Who is Liable in a T-Bone Accident?

What is a T-Bone Accident?

T-Bone collisions, a type of side-impact accident, can occur across various traffic scenarios. In these incidents, one vehicle collides with another, its front impacting the side of the second vehicle, creating the distinctive T-shaped collision pattern. While these accidents frequently occur at intersections or traffic signals, they may also transpire when a vehicle crosses a street or roadway.

T-Bone accidents can be harrowing, resulting in significant injuries due to the lateral force applied to the victim. If you find yourself injured in a T-Bone collision, consult skilled car accident lawyers from a personal injury law team in Florida. These legal professionals can assist you in determining liability and pursuing a claim to recover damages.

How Do T-Bone Accidents Happen at Intersections?

The majority of T-bone accidents happen at intersections, often stemming from a motorist’s disregard for traffic signals. One common scenario involves a driver running a red light or neglecting a stop sign, colliding with another vehicle traversing the intersection simultaneously.

Contributing factors to such accidents include distracted driving, including activities like eating or texting while behind the wheel, as well as instances of drowsy driving.
T-bone collisions happen because one driver fails to give another the right of way. If you’ve been involved in a T-bone crash, contact car accident lawyers in Vero Beach for legal counsel.

How is Fault Determined in a T-Bone Accident?

Several scenarios can cause a T-bone accident, meaning various parties can be liable for the accident. Experienced car accident attorneys in Vero Beach, FL, can investigate the case and determine liability. Determining liability is complex as it can’t be accomplished by merely looking at the T-boned vehicle.

Your lawyer, insurance companies, and courts will listen to witness statements and look at other pieces of evidence to determine liability. Photographs of the accident scene, traffic video footage, medical records, and police records are other pieces of evidence you may require to prove your case.

Crucial Factors in the Determination of Fault in a T-Bone Accident

Two factors must be present when determining fault in a T-bone accident;

• Duty of care: Drivers must act reasonably while on the road. They must drive responsibly and safely and obey traffic rules at all times.
• Breach of duty of care: When drivers don’t uphold their duty of care and cause an accident, they can be found liable for breaching their duty of care.

If the at-fault party breached their duty of care by driving carelessly, recklessly, or under the influence, the court might hold them liable for damages resulting from the crash. Contact skilled Florida car accident lawyers to help you look into these factors in determining liability in a T-bone car collision.

Parties That Could Be Liable in a T-Bone Accident?

Depending on the investigations and other factors surrounding your T-bone accident case, several parties could be legally at fault for a T-bone accident in Florida as follows:

The Other Driver

At least one of the drivers in a T-bone accident will likely be found liable for the crash. The foundational rule is that traffic should not cross an intersection at right angles simultaneously. When this occurs, it signifies that one of the drivers entered the intersection erroneously, setting the stage for potential liability. Some common factors that contribute to the scenario, many of which occur at the same time, include:

• Distraction – causes a driver not to observe traffic lights or stop signs.
• Speeding – makes it difficult for drivers approaching an intersection at a high speed to stop in time to avoid entering an intersection, thus causing a T-bone collision.
• Impairment – caused by the effects of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue can cause a driver to make poor decisions that lead to a collision.

Other Responsible Parties

Skilled car accident lawyers in Florida know how to look beyond a driver’s actions to determine whether another party shares fault for a T-bone accident.

In a T-bone accident involving a driver who was working, the driver’s employer may be held liable for injuries suffered in the accident. The principle of respondeat superior would apply, which dictates that an employer is responsible for the actions of an employee when they’re handling their official duties.

Additionally, vehicle owners are typically liable for their driver’s negligence.

An Aggressive Attorney Helping You Prove Liability in a Florida T-Bone Accident

A T-bone accident can happen under various circumstances, and the consequences can be devastating. You could sustain life-threatening injuries, and getting compensation can be complex. Experienced lawyers from a Vero Beach personal injury team can help you prove your case.

Our car accident lawyers are experienced in proving liability in T-bone accidents. We provide legal support and representation to help clients navigate the complex legal system in pursuing the compensation they deserve. Call Grall Law Group at 772-773-6697 to schedule a free consultation with our skilled personal injury professionals.