Who Is At Fault for a T-Bone Accident?

January 14, 2025 | By Hall & Collins
Who Is At Fault for a T-Bone Accident?

Who is at fault for a T-bone accident (also known as a side-impact collision) depends on the details of the accident. There are many circumstances in which the driver of the motor vehicle that strikes another can be at fault. There are also many circumstances in which the motorist whose vehicle is hit on the side can be at fault—the determination of fault is in the details.

Figuring out the fault for a side-impact accident can have significant financial implications. Consider hiring an Athens auto accident attorney to establish fault, prove fault, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Why Either Driver Can Be At Fault for a T-Bone Accident

It’s never accurate to generalize the fault for a T-bone collision. You must have more specific context before saying who is at fault, so consider some hypothetical (but realistic) examples of how different drivers can be at fault.

For context, when a T-bone accident happens, one vehicle strikes another from the side. This means that one vehicle will have frontal damage while the other will have side damage.

Examples of How the Side-Impacted Driver Can Be at Fault

A rainy day car accident involving a four-door sedan and a minivan in a T-bone crash, with an insurance claim being processed.

The driver of the vehicle with side damage may be at fault if:

  • They ran a red light
  • They attempted to cross multiple lanes of traffic without clearance
  • They ran a stop sign
  • They ignored a yield sign
  • They turned left from the wrong lane

If the side-impacted motorist did not have the right of way when the accident happened, they are generally at fault for the accident.

Examples of How the Front-Impacted Driver Can Be at Fault

The motorist whose vehicle took frontal damage may be liable if:

  • They ran a red light or stop sign
  • They turned and hit the side of another vehicle
  • They did not stop for a yield sign, hitting the side of a vehicle in the lane they were merging into

The reasons why each motorist can be liable are similar—they all stem from one driver failing to yield the right of way to the other. In determining who is at fault for a T-bone accident, it’s important to determine who had the right of way.

In Some Cases, Neither Driver May Be at Fault—at Least, Not Solely at Fault

While drivers are often responsible for traffic accidents, the experts know that accident prevention does not rest on drivers alone. There are several potential causes of T-bone accidents that lie outside the driver, including:

  • Inadequately marked intersections: Road markings are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent accidents. Intersections that do not have clear lane markings may leave drivers confused and can increase the risk of side-impact accidents.
  • Intersections without adequate signs or signals: Traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs are some of the most important crash-prevention tools. When these resources are not available or functioning properly, motorists are significantly more likely to hit one another.
  • Environmental items blocking drivers’ lines of sight: Motorists must sometimes cross or pull into traffic. If a motorist is turning left, for example, but a large shrub impedes their view of oncoming traffic, they might pull forward and cause a T-bone collision. 
  • Poorly lit intersections: Lighting is a key element of nighttime driving safety. If an intersection is poorly lit, a motor vehicle driver might be unable to see a pedestrian and could have to swerve (and cause an accident) as a consequence.
  • Vehicle defects: Defective brakes and other vehicle-related defects can contribute to a side-impact accident. Manufacturers of defective components and vehicle owners (in cases of neglect) can be liable for such accidents. 
  • Reckless pedestrian actions: When pedestrians do not respect motor vehicle drivers’ right of way, they can be liable for resulting accidents. 

These are only a few examples of ways that conditions other than a driver’s error might lead to a T-bone crash. Yet, knowing who is liable is only one part of building a successful compensation case. You must also prove who is at fault and liable, which can be more difficult than you think.

What to Do Following a T-Bone Auto Accident

If you were involved in a side-impact accident, you should:

Recognize That Not Everyone Is on Your Side

Not everyone has your best interests at heart after an accident. Some who may not act in your best interests include:

  • Another motorist responsible for the accident
  • Any other party whose negligence caused your accident
  • Parties who are financially liable for the accident (like an employer whose employee T-boned you)
  • Insurance companies

You should be particularly cautious with insurance companies. They may look for opportunities to pay you less compensation than you deserve, and you may wait to make any insurance statements until you hire an attorney.

Get Medical Care (and Treatment for Pain and Suffering, If You Choose To)

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T-bone accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly when someone is sitting on the side of the vehicle impacted during the collision. It’s critical that you seek medical treatment after your accident because:

  • Your safety is of the utmost importance
  • You may need ongoing treatment to recover
  • A doctor will explain exactly what injuries you’ve suffered, which will help document the effects of the accident

You may also seek mental health treatment. It can help you cope with the psychological and emotional effects of your accident while providing further documentation of the harm you have suffered.

Speak with Lawyers Serving Your Area 

Hiring an attorney is almost always an option after a traffic accident, and it’s an option you should strongly consider because:

  • Your stress level may lower significantly because you have an attorney handling all case-related duties
  • A lawyer will be the barrier between you and insurance companies (and any other parties who might try to undermine your rights)
  • You cannot put a value on a lawyer’s prior experience
  • An attorney will know the laws, deadlines, and other critical details that are vitally important to auto accident cases

Many factors, from uninsured drivers to standoffish insurance companies and disabling injuries, can complicate a case. Even a seemingly straightforward case can become a headache without warning.

When you hire a T-bone accident attorney, you choose to prioritize your health and avoid any headaches and challenges that will come with your case.

