A T-bone accident is a far-too-common occurrence. It happens when one vehicle slams into another’s side, with the two cars forming a “T” shape in the aftermath. Determining fault in a T-bone accident can be challenging due to the various scenarios leading to such collisions.
This article will explore the factors contributing to T-bone accidents and discuss who might be at fault in various scenarios. You’ll also learn how car accident attorneys investigate these collisions and use the evidence they collect to determine fault and help injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve.
Scenarios Leading to T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents led to 5,824 deaths in a recent year. This number represented 22 percent of all passenger car occupant fatalities. Only front-impact crashes were deadlier, claiming 15,742 lives.
The following are a few scenarios that typically lead to a T-bone accident and who is usually to blame.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
T-Bone accidents resulting from failing to obey traffic signals often occur at intersections where clear rules govern the right of way. When a driver runs a red light or neglects to yield at a stop sign, the risk of a T-bone collision significantly increases.
In these instances, the responsibility for the accident typically falls on the driver who disregarded the traffic signal. The blatant violation of these signals constitutes a breach of traffic laws, making it easier for investigators and car accident attorneys to establish fault.
This scenario underscores how essential it is to be careful at intersections. Adhering to traffic signals is crucial to maintaining order and preventing collisions. Negligence on the part of the driver who fails to respect these signals can have severe consequences, leading to property damage, injuries, and potential legal repercussions.
Speeding
Excessive speed significantly contributes to T-bone accidents, mainly when drivers can’t stop or yield at intersections before hitting another vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding killed more than 12,000 people last year, representing nearly 30 percent of all traffic deaths.
A driver traveling at high speeds can’t react to suddenly changing traffic conditions, leading to collisions with vehicles lawfully crossing the intersection. In such cases, investigations typically find the speeding driver at fault for failing to exercise reasonable care on the road.
Skid marks left at the scene, witness statements, and expert analysis can be pivotal in demonstrating the speeding driver’s negligence. The inability to stop or yield in time highlights a disregard for road safety. It increases the severity of the impact, resulting in more significant damages and potential injuries to the innocent party.
Distracted Driving
Smartphones are incredibly sophisticated devices that have revolutionized the way people communicate. Unfortunately, they’ve also ushered in a rise in distracted driving incidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, distracted driving kills nine people in the United States each day.
As you might expect, distracted driving, primarily due to smartphone use, contributes significantly to T-bone accidents. Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or engage in other distractions while approaching an intersection can’t appropriately react to traffic signals and other vehicles.
Proving fault in cases of distracted driving involves a thorough investigation, including obtaining phone records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. Establishing that the driver was engaged in distracting activities at the time of the accident forms a crucial component of the legal case against them.
Bad Weather
The weather can pose unique challenges at intersections, contributing to T-bone accidents. Heavy rain, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and create slippery road conditions. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and driving behavior according to these conditions can face liability for collisions at intersections.
In these scenarios, fault determination involves carefully examining the driver’s actions in relation to the prevailing weather conditions. Attorneys may consider factors such as the vehicles’ speed, the driver’s response to changing weather, and whether they took the appropriate precautions. The driver is responsible for safely adapting to adverse weather conditions and navigating intersections.
Mechanical Failures
While less common, T-bone accidents can result from mechanical failures like brake malfunctions. If a driver can’t stop their vehicle at an intersection due to a mechanical issue, they may be liable for any collisions. Every driver is responsible for regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure their vehicles operate safely.
Attorneys handling cases involving mechanical failures collaborate with experts to determine whether the driver was aware of the vehicle’s condition and neglected necessary repairs. Establishing negligence in these cases may involve examining the driver’s maintenance records and gathering evidence to demonstrate their awareness of the mechanical issue.
There are other instances, however, where a mechanical issue occurs due to a manufacturer’s defect. If a manufacturer is negligent, that can cause brakes or other critical components to fail at the worst time. A skilled car accident lawyer will know how to take action against that company.
Investigating T-Bone Accidents
If you’ve suffered an injury in a T-bone accident that wasn’t your fault, you want justice. You also want compensation for all of your accident-related financial losses, known as damages in legal terms. The best way to recover your damages is to hire a car accident attorney so they can investigate the wreck, determine who’s liable, and then pursue compensation from their insurance company. Attorneys use several methods to determine liability and assist victims in seeking compensation. The following is a look at just a few.
Scene Inspection
Attorneys thoroughly inspect the accident scene to understand the dynamics leading to the T-bone accident. This involves assessing the layout of the intersection, the visibility of traffic signals, and the presence of any skid marks or debris. The goal is to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident and identify contributing factors.
Witness Interviews
Eyewitness accounts provide valuable insights into the actions of each driver involved in the T-bone accident. Attorneys interview witnesses to gather statements and testimonies, helping to establish a timeline of events and corroborate or challenge the information the involved parties provide.
