Who Is Liable in T-Bone Accidents Involving Multiple Drivers?
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, can lead to very severe or catastrophic injuries, especially when multiple drivers are involved. Determining liability in these collisions can require a thorough investigation into the accident to determine how Texas negligence laws apply. If you sustained injuries in a T-bone accident, it is critical to understand your legal options and how to pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
What Causes T-Bone Accidents?
T-bone collisions often occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light, or fails to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Other common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to observe moving traffic before turning
- Drunk or drug-intoxicated driving
- Poor visibility due to weather or obstructed traffic signs
- Incorrect lane changes, merging
When multiple drivers are involved, determining liability can be a complicated issue, requiring the assistance of an experienced T-bone accident attorney to investigate the crash to identify the at-fault driver or drivers.
Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Vehicle T-Bone Crash?
Liability in a T-bone accident will reflect various legal issues, including which driver had the right of way and whether a vehicle was being driven in a negligent manner. Potentially at-fault parties include:
- The driver who ran a red light or stop sign: If a driver entered an intersection illegally, they are likely to be held liable for causing a crash.
- A driver who failed to yield: Drivers turning left at an intersection must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow.
- A third driver who caused a chain reaction: If another driver rear-ended a vehicle, pushing it into the intersection, the driver is likely to be found to be at fault for a collision.
- A municipality responsible for malfunctioning traffic lights or missing signs: In some cases, poorly maintained intersections could contribute to T-bone crashes.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can share fault in a T-bone accident. The law affects how compensation is awarded to the injured parties.
What Is Texas’ Comparative Negligence Law?
Texas uses a 51 percent modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001. The law allows for the following when compensation is awarded:
- If you are 50 percent or less at fault, you can still recover damages.
- You are barred from recovering compensation if you are 51 percent or more at fault.
- Your percentage of fault reduces your total compensation.
For example, if you were awarded $200,000 in damages and were determined to be 20% at fault, your final compensation would be $160,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the victim; it reduces the amount they are obligated to pay in damages. DJC Law fights aggressively to ensure clients receive the maximum compensation. We are known for being confident when taking cases to court to seek justice—and our track record of winning 99 percent of our cases at trial speaks for itself.
How Do Insurance Companies Assign Fault in T-Bone Accidents?
Insurance adjusters examine multiple factors to determine fault in a T-bone crash, including:
- Police report from the accident scene
- Traffic camera footage or dashcam video
- Eyewitness statements from bystanders and other drivers
- Vehicle damage analysis to determine impact angles
- Cell phone records to prove distracted driving
DJC Law works with accident reconstruction experts to challenge unfair fault determinations and ensure the parties responsible are held accountable.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a T-Bone Accident?
Victims of T-bone crashes can pursue multiple forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages – Compensation for missed work and reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for emotional distress and physical pain
- Punitive damages – In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving
DJC Law works with economic experts to calculate the full impact of your injuries, ensuring that insurance companies do not pressure you into accepting a lowball offer that fails to cover future costs.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect From My Claim?
Your compensation depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether the other driver was grossly negligent. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.001, damages fall into two main categories:
- Economic: This includes items that can be quantified, such as medical bills and lost earnings.
- Non-economic: Pain, suffering, and other non-material losses fall into this category.
Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver acted with malice or gross negligence.
Will My Case Go to Trial or Settle Out of Court?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but DJC Law prepares every case as if it will go to court. Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement when they know your legal team is ready to fight. If the insurer refuses to provide reasonable compensation, going to trial may be necessary. The decision to settle or go to trial depends on the strength of the evidence, and the negotiating skills of your car accident lawyer.
If My Injuries Worsen, Can I Seek Additional Compensation Later?
Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot ask for more money later, even if your injuries become more severe. That’s why it’s crucial to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement—the point where your condition has stabilized, and future medical needs can be assessed—before settling. If your case goes to trial, expert medical testimony can help establish the long-term impact of your injuries.
Can I File a Claim If I Was a Passenger In a T-Bone Accident?
Yes, passengers injured in a T-bone accident have the right to pursue compensation. Depending on who was at fault, you may file a claim against the driver of the vehicle you were in, the other driver, or both. You can recover damages if you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident.
What If the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you still have legal options:
- Uninsured motorist coverage (UM): Your policy may pay for your damages if you carry UM coverage.
- Personal injury lawsuit: You can sue the at-fault driver personally for damages.
- Third-party liability claims: If a defective vehicle part or hazardous road condition contributed to the crash, you may have a case against a manufacturer or government agency.
What Should You Do After a T-Bone Accident?
After visiting the hospital, the real battle begins—navigating insurance claims, mounting medical bills, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact a T-bone accident lawyer at DJC Law immediately after the accident. While you focus on healing, our experienced car accident lawyer will gather any incident-related evidence, including photos, witness statements, and police reports. Work with our firm before speaking to the other party’s insurance adjusters, as your words could be twisted to shift the blame and reduce the compensation you are due.
Call DJC Law Today for a Free Case Consultation
Do not delay; evidence tends to disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade. Contact DJC Law as soon as possible. With a 99 percent success rate at trial, we know how to hold the at-fault party accountable. Over our 25 years of service, we have helped thousands of clients achieve justice and receive over $400 million in compensation. If you or a loved one were injured in a T-bone accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact DJC Law today for a free case consultation—your justice is worth the fight; you owe it to yourself to choose a winning law firm.
