situations, the most common cause of a collision is a driver’s failure to follow traffic laws.
How Do You Prove T-Bone Accident Fault?
Insurance companies often dispute liability in T-bone accidents, especially when the parties’ accounts differ. A successful claim depends on gathering solid evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence. Key pieces of evidence include:
- The police report. While not always admissible in court, the police report provides a crucial initial assessment of the accident. It will contain diagrams, officer observations, witness information, and any traffic citations issued, which can be strong evidence of fault.
- Witness statements. Independent witnesses who saw the crash can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which is invaluable when drivers disagree on the facts.
- Photographs and video footage. Pictures of the vehicle damage, skid marks, and the overall accident scene can help show how the impact occurred. Dashcam footage can be especially persuasive evidence of the T-bone collision fault.
- Accident reconstruction. In complex cases, an expert can analyze the physical evidence to scientifically reconstruct the crash, determining vehicle speeds, impact angles, and the sequence of events to establish liability.
Your attorney will use these pieces of evidence to build a compelling case on your behalf.
What If Both Drivers Share Blame for the Accident?
Sometimes, an investigation shows that both drivers contributed to the crash. For example, one driver might have run a red light, but the other was speeding and unable to stop in time. In these cases, Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule applies. This law states that you can still recover damages as long as your share of the fault is not greater than the combined fault of the other parties (i.e., you are 50% or less at fault). The court will reduce your final compensation by the percentage of blame they attribute to you. For example, if you are 10% at fault for a crash and your total damages amount to $100,000, you can still recover $90,000. If you’re more than 50% at fault, however, you cannot recover damages under Pennsylvania law.
Why Choose Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers?
After a serious T-bone collision, particularly if fault is in question, you need a dedicated, experienced, and compassionate team. Our nationally recognized attorneys bring over 75 years of collective experience assisting thousands of victims. Like those clients, we aim to give you peace of mind, even when things feel uncertain. We provide honest, straightforward answers—never unrealistic promises. You owe nothing unless we successfully secure compensation for you. We’re prepared to put our expertise to work on your behalf.
Take the First Step to Contact Us Today
Ready to fight for the justice you deserve? The team at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers is prepared to investigate your crash, gather vital evidence, and build a compelling case for you. Don’t wait; contact us now for your free consultation and take the first step toward your recovery.
