Understanding a T-Bone Accident & Who’s at Fault
All car accidents have the potential to be serious, and many car accidents, even those that happen at low speeds, result in serious injuries for drivers and passengers involved.
But statistically speaking, one of the most dangerous types of car accidents is a T-bone accident.
When a T-bone accident occurs, those involved almost always are injured to some extent.
When a T-bone accident results in property damage or bodily injury, an injured party maintains the right to file a claim against the at-fault party.
However, before such a claim can be filed – and certainly before an insurance adjuster will pay – fault must be determined.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley our Georgia auto accident attorneys can help you prove fault in a T-bone accident and pursue the settlement you deserve.
Call us today at (706) 354-4000 or reach us online for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident is named for the shape the cars make upon impact, a ‘T.’ This type of accident occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another.
There are many reasons why this kind of accident is particularly deadly, including that it’s the front end of a vehicle and the side of a vehicle that absorbs the most force.
If the crash happens on the side where a person is located (driver or passenger), this individual can be severely harmed.
The driver in the vehicle that makes a head-on impact can also be tragically injured.
How Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?
There are a couple of different situations that can lead to a T-bone accident, and it is possible for the driver of either vehicle to be at fault.
In all cases, however, T-bone accidents almost always happen in intersections and are typically the result of one driver failing to yield to the right of way, or running a stop sign or traffic light.
For example, driver A may T-bone the side of driver B’s car when proceeding through an intersection. Even if driver A was the one who hit driver B, driver A may not be found at fault because driver A had the right of way, and driver B was proceeding through the intersection unlawfully.
It’s important to understand that fault for a T-bone accident cannot automatically be assumed because either driver may be at fault depending on the circumstances of the case.
How Is the At-Fault Party of a T-Bone Crash Determined?
Because fault cannot be assumed, opening an investigation into fault for a Georgia T-bone accident is important. There’s a lot of evidence that may be used to prove fault.
Some of the most common types of evidence include:
- Drivers’ statements,
- Passenger statements,
- Eyewitness testimony,
- Police reports,
- Video of the accident,
- Red light camera information,
- Physical evidence from the crash,
- Traffic light programming information, and
- Expert opinions.
If you are able, while you wait for police to arrive at the scene of your T-bone accident, you should gather as much evidence as possible by taking pictures and writing down witnesses’ names and contact information.
I Was Involved in a Georgia T-Bone Accident – Who’s at Fault?
While it might be easy to assume the other driver was to blame in your T-bone accident, keep in mind that sometimes, liability is not as cut and dry as one driver clearly being in the wrong. Sometimes, another party not involved in the accident may be at fault.
For example, if the accident was caused because of a traffic light defect, the party responsible for traffic light or street sign maintenance may be liable for injuries.
Or, if the accident was caused due to a vehicle defect, such as a problem with acceleration or braking, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be to blame. It is very important that all potentially liable parties are considered when filing a T-bone accident claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Georgia For Help
If you’ve been in a T-bone accident and have questions about who is at fault, working with an experienced attorney is crucial for the outcome of your case. One part of an attorney’s job is to thoroughly investigate a case and hire experts for accident reconstruction when necessary.
When you choose to work with an attorney, you hire a professional to manage proving fault, so you can focus on your recovery.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to get to work on your case today. Please call us at (706) 354-4000 or send us a message to discuss your accident and injuries during a free consultation.
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