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Who’s At Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

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If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident, you may have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. Many parties, including other drivers, government entities, and vehicle manufacturers, may be at fault in a T-bone accident.

T-bone accidents produce some of the most catastrophic car accident injuries, such as bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. When you turn to Brown & Crouppen after a T-bone accident in Kansas City and St. Louis, we’ll work diligently to identify the at-fault party and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

Understanding Liability in T-Bone Car Accidents

Any party that contributed to a T-bone accident through their negligence or recklessness may be liable for the victim’s injuries. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance pays for damages. However, liability looks slightly different for different types of at-fault parties.

The Drivers Involved in the Accident

Either or both drivers may be at fault for a T-bone accident. For example, if one driver runs a red light and hits another car on the side, they will likely be considered at fault. However, if the other driver was texting while driving, they may also share some of the blame.

Another Driver Not Directly Involved in the Accident

A third-party driver may contribute to a T-bone accident even if they didn’t collide with any of the vehicles. For instance, a driver who cuts off another car may cause that car to swerve and hit another vehicle on its side.

Government Entities

Poorly maintained roads or malfunctioning traffic signals can also play a role in T-bone accidents. If the government entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions didn’t fulfill its duty, it may be liable for resulting accidents.

Vehicle Manufacturers

Faulty car parts can contribute to T-bone accidents by causing vehicle malfunctions. This can result in liability for the manufacturer. An example would be if a car’s brakes fail, causing the driver to run a red light and T-bone another vehicle.

Employers

If an employee driving a commercial vehicle causes a T-bone accident while on the job, their employer may share liability. For example, if the employer didn’t properly train the employee or failed to maintain the vehicle, they may be held responsible for resulting accidents.

How To Prove the Other Driver’s Negligence

Strong evidence is essential for proving that someone else is liable for your T-bone accident. Document as much as possible at the accident scene, including photos and videos of the aftermath and witness statements. Have a police officer create a report to document the accident and get a copy. Additionally, you’ll want to get medical attention promptly, even if you don’t feel injured. Some T-bone accident injuries have delayed symptoms and are only detectable by a medical professional. The sooner you document these injuries, the better your odds of proving that the accident caused them. Contact a personal injury lawyer once you’ve taken care of your emergency medical needs. Brown & Crouppen can help you gather additional evidence for a stronger case, including traffic cam footage, surveillance footage from nearby buildings, expert opinions, and more. We’ll then present this evidence to the liable party’s insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Can You Sue if You Were Partially at Fault for a T-Bone Wreck?

Yes, you may still seek compensation if you are partially at fault for a T-bone collision. Each state has different rules about shared fault. Missouri law follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can pursue a claim even if you are 99 percent at fault for the accident. Kansas, on the other hand, has a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can only recover damages if you’re less at fault than the defendant for the T-bone accident. In either state, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Partial fault can occur if, for example, another driver runs a red light and collides with your car as you speed through a yellow light. As a result, they T-boned the side of your car. The other vehicle may have run the light and disregarded your right of way, but their insurer could argue that your decision to speed instead of slow down at the yellow light also contributed to the accident.

What Makes T-Bone Accidents So Catastrophic?

T-bone wrecks occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. They often happen at intersections when drivers run red lights, fail to yield, or drive distracted. The sides of vehicles offer far less protection than the front or rear. As a result, T-bone crashes often involve more direct impact between vehicle occupants and the oncoming vehicle. This can cause catastrophic injuries, even in relatively minor T-bone accidents. These injuries can drastically change a victim’s life. They deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for their losses.

Compensation Available to Those Involved in a T-Bone Accident

If someone else is liable for your injuries, you may seek compensation for any damages you suffered due to the accident. These damages vary from case to case, but they often include:

Past and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, and medication.
Lost wages for the time you had to take off work due to your injuries.
Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from performing your previous work.
Physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Property damage, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Rehabilitation costs, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Transportation expenses for medical care.
Disability-related home and vehicle modifications.

T-bone accident damages can add up quickly, and you want to get the most compensation available for your injuries and losses. Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you secure full and fair compensation to rebuild your life after a T-bone accident.

Injured in a T-Bone Accident? Contact Our Attorneys

Insurance companies do everything they can to deny liability after a T-bone accident. At Brown & Crouppen, we’re dedicated to leveling the playing field for accident victims throughout Missouri and beyond. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you.

We have what it takes to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. With over 40 years in business and $1 billion secured in high-value case results for our clients in Kansas City, St. Louis, and beyond, we have what it takes to get results.

Contact us online or call (800) 536-4357 to get your free consultation with our skilled car accident lawyers. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case.