Who Is at Fault in a Dallas T-Bone Car Accident?
T-bone accidents occur when the front of a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These accidents can have catastrophic consequences. As T-bones involve serious side impacts and a head-on collision, fatal or life-threatening injuries can occur.
Fault for a T-bone accident will depend on several different factors. If you were recently involved in a T-bone accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine who is responsible for your injuries.
The Driver Who Broke the Law
T-bone accidents often occur in intersections. If a driver runs a red light or stop sign and enters an intersection illegally, the driver could crash into another car that is lawfully in the intersection.
If a driver is guilty of breaking traffic laws, that driver will most likely be liable for the collision.
The Driver That Turned Left
Sometimes left-hand turns can result in a T-bone collision when drivers crash into the side of an oncoming vehicle. If a driver fails to yield the right-of-way when making a left turn, they may be responsible for the collision.
Both Drivers
It is possible that both drivers can be at fault for a T-bone car accident. For example, one driver could be texting while driving, causing them to enter the intersection at the wrong time. Meanwhile, the other driver could be speeding through the intersection.
If a T-bone collision occurs as a result of both drivers’ negligence, determining who is primarily responsible can come down to the strength of each side’s legal counsel.
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that an injured party can still recover compensation even if they are also at fault for their injuries. However, you will be barred from recovering damages if you are more than 50% responsible for the T-bone collision.
Proving Fault for a T-Bone Accident
To establish liability for a T-bone accident, you will likely need to provide evidence of fault to an insurance company.
The following are examples of evidence that you may need to gather:
- Police reports: A police report provides vital evidence regarding what occurred at the accident scene and who was at fault for the t-bone accident. Although police reports are considered inadmissible hearsay in court, they can be useful during settlement negotiations.
- Witness statements: While at the accident scene, you should collect witness statements and contact information.
- Analysis of vehicle damage: An assessment of vehicle damage can help explain what occurred and which driver was responsible for the collision.
- Crash reconstruction: This may include diagrams and computer-generated re-creations of the collision.
- Medical records: Records of treatment that you receive following an accident will provide details on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages.
When you can establish fault and provide proof to an insurance company, you may be able to recover compensation.
Common Injuries Resulting From T-Bone Accidents
Victims of T-bone accidents can suffer severe injuries as a result of the head-on collision and side impact.
The following are common injuries that can occur in T-bone accidents:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you are involved in a T-bone accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. From there, it is best to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to determine your best legal course of action.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dallas T-Bone Accident?
If you sustain injuries in a T-bone car accident, you may be able to get compensation for your damages. Texas is an “at-fault” state for car insurance, meaning you can generally file a claim against the responsible driver.
The following are damages that we may pursue on your behalf:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Wrongful death
An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine what your case is worth and work to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Dallas, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, Texas, and need legal help, contact our Dallas car accident lawyers at Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers
2512 State St,
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-1420
