Injured in a crash? A Texas T-bone accident lawyer can fight for you
A T-bone accident, where one vehicle strikes the side of another, can transform an ordinary drive into a life-changing ordeal. These collisions frequently occur at intersections, where drivers are expected to follow traffic signals, yield the right-of-way, and stay vigilant. But when someone runs a red light, ignores a stop sign, or speeds through an intersection, the outcome can be devastating.
In Texas, determining fault in a T-bone accident isn’t always straightforward. Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence rule and a fault-based insurance system, meaning who’s to blame directly impacts your ability to recover damages.
So, who’s at fault in a T-bone accident? The answer depends on traffic laws, evidence, and sometimes, decisions made in a split second. Here are the common causes of T-bone accidents, how Texas laws assign fault, and the steps you can take to protect your rights after a crash.
What causes T-Bone accidents?
T-bone accidents don’t just happen—they’re the result of dangerous decisions or careless mistakes by negligent drivers at intersections. Here are the most common causes:
- Running red lights or stop signs: Disregarding traffic signals puts everyone at risk. Whether it’s due to impatience or poor judgment, blowing through a red light or stop sign often leads to devastating side-impact collisions.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way: Intersections work on clear rules—but not everyone follows them. Drivers who turn left into oncoming traffic or speed through when another vehicle has the right-of-way are likely to cause serious crashes.
- Driver distraction: A quick glance at a text, sipping coffee, or adjusting the radio takes focus off the road. In just a few seconds, distracted drivers can miss traffic signals, stop signs, or other vehicles already in the intersection.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Racing through intersections to "beat the light" or weaving through traffic reduces reaction time. At high speeds, drivers have little chance to stop or avoid a collision.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and slow reaction times, making it far more likely for a driver to miss traffic signals, fail to yield, or run a stop sign.
How is fault determined in a Texas T-bone accident?
Determining fault in a T-bone accident isn’t just about accusations—it’s about uncovering the truth through solid evidence. To have a strong case, you need to prove the other driver failed in their duty to drive safely, caused the collision, and was responsible for your injuries.
Key evidence used to determine fault includes:
- Police reports: These official records provide critical details about the crash, including road and weather conditions, the circumstances of the accident, and any citations or arrests made at the scene.
- Witness statements: Witnesses can offer valuable insights or fill in details you might have missed, helping to paint a clearer picture of what happened.
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage: Video evidence is hard to dispute. Footage from nearby businesses, residential security cameras, traffic lights, or dashcams can capture the collision and provide irrefutable proof.
- Cellphone records: If distracted driving is suspected, cellphone records can confirm whether the at-fault driver was texting, calling, or using their phone at the time of the crash.
- Expert testimony: T-bone accidents often involve conflicting accounts. Crash reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence to establish what really happened and identify the responsible party.
How does comparative negligence impact T-bone accident cases in Texas?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means fault can be shared between the drivers involved in an accident. Under this rule, you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you lose the right to seek compensation.
For instance, imagine one driver runs a red light while the other is speeding through the intersection. Determining fault depends on how much blame is assigned to each party. If you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that same 20%.
This rule can significantly impact the outcome of your case. That’s why having strong evidence and a skilled T-bone accident attorney on your side to protect your rights is so important..
What should you do after a T-bone accident in Texas?
Taking the right steps after a T-bone accident can protect your health, finances, and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Check for injuries: Prioritize safety. Assess yourself and others for injuries, move to a secure area if possible, and call for medical help immediately.
- Call the police: Always report the accident. A police report creates an official record of the crash and may help establish fault. Share the facts calmly and accurately.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, injuries, and the overall crash site. Gather contact information from witnesses and the other driver. These details can be crucial if fault is disputed later.
- Get medical attention: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away and can worsen without treatment.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but keep it simple. Avoid admitting fault or discussing liability until the details are clear.
- Save all crash-related documents: Keep medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts for any expenses linked to the accident. These records help prove the full extent of your damages.
- Consult a lawyer: If fault is disputed, the insurance company denies your claim, or you’re offered a lowball settlement, an experienced car accident attorney can fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
- Follow medical and legal advice: Attend all medical appointments, avoid activities that could aggravate your injuries, and don’t provide recorded statements to insurers without consulting your attorney.
Contact a Texas T-bone accident lawyer to review your options
A T-bone accident can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. Determining fault and navigating Texas’ legal system can be overwhelming, especially when insurers try to minimize your claim. That’s why having an experienced T-bone accident attorney on your side is critical.
A skilled lawyer can investigate your case, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Whether you’re dealing with a fault dispute, complex medical claims, or a low settlement offer, your attorney will handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Based in Fort Worth, Attorney Coby L. Wooten has helped countless car accident victims across Texas secure the compensation they deserve. In one case, his firm recovered over $1.8 million for a client who suffered a closed head injury and bone fractures after a crash.
Don’t wait to take action. Texas has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and evidence can disappear over time. Contact a Texas T-bone accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation and learn how to protect your rights.
