Who Is At Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?
T-bone accidents can be frightening; you might see another vehicle coming at you and lack time to avoid the impending collision. If you were injured in a T-bone accident, you may wonder who is at fault for the crash.
This is a crucial question because California is an at-fault state for car accidents. That means determining fault is crucial since the responsible party must compensate the victim for their damages. A Redondo Beach car accident lawyer can guide you through this process. Here’s everything you need to know about establishing fault in a T-bone accident.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming the shape of the letter “T” at the point of impact. These crashes are also known as side-impact collisions.
Generally, these types of auto accidents can result in serious injuries, often to the party who is hit in the side of their vehicle. There tends to be less protection on the sides of vehicles than in the front.
As a result, accident victims may suffer injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
Due to the common nature of these types of crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has implemented rules requiring new vehicles to provide sufficient side impact protection.
Where Do T-Bone Accidents Occur?
T-bone car accidents can occur anywhere. However, they often occur at intersections in situations such as:
- A car is trying to beat a red or yellow light and runs into a vehicle that is turning.
- A driver drives through a stop sign, disregarding the sign and crashing into a vehicle that is turning.
- A driver drives through a red light and hits a car that is turning.
- A driver turns the wrong way down a one-way road at an intersection.
These accidents can also occur when a driver is turning left into the path of an oncoming vehicle. They can involve cars, motorcycles, commercial trucks, and other types of vehicles.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents are often caused by factors such as:
- Speeding
- Impairment
- Fatigue
- Distractions
- Inattention
- Failing to obey traffic signals or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Misjudging another driver’s speed or distance
Driver negligence is the leading cause of T-bone accidents.
Who Could Be Responsible For a T-Bone Accident?
There are generally three possibilities for responsibility in a T-bone accident:
A Driver Who Is Turning
The driver who is turning can be found at fault for a T-bone accident because they are often violating the right-of-way rules. A driver turning left usually has to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. If they turn in front of an advancing vehicle, they may be violating California’s right-of-way rules.
A Driver Who Is Traveling Straight
In some situations, such as if the driver runs a red light, the driver traveling straight may be at fault for the accident.
Both Drivers
There are some situations when both drivers share blame for the accident. For example, the driver traveling straight may be speeding while the driver turning is not paying attention.
In these situations, the injured victim can still seek compensation for the harm they’ve suffered, but their damages are reduced by their degree of fault for the accident.
A Hermosa Beach Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Prove Liability After a T-Bone Collision
If you were injured in a T-bone crash and have questions about who is at fault, you can contact our Hermosa Beach car accident attorneys. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you’re due. Contact us today for your free case consultation.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor, Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