How an Attorney May Determine Fault for the T-Bone Accident

In most states, the person who is at fault for an accident has a greater financial burden—or, at least, their insurance company does. The party who is at fault for a T-bone accident may also be vulnerable to being sued. In other words, it is absolutely critical to prove who is at fault for your accident.

Your injury lawyer can prove fault for the T-bone accident by:

  • Interviewing witnesses: Accidents can have a “he-said, she-said” element, and witnesses can be critical in settling disputes of fact. Your attorney will secure any existing witness accounts and interview witnesses themselves, as necessary. 
  • Reviewing the footage: A video tells no lies if it is trustworthy. Footage of your accident may be critical evidence supporting your case. Your lawyer will consider any traffic cameras, dash cameras, security cameras, and other sources that may have captured the accident.
  • Reconstructing the collision (with an expert’s help): An attorney may commission an expert to reconstruct your T-bone accident. Experts can use a trove of information, like witness accounts and video angles, to reconstruct how the collision happened. 

It’s possible that the driver responsible for the accident will admit fault. They can make such a statement to a responding officer, insurance company, or even you.

Trust that an experienced personal injury lawyer will use all relevant evidence to prove who caused your T-bone collision.

More Steps Your Attorney Will Take After You Hire Them

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Proving who is at fault for the side-impact accident is necessary and important. However, the tale of how a lawyer can help is far greater than proving fault, as they will also:

Handle the Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies is generally unavoidable after an accident but can be hazardous. The insurers you deal with may only prioritize their interests and can:

  • Claim you are the one at fault for the T-bone collision
  • Accuse you of being dishonest about your injuries (or details related to the injuries)
  • Tempt you with a lowball settlement offer (and perhaps even tell you it’s the best offer they will extend)
  • Engage in other tactics ultimately meant to provide you with less money than you deserve

Let a lawyer deal with these headaches. Let them deal with any positive interactions with insurers, too. You must put your health above the rest.

Customize Your Case Strategy

A good attorney recognizes that each case is distinct. Therefore, they personalize a strategy for each new client and case. The evidence, facts, insurance policies, and circumstances differ for each T-bone collision, so expect a one-of-a-kind case plan from your attorney.

Piece Evidence of Negligence Together 

Proving who is at fault for your side-impact accident is critical, and your lawyer may prove it with:

  • Statements from witnesses, experts, and those involved in the collision
  • Photographs of the accident scene, vehicular damage, and other relevant scenes
  • Video (perhaps showing exactly how the accident happened)
  • Any necessary reconstructions of the accident

Your auto accident lawyer will likely want to investigate your collision right away. Consider starting your consultations right away so your attorney can collect all important evidence.

Insurance companies and other financially liable parties may look for every reason not to pay you fairly. Your attorney will seek indisputable proof of all of your accident-related damages, which may include:

  • Photographs of injuries (including medical imaging)
  • Medical records
  • Bank statements showing lost income, accident-related expenditures, and any other relevant information
  • Testimony from doctors, mental health service providers, crash experts, and other relevant professionals 

There are many ways to prove the cost of a T-bone accident, including the non-economic cost.

Charge Ahead with the Strategy You’ve Chosen

You and your attorney will settle on a particular strategy, whether it means filing an insurance claim, suing, or taking another course of action. Expect your lawyer to move ahead rapidly but carefully in whichever strategy you choose.

You Deserve Fair Compensation for All Damages Resulting from the T-Bone Collision

Any auto accident resulting in injury can have a high cost. The cost of each accident is different, though. One of your lawyer’s many responsibilities is determining the exact cost of your accident and how much money you deserve.

Some examples of damages that you may face after your T-bone accident are:

Property Expenses (Which Are Generally a One-Time Cost)

It may include the cost of:

  • Repairing your vehicle (or covering the value of a totaled vehicle)
  • Getting temporary transportation if you’re without your vehicle for a period
  • Replacing damaged personal items

Property expenses are a category every auto accident lawyer must consider.

Medical Bills (Which You May Continue to Face Well After the Accident)

Your lawyer will determine the cost of all accident-related medical services. Your case will include diagnostic procedures, emergency care, rehabilitation, medication, surgery, and all other care forms.

Harm to Your Career

Accident victims can lose:

  • Bonuses 
  • Regular income
  • Overtime pay
  • Promotion opportunities 
  • Benefits

You can tell your lawyer about your professional circumstances. They will investigate further and rely on experts to determine the cost of your professional losses, should you have any.

Pain and Suffering

Silhouette of a head with the text "PTSD" (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) inside, symbolizing mental health issues and trauma-related conditions.

Pain and suffering among auto accident survivors can include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Pain
  • Emotional anguish
  • Psychological distress
  • Lost quality of life
  • Sleep issues

Every accident affects each victim differently. Your attorney will get to know the effects of your accident and seek fair compensation for pain and suffering (and treatment for it).

Hire Your T-Bone Accident Attorney as Soon as You Can

Hiring a lawyer is a process you must prioritize. There are deadlines for filing lawsuits. Evidence gets lost. Let your lawyer start building your case as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a T-bone accident, an Athens personal injury accident attorney is standing by to help.