T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle hits another at a roughly 90-degree angle. Understanding how to prove fault when involved in a T-bone collision is essential. While it can be difficult, it’s not impossible, and it’s a vital part of receiving the compensation you need to move forward. Today’s blog discusses everything you need to know about proving fault after a T-bone collision.
The Dangers of T-Bone Collisions
Any car accident has the potential for serious injuries and vehicle damage. T-bone accidents, however, are particularly dangerous because the sides of cars offer far less protection than the front and back. Many new car models have side-impact airbags, but the reality is that there is less material between the outside of the vehicle and the people inside.
Even with reinforced doors, side-impact collisions have a greater risk of severe injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal damage. Due to the higher likelihood of serious harm, proving fault is crucial so that the injured party receives adequate compensation for their financial and psychological damages.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents at Intersections
Most T-bone accidents happen at intersections due to the convergence of cars all going in different directions. Accidents are common during rush hour traffic because everyone is in a hurry and is more likely to make mistakes and take chances. Some of the most common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- Distracted driving
- Making unsafe left turns
- Driving while intoxicated
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
How to Prove Fault in T-Bone Accidents
To prove that a driver is responsible for a T-bone accident, you must show that their negligence directly caused the collision. T-bone cases can be difficult because many variables can influence how liability is assigned. Multiple parties can share the blame in states like California, where comparative negligence is practiced.
It’s important to accurately demonstrate the actions of both parties and which specific actions contributed to the collision. T-bone accident cases often require investigations and thorough evidence gathering to determine who holds the greater percentage of fault. These fault percentages must be calculated carefully, as they can influence compensation.
Police Reports
The officers who respond to the accident report will compile a report detailing their initial observations, statements, citations, and preliminary fault determination. While a police report is not definitive, it carries weight with insurance providers and courts when assigning fault and negotiating settlements.
Surveillance Footage
Many intersections have traffic cameras specifically placed to provide evidence in accident situations. Nearby businesses with security cameras may also capture a collision. Video evidence provides indisputable proof of how the accident occurred and which driver violated traffic laws.
Witness Statements
Statements from people not involved in the accident can provide valuable information regarding what they observed. Unbiased accounts help to establish which driver had the right of way and traffic signal colors at the time of the collision. These testimonies can clarify specific details essential to proving fault.
Physical Evidence
Accident reconstruction experts can use physical evidence to determine the speed, point of impact, and driving patterns. Skid marks, vehicle damage, debris, and final vehicle positions can provide the information needed for the reconstruction expert to assign fault to a specific party or multiple parties.
Traffic Signal Data
A challenging scenario in a T-bone accident case occurs when both drivers claim they had the right of way. If both parties believe they had the green light, proving who is truthful can be complicated. Fortunately, modern traffic signals record data that can be used to confirm which driver had the green light.
Photos and Videos
Pictures and videos captured immediately after the accident can document vehicle positions, road conditions, weather, road signs, impact points, and injuries caused. Gathering as many photos and videos as possible of anything you think may be relevant is vital. All details are important when proving fault.
Cell Phone Records
In cases involving distracted driving, cell phone records can show if a driver was using their phone at the time of the accident. These records provide indisputable evidence about whether distracted driving played a role in the T-bone accident. Texting while driving is considered negligent behavior and will result in that driver being assigned a higher percentage of fault.
Legal Representation
Due to the complexity of proving fault in T-bone accidents and the severe injuries that are often involved, professional legal counsel is crucial. Working with an experienced attorney gives you access to all their knowledge and resources, enabling you to secure compensation successfully. Your attorney will be responsible for:
- Gathering and preserving evidence
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Identifying sources of compensation
- Ensuring the correct valuation of damages
- Negotiating settlements or taking your case to trial
- Handling comparative negligence disputes
Get The Support You Need
Proving fault in T-bone accidents requires an understanding of traffic laws, careful evidence collection, and the expertise of a legal professional. If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident at an intersection, contact HHJ Trial Attorneys for guidance and support. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. We will protect your rights, handle the intricacies of the legal system, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
