T-bone accidents are one of the most dangerous road accidents. They are often fatal, and those who survive suffer severe injuries. Therefore, it is important to determine fault so that the party at fault is held responsible. Determining fault in a T-bone accident is, however, not always straightforward.
This is because anyone from the car manufacturer to another car that was not directly involved in the accident could be at fault. However, regardless of who’s at fault, Atlanta car accident lawyers at Calvin Smith Law can help you through your case. So contact us immediately after the T-bone accident.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
The name should give you a clue about what a T-bone accident is. However, to avoid any doubt, a T-bone accident occurs when the front of a car hits the side of another car. In the process, a “T” shape is formed, hence the name. T-bone accidents frequently occur at intersections when one car disregards traffic rules and drives through the intersection simultaneously as another vehicle. It could also happen on a highway if one car loses control and hits another sideways.
How to Determine Fault in a T-Bone Accident
Determining fault in a T-bone accident can be tricky. This is because any number of people could be at fault. Quite often, it could come down to what the affected parties say. Often though, it could result from one of the drivers thinking they have the right of way when they don’t. Therefore, this section focuses on how to determine fault in a T-bone accident.
If you have been involved in a T-bone accident, you may not be able to gather enough information to help your case. That is fine, as your wellbeing is the priority at this time. However, should you be capable of doing anything, try to identify possible witnesses.
Except there are surveillance cameras around the accident scene, you would need the help of witnesses to determine who was at fault. When you identify these witnesses, give this information to your lawyer. However, if you are unable to do any of this, all hope is not lost. An experienced car accident lawyer knows what is needed to prove fault in a car accident and how to obtain them.
When a T-bone accident occurs at an intersection, it is often because one or both drivers ignored the red light or stop sign. As a result, they misjudge what the other party would do, leading to an accident. When the accident happens at a red light, the car with the red light is at fault. The same happens with the stop sign.
Sometimes, T-bone accidents do not occur at intersections. For example, T-bone accidents could occur as drivers attempt to make a u-turn or leave a parking lot. In the case of the u-turn, the driver making the turn is at fault. However, if the car leaves a parking lot, either party could be at fault.
Can Other Parties Be at Fault?
As we’ve pointed out, the car that does not have the right of way would be at fault in a T-bone accident. However, in some cases, other parties and even the car with the right of way could be at fault. In proving how these other parties were at fault, the principle of comparative negligence would come into play. We’ll examine some scenarios where this can happen.
Speeding vehicles could be at fault in these accidents. This is because it is harder for them to react in potentially dangerous situations. Drunk or distracted drivers are also another group of people that could be at fault in a T-bone accident.
Third parties could also be responsible for these accidents. One example of a third party that could be at fault is the repair shop. If parts of a car involved in a T-bone accident are not fixed properly and cause the vehicle to crash into another, the repair shop could be at fault. Similarly, malfunctioning traffic control devices could contribute to T-bone accidents.
Let the Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers at Calvin Smith Help You
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident, determining what party is at fault is vital as it helps you get damages. However, this could be tough as you may be recuperating from the injuries suffered. In that case, getting an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer to help would allow you to focus on healing.
Having handled several car accident cases, we believe we have the experience to represent you. Our experience is not the only thing that would work in your favor, as our commitment to serving our clients makes us the ideal firm to handle your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
