Who Is at Fault in a T-bone Accident?

T-bone accidents are some of the most dangerous car accidents you can be involved in, often totaling vehicles and causing severe injuries to both parties. The force of impact from T-bone accidents can be devastating for everyone, and getting T-boned can be especially bad — but what determines liability in a side impact collision? Who is at fault for a T-bone accident?

While it may seem straightforward, the car whose front end strikes the other vehicle is not always at fault, and it may not even be the fault of the two drivers involved in the crash.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a T-bone accident, or a car accident of any kind, Jose Calderon is here to help. Jose, and the entire team at Calderon Law Firm, investigates every detail to determine who is at fault and has helped countless clients recover the settlements that they need after car accidents in Houston; call Calderon Law Firm today at (346) 999-5673 and ask him to do the same for you. 

What does a T-bone accident look like?

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape.

T-bone accidents usually happen at intersections, when one driver runs a red light or stop sign, fails to yield the right of way, or makes an improper turn. The impact zone is usually concentrated on the driver or passenger side doors, windows, and structural pillars of the struck vehicle.

The physics of T-bone collisions makes them particularly dangerous. Unlike frontal crashes where crumple zones absorb much of the impact energy, side-impact crashes offer minimal protection between the occupants and the striking vehicle. 

The door panels, side windows, and a few inches of interior space are often all that separate passengers from the full force of the collision. Even with the advanced safety features of many modern vehicles, this proximity to the impact often means more severe injuries compared to other types of car accidents.

Why fault in a T-bone collision is a complicated matter

Determining fault in T-bone accidents goes far beyond identifying which driver had the right of way. Many factors may contribute to a t-bone collision, and liability may be shared among several parties — but these are not the only factors that make T-bone accident cases particularly challenging:

• Shared liability: Multiple parties may contribute to the collision, including both drivers, vehicle manufacturers, government entities, or third parties. Traffic laws, road conditions, vehicle defects, and driver behavior all often play roles in establishing fault, making it difficult to assign responsibility to just one party.
• Comparative negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system in which fault can be shared among multiple parties based on their percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if one driver runs a red light but the other was speeding, both drivers may share responsibility for the collision. 
• Insurance companies: Insurers often dispute fault in T-bone accidents because the stakes are typically high due to the severity of injuries involved. They employ accident reconstruction experts, review traffic camera footage, and interview witnesses to build cases that minimize their policyholders' liability. 
• Tenuous physical evidence: The immediate aftermath of a T-bone collision can complicate fault determination. Skid marks, vehicle positions, and witness accounts may be inconsistent or contradictory. Physical evidence can be damaged or destroyed, making it challenging to reconstruct exactly what happened. 

We understand that T-bone accidents are often complicated and overwhelming matters. If you’re sorting through the aftermath and need an advocate to help you one step at a time, Jose Calderon and Calderon Law Firm are waiting. Call us now at (346) 999-5673 for a 100% free case review in which we can tell you about your rights and your legal options moving forward.

Whose fault is it in a T-bone?

Liability in T-bone accidents can be difficult to determine, but it often belongs to one of the following parties.

The drivers in the accident

Most T-bone accidents result from driver error or negligence. The driver who fails to follow traffic laws or exercise reasonable care will usually bear primary responsibility for the collision. Common examples include:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right of way when turning
• Speeding through intersections
• Making improper lane changes
• Impaired driving

The vehicle manufacturer

Vehicle manufacturers may bear responsibility for T-bone accidents when defective parts or design flaws contribute to the collision. Some situations in which the vehicle manufacturer may bear responsibility include:

• Brake failures, steering system malfunctions, or defective traffic control devices
• Safety system failures (airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones)
• Electric failures due to design defects, manufacturing errors, or software glitches

Another third party

Third parties beyond the drivers and vehicle manufacturers can sometimes bear responsibility for T-bone accidents. Some examples include:

• Government entities responsible for road design and maintenance
• Construction companies working on or near roadways
• Other drivers not directly involved in the T-bone collision

Cases involving third parties other than manufacturers often involve extensive investigation and significant resources to prove fault — which is why it’s essential that you hire the best Houston car wreck lawyer you possibly can if you’ve been involved in a T-bone collision. 

Jose Calderon has experience identifying multiple sources of fault and liability in Houston car accidents and making sure those responsible are held accountable. If you need someone to make sure the negligent behavior of drivers, manufacturers, or other third parties is held accountable, call Jose at Calderon Law Firm today. 

