How to Determine T-Bone Accident Fault

T-bone car accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. For one driver, they have sustained a head-on impact that can cause serious injuries. For the other driver, they may have been struck on the driver’s side of the car, where they can also be severely injured.

If the impact was on the passenger side, those who were sitting on that side will take the full brunt of the force of the crash. Although T-bone accidents comprise only 13 percent of the total number of crashes in the United States, they account for 18 percent of the fatalities.

A T-bone car accident should never happen. One car was in the wrong place, however, it is often difficult to figure out which car is at fault for the T-bone crash.

Drivers may not want to admit that they were the ones in the wrong place because it will mean that they are legally responsible for the other driver’s injuries. Evidence can help prove your side of the story and show that the other driver was to blame for the accident.

Our Beverly Hills car accident attorney can examine your case and determine where fault for your T-bone crash really belongs. Contact us to get started.

There Are Often Two Sides to the Story of a T-Bone Accident

Each driver may give their own version of events that place the blame on the other. This situation is otherwise known as a “truth contest.” it may be difficult to break the logjam and show that the other driver was at fault. Usually, the driver who has failed to yield the right of way when required (such as by stopping at a traffic light or stop sign) is the one who was at fault for a T-bone accident.

There are some cases where it is very apparent which driver was not where they were supposed to be before the crash. Liability for a crash is usually pretty clear at a large and crowded intersection.

However, there are other places where there may not be as many people around to see the crash. Still, before you can be eligible for financial compensation, you will need something that can back up and prove your side of the story.

Car Accident Evidence That Can Prove Your Claim

The ultimate success of your T-bone car accident case depends on the car accident evidence that you can present. Here are some potential sources of car accident evidence:

• Witnesses who may have seen the crash
• Traffic camera footage (if there is one at the intersection)
• Dashcam footage
• Pictures of the scene of the accident
• Pictures of the wreckage of the cars
• Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert

You can use the police report from the accident to your advantage. However, a police report is only helpful when you are filing an insurance claim. If your car accident case goes to trial, the police report cannot be admitted as evidence.

For an insurance claim, the officer’s observations of what they saw when they arrived at the scene may be persuasive when the insurance companies determine who was liable for the crash. If the officer shows up at the scene and gives a driver a citation, a guilty plea can also help in the responsibility determination.

You Can Lose Evidence Quickly in a Car Accident Case

It is essential that you act quickly in a T-bone accident case since these sources of evidence may not be around for long. Car accident evidence can disappear quickly unless you take firm steps to preserve or obtain it immediately. You may not secure evidence on your own when you are dealing with accident injuries and lack knowledge of the legal process.

Therefore, you need to hire an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident, so they can begin to gather accident evidence.

The Insurance Company Does Not Have the Final Word

Although the insurance companies may confer with each other to make their own determination of liability, you are not legally bound by what they decide. Insurance companies do not have the power of a jury. If you file a claim for T-bone accident injuries and it is denied, you can file a lawsuit in court against the responsible driver.

The jury will hear the evidence and decide who was responsible for the crash. Nonetheless, there is no shortcut to obtaining the evidence that you need to prove your case. To receive financial compensation for car accident injuries, you need to prove that the other driver was negligent.

The burden of proof is on you. If you do not have it, you cannot get a settlement check. T-bone car accidents present their own unique and specific challenges that an experienced attorney can help you handle.

Contact a Beverly Hills Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At One Law Group, we will get to work on your car accident case as soon as you hire us. If there is evidence that can help prove your car accident story, we can help you gather it. We will present your claim to the insurance company or file your lawsuit in court.

To begin the legal process, you can call us at (844) 626-1529 or send us a message online to schedule your free initial consultation. You owe us nothing unless we help you win your case.

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