Reviewing Traffic Camera Footage
Many intersections have traffic cameras that capture footage of the area. Attorneys obtain and analyze this footage to determine the sequence of events leading to the T-bone accident. This visual evidence can be instrumental in finding out if any traffic violations occurred and presenting a clear narrative of the incident.
There’s also a very good chance nearby surveillance cameras caught what happened. Your car accident lawyer can request footage to see if it can make your case even stronger.
Obtaining Police Reports
Official police reports serve as critical documents in the investigation process. Attorneys obtain these reports, which detail the findings of the responding officers at the accident scene. Police reports often include information about traffic violations, statements from involved parties, and the officer’s assessment of fault. This information serves as a foundation for building a legal case.
Expert Analysis
In complex T-bone accident cases, attorneys may turn to the experience of accident reconstruction specialists. These experts analyze the physics of the collision, considering factors such as vehicle speeds, impact angles, and braking distances. Their findings can help recreate the accident and provide a scientific basis for determining fault, adding a layer of objectivity to the investigation.
Seeking Compensation With Legal Help
Car accident attorneys are essential allies for T-bone accident victims seeking compensation for the myriad losses they endure. The process of seeking compensation involves several critical steps that aim to ensure victims receive fair compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional toll inflicted by the T-bone accident.
Once your lawyer finishes their investigation, they’ll do the following to help you get the money you have coming.
Determine Damages
The attorney will first closely analyze your damages, conducting a comprehensive evaluation involving immediate and long-term medical expenses and other losses. Here’s a closer look at some of the damages you’ve likely incurred.
- Medical bills: All costs associated with medical treatment, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Property damage: The repair or replacement costs of the damaged vehicle and any other property affected in the accident.
- Lost income: The income lost because you can’t work during recovery. Your compensation may also include future earning potential if your injuries lead to long-term impairment.
- Pain and suffering: Recognizing the intangible costs of pain, suffering and emotional distress, mental anguish, and the impact on the victim’s overall quality of life.
Your lawyer will take a comprehensive approach to proving your damages. Doing so will help ensure you receive compensation that reflects the true extent of your losses.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
The best car accident lawyers are also skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts or deny claims whenever they can. It will help if you have an attorney who can defeat those efforts.
Negotiations involve presenting a compelling case supported by evidence, including medical records, repair estimates, and documentation of other losses. Attorneys strategically navigate discussions, challenging attempts to undervalue the claim and protecting their clients throughout the negotiation process. This phase is critical in securing a fair settlement without protracted legal proceedings.
File a Lawsuit
Between 96 percent and 97 percent of car accidents and other personal injury cases settle without needing trials. But seasoned lawyers always prepare for the possibility.
Your attorneys may file a lawsuit if negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement. This action is the first step in a more formal legal process. The lawsuit compels the at-fault party to appear in court and defend against allegations of negligence.
Filing a lawsuit signals the victim’s determination to pursue justice and ensures that the legal system becomes actively involved in resolving the matter. Attorneys craft a compelling case outlining the facts, presenting evidence of negligence, and detailing the extent of the damages suffered.
The prospect of facing legal consequences often encourages the parties involved to reconsider their stance, potentially leading to a more favorable settlement before the case proceeds to trial. But even if the case goes to court, the two parties can agree to a settlement at any time.
Present Evidence in Court
If a lawsuit goes to trial, your attorney will present evidence in court. They’ll work to organize and articulately present various forms of evidence to establish a straightforward narrative of the T-bone accident and demonstrate the at-fault party’s negligence.
The evidence may include:
- Witness statements: Testimonies from individuals who observed the accident and can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to it.
- Traffic camera footage: Analysis of footage from traffic cameras at the intersection, providing a visual representation of the incident.
- Expert testimony: Insights from accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals, offering authoritative perspectives on the dynamics of the collision and the resulting injuries.
The goal during the trial is to create a compelling and persuasive case that resonates with the judge and jury, ultimately securing a favorable verdict in favor of the T-bone accident victim.
Handle Legal Procedures
Navigating the complex legal procedures involved in personal injury cases is another critical aspect of the car accident attorney’s role. The legal landscape can be intricate, with various rules, deadlines, and protocols that your attorney must follow to the letter. They’ll file all necessary paperwork, meet all deadlines, and effectively represent your best interests.
This level of legal experience is essential to maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Your lawyer will handle pre-trial motions and discovery processes and appear in court when needed. They’ll deal with all of the hassles of a trial while you focus on what’s most important – recovering from your injury.
An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Is Standing By
If you’re going to have the best chance of getting the money you deserve for the injury you’ve suffered in a T-bone accident, you must speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer immediately. The faster you hire a lawyer, the better the job they can do of collecting compelling evidence to prove your case.
Seek a free case evaluation with a car accident attorney today. They can begin protecting your rights.