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Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Collision? | Tatum & Atkinson

Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Collision?

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A woman holds her in frustration after a t-bone car accident.

Determining fault in an accident is essential, as it will determine who will be responsible for damages related to the accident, such as medical expenses and other economic and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, a T-bone accident tends to occur when you least expect it. Accidents resulting from a T-bone collision can be devastating, especially as these crashes are often some of the most unexpected, dangerous, and deadly car collisions.

The experienced car accident attorneys at the law office of Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’, have over 65 years of experience and have fought tirelessly for car accident injury victims in the North Carolina area for decades. During your free case evaluation, we will review who is at fault in your claim and other important things you should know regarding the specifics of your case. If we take your case, we will fight to ensure that you receive the just compensation you deserve.

What Is a T-Bone Collision?

T-bone accidents, otherwise known as side-impact or broadside accidents, occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, forming a T shape. While T-bone accidents may involve multiple vehicles, it typically only includes two. While most frequently occurring at intersections, T-bone accidents often occur when one driver fails to yield or when a driver fails to stop at a stop sign or red light. When two cars go through an intersection simultaneously, they collide.

Alternatively, a T-bone accident can occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle and skids sideways. Side impact car collisions are one of the most frequent types of car collisions and will often result in severe injuries, compared to a fender bender or other automobile accidents. Drivers are in danger of direct impact in a T-bone accident, which is why it is crucial to determine who is at fault in this type of accident so that that person can bear the responsibility of being charged with any related damages.

The Dangers of a T-Bone Accident

T-bone accidents are often regarded as one of the most dangerous types of car accidents that may result in serious injury. As both drivers often do not slow down prior to colliding, this type of accident can be particularly deadly. Due to the force of impact involved in a T-bone accident, it is more likely for accident victims to suffer injuries. Compared to other collisions, T-bone accident victims are much more likely to suffer from internal injuries. Additionally, T-bone accident injury victims are far more likely to suffer from traumatic brain injury and whiplash due to the impact of the collision. In a T-bone crash, both the driver who strikes a car head-on and the driver who is hit on the side of the car are vulnerable to becoming severely injured.

After a T-Bone accident, the most common types of injuries are:

  • Concussion
  • Whiplash
  • Broken Bones
  • Spinal Cord Injury

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Collision?

At the convenience of victims, it is often straightforward to determine who was at fault in a T-Bone collision. The at-fault driver is the driver who did not have the right of way at an intersection. However, in some circumstances, the driver who did have the right of way may have some fault for failing to recognize what the other driver was doing. In T-bone collisions, determining fault is generally left to accounts of both the drivers and any witnesses. An experienced car accident attorney may aid you in determining who was at fault in a collision. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are unsure as to who is at fault, you should never assume blame. When speaking to insurers, you must monitor what you say, as your statements may be later used against you.

Common causes of T-bone accidents include:

  • When a driver makes a left-hand turn when they do not have the right of way
  • When a driver runs through a red light or stop sign
  • When there is a malfunctioning vehicle due to faulty auto parts, such as brake malfunction.
  • Distracted or drunk driving
  • Speeding

It is advisable to obtain the legal advice of a personal injury attorney, especially if the car accident claim isn’t cut and dry. An experienced car accident lawyer may help you gather all the necessary evidence to recover from your damages.

Who Is at Fault When There Is No Intersection?

While T-bones often happen when a driver fails to stop at a stop sign or runs through a red light, in some collisions, a T-bone can occur when there is no intersection at all. So who is at fault in these circumstances? Below find some situations in which a T-bone may occur outside of an intersection:

  •   Exiting a parking lot – If a driver pulls out into oncoming traffic and gets hit, they will be at fault as they do not have the right of way.
  •   Making a U-turn – If a motorist makes a U-turn and gets hit, they will be at fault.

Many times, drivers may assume that the driver making the hit is the one at fault in a T-bone accident, but this is not always true. Statements from the drivers, witnesses, and police reports are paramount in determining who is at fault in this type of accident.

The Role of Negligence in a T-Bone Car Accident

If you are a car accident injury victim, you have the legal right to receive compensation for your injuries if they were due to another driver’s negligence. However, you will be required to show how the other driver behaved negligently and will bear the burden of proof of providing evidence to show that your injuries were sustained due to the negligent actions of the other driver.

North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a T-bone accident and have sustained injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. Contact the experienced North Carolina Car accident attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’ by calling (800) 529-0804 or contact us online to receive your confidential, free case evaluations. During your free case review, we will explore your legal options, and if we take on your case, we will fight tirelessly for you to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. You should never have to pay for someone else’s negligent actions. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing North Carolina car accident victims to ensure they receive the just compensation they deserve.