Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
T-bone car accidents, sometimes referred to as side impact collisions, are always difficult. Not only do they kill between 8,500 and 10,000 people in the United States every year, but they can also be notoriously tough when it comes to determining fault.
T-bone accidents are so deadly because, unlike other kinds of accidents, T-bone victims are only protected from the incoming car by the door and window. And, although it may seem like the colliding driver is at fault in these collisions, that is not always the case. The driver of the vehicle that is hit can be found negligent, as can third parties.
It’s imperative that you contact one of the top Los Angeles personal injury lawyers if you’ve been injured in a T-bone car accident because these kinds of accidents can be very brutal and hard to determine fault. You need an experienced attorney on your side not only helping you fight for your rights, but also aiding in gathering and analyzing evidence.
Both parties can be found negligent
While there are many different scenarios that can lead to a T-bone accident, there are two that happen most often:
- Scenario 1 – A driver that has the right of way hits the side of another car. Though the first driver hit the second car, the second driver is at fault because he violated the right of way. This is most commonly seen when someone runs a red light, or a stop sign and hits another driver that is lawfully in the intersection.
- Scenario 2 – A driver that does not have the right of way hits the side of another car. The first driver that was not in the right of way is at fault, as the car that was hit had the right of way.
Third party negligence
There are also some instances in which both drivers can be found negligent, or neither driver can be found negligent. Vehicle defects often cause T-bone accidents, as a driver can run a red light because his brakes failed, or a similar vehicle malfunction occurred. In these cases, the car manufacturer or even the maintenance shop that inspected the brakes and did not replace them could be found at fault.
There are also some T-bone accidents in which the injuries were made worse by a damaged seat belt or malfunctioning airbags. In these cases, the injured party may want to investigate the car manufacturer and repair shop as both parties might be found to share liability for the severity of the injuries.
Proving fault in T-bone car accidents
Proving fault in T-bone car accidents can be tricky, as there are so many different possible scenarios. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a Los Angeles lawyer to represent you if you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident.
An experienced lawyer can work to gather and analyze important evidence from the case to prove negligence and get you the compensation you deserve. An attorney can help with evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Traffic light programming
- Intersection traffic signals or signage
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle physical evidence
- Vehicle electronic data
As a victim of a T-bone accident, you should take care to note the exact time of the accident. This information could be very helpful in determining the traffic signal’s programming.
Ellis Law Corporation
A personal injury lawyer from Ellis Law Corporation can help you navigate the days, weeks and months following an injury in a T-bone car accident. As per California law, you have a right to pursue compensation for physical, financial, and psychological injuries from a car accident through little or no fault of your own. Our skilled team will work closely with you to get you the maximum compensation.
We have won over $350 million for our clients, but we don’t charge you a single cent until you win. Contact one of the Los Angeles car accident attorneys from Ellis Law today for a free consultation.