What is a T-Bone Accident?

T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle impacts the side of another vehicle, forming the shape of a T. These crashes can be very serious, causing severe injuries and even death to the occupants of both cars. Determining the fault of a T-bone accident can be tricky as it may not be readily apparent just by looking at how the cars impacted. Often, the at-fault party accuses the victim of being the cause of the accident.

For help proving your innocence in a T-bone accident and recovering the full damages you are owed, reach out to our attorneys right away at 713-766-3733.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a T-Bone Accident?

T-bone accidents often cause severe injuries, leaving victims with extensive medical debt. Victims can suffer minor or serious injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to long-term damage.

The most common injuries after a T-bone accident include:

  • Broken bones
  • Head trauma
  • Concussions
  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage

Your injuries will likely depend on the speed of the impact plus the force of the impact. Wearing a seatbelt and whether or not the airbags deployed can also affect how injured you and other passengers are.

What Are Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents?

Many T-bone accidents are caused by just a handful of factors. If you are the victim of a T-bone accident, it can be helpful to learn what might have caused it so you can know whether you should seek compensation for your injuries.

Some leading causes of T-bone accidents in Texas are:

  • Distracted driving – Distracted driving includes eating, texting, putting on makeup, or even daydreaming while behind the wheel.
  • Driving while influenced by drugs or alcohol – It is obvious why driving under the influence can cause an accident. Alcohol and drugs can make an individual’s reaction time much slower, increasing their chances of a T-bone accident.
  • Driving at high speeds – Speeding is another leading cause of T-bone accidents because the driver may not have time to react and avoid a collision.

How Is Fault Determined in a T-Bone Accident?

Determining fault in a T-bone accident can be tricky if no witnesses or security cameras are available. However, your car accident attorney may contact investigators and accident reconstructionists who can recreate the accident scene to determine fault.

In Texas, the state follows a comparative fault law, meaning that each driver’s fault is considered. If both drivers are found to be partially responsible for the accident, their percentage of fault will be assigned by an insurance company or the court. Any damages received will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to that driver. If a driver is found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, they cannot seek damages.

One way you can help is by taking pictures of the accident and getting contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash occur. You should also call law enforcement right away when the incident happens so they can thoroughly investigate the scene.

How Can You Prove Negligence After a T-Bone Accident?

Proving the other driver’s negligence is the only way to recover compensation for your damages after an accident. Our attorneys will work with you to gather evidence to prove liability.

Several legal requirements must be met to prove negligence, including:

Duty of Care

All drivers on the road have a duty to operate their vehicles safely while obeying traffic laws.

Breach of Duty

When a driver breaches their duty of care by driving recklessly or dangerously, they have breached their duty by endangering others on the road.

Causation

The breach of duty of care directly caused the accident plus all resulting damages, including property damage, medical bills, and more.

Damages

Damages resulted as a direct cause of the accident and resulted in a financial loss for the victim(s).

What Kind of Damages Can You Seek After a T-Bone Accident?

In most personal injury cases, victims can seek damages for any expenses they had to pay because of the accident.

After a T-bone accident, you may be able to recover the following:

  • Medical expenses, both current and future
  • Property damage repairs
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost earning potential
  • Wrongful death

Are There Exceptions to the Liability Rules?

Although the driver who breached their duty of care is almost always held liable for an accident, there are certain exceptions that may be relevant to your case.

The exceptions to liability rules in Texas include:

Intentional Acts

If a driver intentionally causes an accident or attempts to harm another person, they could be held criminally liable. In a criminal case, insurance typically will not cover damages.

Emergencies

If a driver causes an accident because of an emergency situation, they may not be held liable for the damages they cause. Examples could include driving someone to a hospital or experiencing a medical emergency while driving.

Should You Hire Our Car Accident Attorneys?

Please seek immediate medical attention if you have been involved in a T-bone accident. Many crash victims don’t think they have been injured because the adrenaline rush masks the pain. You should also contact the police and report the accident right away.

One of the best steps you can take to find justice in your T-bone accident is to hire experienced car accident lawyers like our law firm. We will dedicate our time, energy, and honesty to getting the positive results you deserve. Call Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law today at 713-766-3733 to see how we can help with your T-bone accident claim.