Major causes of side impact collisions

While T-bone accidents can occur for a number of reasons, there are some common causes of side impact accidents that we see at Calderon.

What are the most common injuries from a T-bone accident?

Injuries from T-bone collisions are frequently severe, no matter the cause of your accident. Side impact collision injuries often come with long-term consequences, and result in significant damages — most of which the insurance company will not include in initial settlement offers. 

• Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, facial lacerations and fractures, and eye injuries from glass or debris.
• Neck and spine injuries, including whiplash and cervical strain, herniated or bulging discs, spinal cord damage, and paralysis (partial or complete).
• Chest and torso injuries, including broken ribs and sternum fractures, punctured or collapsed lungs, internal organ damage (liver, spleen, kidneys), and internal bleeding.
• Extremity injuries, including arm and leg fractures, crush injuries from door intrusion, lacerations requiring stitches or surgery, and joint dislocations and ligament tears.
• Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, driving phobias, and long-term sleep disturbances and disorders.

The severity of your injuries often depends on things like the speed of the vehicles, the point of impact in the collision, and the quality of the safety systems in the vehicles involved in the crash. 

How a Houston personal injury lawyer can help

Working through the aftermath of your accident claim while also dealing with severe injuries can often be too much to bear — and trying to go it alone can often guarantee you receive a lowball offer from the insurance company. 

An experienced and aggressive attorney provides essential services that can significantly impact your case outcome:

A skilled personal injury lawyer in Houston can identify all potential sources of compensation and help make sure that you and your loved ones receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

Whether you need a Houston Uber accident lawyer for a rideshare collision or a truck accident lawyer in Houston for a commercial vehicle case,* having the right attorney in your corner can be the difference between a lowball offer and getting what you deserve for your injuries. 

*You should note that if you’ve been hit by a truck in a T-bone collision, the complexity and the stakes increase dramatically due to trucking companies and regulations.

Should I talk to the insurance companies?

Speaking with insurance companies after a T-bone accident can be incredibly risky without an attorney to guide you through. Before speaking to anyone at the insurance company, consider these important guidelines:

1. What insurance companies may try to do:
   1. Contact you within hours of the accident
   2. Request recorded statements about the incident
   3. Ask leading questions to establish fault
   4. Offer quick, low-ball settlements
   5. Use your statements against you later
   6. Pressure you to accept inadequate compensation
2. What you should do:
   1. Limit initial communication to basic facts only
   2. Avoid discussing fault or accepting blame
   3. Don't provide detailed injury information
   4. Refuse to sign any documents without legal review
   5. Document all conversations with insurance representatives
   6. Contact an attorney before giving recorded statements
3. What you should NOT do:
   1. Don't admit fault or apologize for the accident
   2. Don't accept the first settlement offer
   3. Don't provide medical authorization forms
   4. Don't discuss your injuries in detail
   5. Don't sign releases without legal counsel
   6. Don't let them pressure you into quick decisions
4. Red flags to watch for:
   1. Pressure to settle quickly "before you get a lawyer"
   2. Requests for extensive medical history unrelated to the accident
   3. Attempts to minimize your injuries or pain
   4. Suggestions that you don't need legal representation
   5. Offers that seem too good to be true

Remember that insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to minimize payouts. They may seem friendly and helpful, but their primary loyalty is to their company's bottom line, not your best interests.

Questions about the claims process or how long your settlement will take* are better addressed to your attorney, who can provide guidance in your best interests instead of the insurance company’s.

The insurance company’s legal team is already hard at work trying to minimize your payout. You need an attorney working to protect your rights and your future before it’s too late. 

*Continue reading: How long do car accident settlements take?

Involved in a T-bone collision? Call Jose Calderon to get the help you need.

T-bone accidents often leave victims and their families in dire straits, facing serious injuries, piling medical bills, and the inability to guarantee their future. Don’t try to sort through the chaos alone — contact a Houston T-bone accident lawyer who can help you face these challenges. 

Jose Calderon and the team at Calderon Law Firm have made their name getting fair settlements for victims of car accidents in Houston. They understand the financial, medical, and legal ins and outs of T-bone cases, and can help protect your rights every step of the way.

Call Jose and Calderon Law Firm today at (346) 999-5673 or contact us online for a free consultation, and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

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• Can You Sue an Insurance Company for Taking Too Long?
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