How to Tell Who’s at Fault for a T-Bone Accident
T-bone accidents are one of the deadliest types of car accidents for passengers of vehicles because they are a combination of the two deadliest accidents—frontal and side impact collisions but is known solely as a side impact collision. One car hits from head-on into the side of the other car at a perpendicular angle, which puts all passengers involved at risk for serious injury and death from the collision, especially the passenger on the side of the collision.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 23 percent of occupants of motor vehicles who are involved in car accidents die in side impact accidents. The deadly nature of these collisions makes it crucial to prove fault to ensure that the at-fault party is held responsible for their negligence.
When you’ve been in a T-bone accident and suffered from injuries and damages as a result, then you could be eligible to file a car accident claim against the driver at fault for the collision. At Prince Law Firm, we understand that a legal claim can feel like a huge undertaking, which is why we’re here to guide you through the legal process.
Proving Fault in a T-Bone Accident
Accidents can be caused by all kinds of mistakes while driving, and T-bone accidents are no different. While the fault in a T-bone accident may seem straight-forward, that’s not always the case. It may seem like the car who hit the other head-on is definitely the driver at fault, but the opposite could be true. Depending on who wrongfully drove through the intersection, was speeding, or was distracted at the wheel, one or the other, or even both drivers, could be at fault for the collision.
The main way to tell who was at fault for a T-bone accident is by determining who had the right of way in the intersection. Nearly all side impact collisions occur at intersections, so when one driver violates the right of way because they’re distracted, drunk, or driving aggressively, they could cause a T-bone accident. If a driver had the right of way for a left turn when a driver blew straight through the intersection, then the driver who ran the red light would be at fault.
Another way to determine fault is by looking into which side of the vehicle is damaged from the accident. If the driver’s side was hit or the passenger’s side was hit, it would be able to indicate which way the other car was coming before it hit the side of the vehicle. Depending on the light cycle or witness statements about who had the right of way, then you could recreate the scene and determine who was at fault.
After a T-bone accident, it’s crucial to take photographs and collect as much evidence as possible so the police and your lawyers can determine who was at fault for the accident and who needs to be held responsible for their negligent or reckless actions.
Illinois Fault Laws
In our state specifically, we follow comparative fault laws. This means if you are found to be at fault at all for the accident, even though the other driver was mainly at fault, your settlement could be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault. For example, if you were found to be 10 percent at fault for the accident, then your settlement will be reduced by 10 percent, and you will only receive 90 percent of your settlement amount.
Prince Law Firm Will Represent You
Determining fault can be a complicated process, which is why you could use the help of a lawyer. At Prince Law Firm, we understand that finding the truth of who was at fault is crucial to your car accident claim, and our experienced lawyers will ensure that we fully investigate and get to the truth of the situation.
When you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident that you didn’t cause, then you shouldn’t be responsible for the costs that you incurred from the collision. Through our investigation and proving fault, we will make sure that the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your injuries and damages, and you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today so we can get started on your claim.
