T-bone car accidents typically happen when one of two drivers does not yield as they were supposed to, and fault can lie in either direction. T-bone accidents can be incredibly serious, leaving victims with costly injuries and much more. If you were involved in a T-bone car accident, it’s important to determine fault so you can pursue any compensation for your damages.
What Happens in a T-bone Accident?
A T-bone car accident—sometimes known as a “broadside accident”—is when one car hits another car directly on its side. Most of these accidents occur in intersections where the vehicles are traveling at right angles to each other.
When a T-bone accident happens, it means one of the drivers was not following Georgia’s traffic laws on yielding, stopping, or how to handle right-of-way rules.
The main situations where T-bone car accidents happen are:
- Running a red light and colliding with another car that is going through the intersection on a green light
- Making an illegal left turn and getting hit by a car traveling in the opposing lane of traffic
It’s referred to as a “T-bone” accident because the cars collide at right angles with each other, forming a “T” shape.
Get the strong arm
How Is Fault Determined?
It’s easy to assume the driver who collided with the other car is automatically at fault. The driver who failed to follow local traffic laws, such as yielding, is typically at fault for a T-bone accident. However, there are exceptions.
There might be several factors involved in a T-bone accident, so it’s best to work with a car accident lawyer who can investigate all the details. For example, a driver making a legal left turn may get T-boned by another driver who is texting or driving under the influence. There are a number of reasons one driver might be at fault over the other, so you should consult with a legal professional who can help determine fault.
Ultimately, the driver whose actions led to the accident at fault and legally liable for all damages. If you are a victim of their actions, you have a right to seek compensation (Georgia Code section 51-12-4). If you were involved in a T-bone accident and believe the other driver was at fault, a lawyer can help prove their negligence and demonstrate your damages from the accident.
How Serious Are T-bone Car Accidents?
T-bone accidents can be very serious, causing severe or even life-threatening injuries.
Although car manufacturers have developed safety features in recent years to protect drivers during accidents, there is still less protection when a collision happens on the side of the vehicle. There is very little between your body and the place of impact, which can cause the side of the car to cave in and leave you vulnerable to serious damage.
Victims of T-bone accidents can face serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, tissue or organ damage, or spinal cord injuries. They may require months, even years, of treatment and thousands of dollars in medical bills. This is why the at-fault driver should be held liable for the damage they caused.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault for a T-Bone Car Accident?
To prove fault in an accident, you will need evidence that the other driver was negligent in the crash. This requires gathering evidence like:
- The police report
- Pictures from the accident scene
- Witness testimony
- Video or red light camera evidence of the accident
- Medical records from the treatment of your injuries
- Driver statements
- Expert opinions
- Other documents demonstrating all your damages
A car accident lawyer can help you build a strong insurance claim showing the full extent of your damages. They can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process. The goal is to compensate you for all your losses and “make you whole” so you don’t have to pay for any part of your accident costs.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you handle the aftermath of your T-bone car accident and work towards a settlement that will help cover your damages. Call us today to set up a FREE consultation where we’ll go over the details of your case and how we can help.
Contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
