Who Is At Fault In A Car Accident T-Bone?
Motor Vehicles Accidents - March 8, 2021
Any car accident has the potential to cause significant injuries for those involved. However, T-bone accidents can be particularly dangerous for those involved. A T-bone accident is a crash that occurs when the front of one vehicle slams into the side of another vehicle, forming the titular “T.”
These accidents are also sometimes referred to as broadside accidents. Even though newer vehicles have more safety features to protect occupants inside vehicles, a T-bone accident still has a high risk of causing serious injuries. Here, we want to discuss who could be at fault for these crashes.
Why are T-Bone Crashes so Dangerous?
In general, a T-bone accident is more dangerous for the occupants inside the vehicle that is struck on the side. T-bone crashes are so dangerous because of how close one vehicle actually comes to the occupants inside of the other vehicle when these collisions occur.
Even with modern side-impact airbags in place in most vehicles, this is not always enough to prevent a serious injury from occurring. A T-bone collision often leads to occupants sustaining:
- Significant damage to soft tissue or internal organs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash or neck injury
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
Unfortunately, the nature of these collisions often causes a person to become trapped inside the vehicle until they can be extricated by emergency crews. This can prolong the amount of time that it takes for an injury victim to receive medical care, thereby a worsening situation.
Causes of T-Bone Accidents
As we investigate to determine who is at fault in a T-bone car accident, we need to look at the most common ways that these incidents occur. Some of the most common causes of T-bone collisions include:
- A driver running a red light or stop sign. Ignoring traffic signals is an action that puts all motorists at risk, particularly those who have the right of way.
- A driver speeding through an intersection. Speeding through an intersection, sometimes to beat a yellow light, can lead to a person striking a vehicle in the perpendicular lane of traffic.
- Left-turn crashes. Left turn incidents often lead to serious T-bone collisions, especially if one driver misjudges the distance or gap between oncoming vehicles.
- Drivers distracted by their phones. Drivers distracted by phones are less likely to see oncoming traffic or traffic signals.
- Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs how much more likely to cause dangerous and fatal collisions.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals. If traffic signals are malfunctioning, or if traffic signs are missing, this can lead to serious T-bone collisions.
- Vehicle defects. Vehicle defects, such as problems with brakes or an accelerator, could lead to dangerous conditions on the roadway.
How is Fault Determined After a T-Bone Accident?
When working with a car accident lawyer in Chicago to determine fault, various types of evidence will be used to paint a picture of what actually happened at the scene. Some of the most common types of evidence used in these situations include the police report, statements from eyewitnesses, statements from the drivers involved, video or photo surveillance, vehicle “black box” data, and more. In general, any aggresive driver who fails to yield the right of way; disregards traffic signals, or operates their vehicle dangerously and causes a T-bone collision will be at fault.
