T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions, are among the most dangerous kinds of car accidents. They happen when the front of one car collides with the side of another. It is very dangerous for the occupants of the vehicle that experiences the collision because the sides of cars do not offer as much protection as the back or front. That means the occupants of that vehicle could suffer serious, and even fatal, injuries.
Since T-bone collisions involve a vehicle running into the side of another, they usually occur at intersections. That means the person who runs into the other vehicle is generally considered to be at fault for the accident. However, a Bronx car accident lawyer says that this isn’t necessarily the case. If you were involved in a T-bone collision and want to know if you are owed compensation, then you need to contact a personal injury attorney. The lawyer will examine the facts and evidence of the case to determine who is at fault. If they find that you are not at fault, they will help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
How do T-bone collisions happen?
Side-impact collisions typically occur at intersections that are governed by a stop sign or a traffic light. They happen when a driver ignores the light or sign and drives through the intersection when they do not have the right of way. The driver will either run into another car or have a car run into them. In most cases, the driver of the car that runs into the other is considered to be at fault, but it is not always that simple.
Liability in a T-bone Collision
As stated before, the driver who runs into the other vehicle is usually the one at fault; however, the fault lies with the driver who ignored the traffic light or stop sign. In many cases, the driver who does so will run into another car driving through the intersection. However, there are cases where the driver who ignores the traffic signal will have another car collide with them. In that case, it is the driver who ran the traffic signal who is liable for the accident even though they receive the brunt of the damage.
Can both drivers be at fault for a T-bone collision?
Even though one driver is usually at fault for a T-bone collision, there can be situations where both drivers involved share some of the blame. For example, if one driver ran a stop sign, but the other driver was texting and not paying attention, then both drivers are at fault—the first driver for running the stop sign and the second for driving while distracted.
Can a driver recover compensation if they are partially at fault for the accident?
It depends on whether the driver lives in a state that has the pure comparative negligence rule. Pure comparative negligence means that someone can recover compensation even if they are 99% at fault for the accident; they are still eligible to receive the 1% of compensation. That is how the rule works: a driver is allowed to receive compensation even if they are partially at fault, but their compensation will be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
So, if a driver would have received $10,000 in compensation, but it is decided that they are 50% responsible for the accident, they would only get $5000. New York is a pure comparative negligence state, so if you were in a T-bone accident there, you should contact a personal injury attorney. You might be eligible for compensation even if you believe the accident was your fault.
Contact an Attorney if You Were in a T-bone Collision
A side-impact collision can be devastating so if you were in one, you will likely have a lot of expenses to worry about. You are entitled to compensation to cover those expenses if the accident was not your fault. But even if the accident was partially your fault, you might still be eligible to receive a percentage of the compensation. You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible after a T-bone collision to find out if you can receive compensation.