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(281) 587-1111
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December 20, 2023 by Greg Baumgartner
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are a common type of car accident that can result in serious injuries and property damage. These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. But who is at fault in a t-bone accident? In this article, we’ll explore the factors determining fault in a t-bone accident and what you can do if you’ve been involved.
Before we look into the fault, it’s important to understand how t-bone accidents occur. These accidents typically happen at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way and collides with another vehicle traveling perpendicular to it. T-bone accidents can also occur in parking lots or driveways when a vehicle backs out and strikes another vehicle.
T-bone accidents can be particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or back. These side impacts can result in serious injuries, especially for the driver or passenger on the side of the vehicle that was struck.
In most cases, the driver who failed to yield the right of way is considered at fault in a t-bone accident. This is because they were responsible for ensuring that proceeding before entering the intersection or driveway was safe. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
In a left-turn t-bone accident, the driver making the left turn is typically considered at fault. This is because they must yield to oncoming traffic before making the turn. However, if the driver going straight was speeding or ran a red light, they may be found partially at fault for the accident.
If a driver fails to yield the right of way at a stop sign or traffic light and causes a t-bone accident, they will likely be found at fault. This is because they were responsible for following traffic laws and ensuring it was safe to proceed.
In parking lot accidents, fault can be more difficult to determine. If both drivers backed out of parking spaces and collided, they may be found partially at fault. However, if one driver was already backing out and the other driver failed to yield, they may be found at fault for the accident.
In Texas, contributory negligence laws may come into play in t-bone accidents. This means that if the driver who was struck was found to be over 50% at fault for the accident, they may be unable to recover any compensation for their injuries or damages. This is why it’s important to understand the laws in your state and seek legal advice from an auto accident attorney in Houston if you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident.
If you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident, you should take some important steps to protect yourself and your rights.
The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, getting checked out by a medical professional is important as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved. Photos can be important evidence in determining fault and help with insurance claims.
Be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the accident. Exchange of information is required in Texas and will be necessary for filing a claim and determining fault.
In most cases, it’s important to contact the police after a t-bone accident. They will create an official report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in determining fault.
Be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They will guide you through the claims process and may also be able to provide legal assistance.
If you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident and are unsure who is at fault, seeking legal help is important. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review the details of your case and help you determine the best course of action.
A lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your case, including witness statements, police reports, and medical records. They can also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault and strengthen your case.
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts in accidents. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
If your case goes to court, a lawyer can represent you and present your case to a judge or jury. They will use their knowledge and experience to fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
In a t-bone accident, the fault is typically determined by who failed to yield the right of way. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and contributory negligence laws may also come into play. If you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident, seeking legal help to protect your rights and receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages is important. Always follow traffic laws and be cautious when entering intersections to help prevent t-bone accidents.
Contact our car accident injury law firm in Houston, TX, for a free consultation about an injury accident.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
Related Resources:
Who Is at Fault for a Chain Reaction Car Accident in Houston?
Head-On Collision Attorney in Houston
What if I am Partly Responsible for an Accident?
Since founding the Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has established himself as a leading personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, with a focus on representing severely injured accident victims and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. His commitment to excellence in legal advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and others. With decades of experience, Greg is consistently peer-reviewed and holds a preeminent rating, reflecting his dedication to achieving justice for his clients.
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