Media post: How is Fault Determined in Florida After a T-Bone Car Accident?

A T-bone collision happens when one car’s front rams into another car’s side. T-bone accidents typically occur at intersections; however, they can occur at any point where a vehicle crosses a street or road. The fact that the vehicles were moving in opposite directions in this type of collision is the most important factor. You can find yourself in court if something like this happens to you. At this point, knowing who is at fault in a side-impact collision is of utmost importance.

Who’s to Blame?

The party to blame in a side impact collision cannot be established simply by looking at whoever was t-boned. Rather, determining who was at fault comes down to determining which vehicle had the right to be driving forward or had the “right of way.” T-bone collisions typically involve one car having the right of way and another car disregarding it.

Fault in such collisions usually lies with the vehicle that disregards another’s right of way. Nevertheless, the driver of the vehicle that was eligible for the right of way might also bear some responsibility for failing to anticipate the actions of the offending vehicle. The unfortunate reality is that the scene of the accident rarely contains any evidence that can help determine which car had the right of way.

In such accidents, determining who’s to blame will frequently come down to the statements of the drivers and any witnesses at the scene. If both drivers assert that they had the right of way, the decision boils down to which driver’s account seems more convincing. Your vehicle accident attorneys will use evidence to strengthen your case. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the other driver’s insurance company will do everything in its power to get you to admit fault and reduce their payout.

Although the at-fault vehicle is usually the one that didn’t have the right of way, the one that had the right might also be liable in some way. That’s because the driver has an obligation to maintain forward visibility and be alert for any vehicles that could try to cut them off. Here are some instances when an automobile has the right of way but might be liable in some way; If the driver was over speeding, if the driver was drunk or high and when a driver was preoccupied with something else, such as their phone

Who’s Responsible When There’s No Intersection

Occasionally T-bone collisions might occur in the absence of an intersection. Since the car crossing the road doesn’t have the right of way, it’s usually at blame in this type of collision. When exiting a parking lot without a traffic control device, drivers must check both directions before crossing. A T-bone collision can occur if a driver pulls out into traffic without first checking for oncoming vehicles.

Conclusion

The success of your claim will greatly depend on the relevant evidence you present and the lawyer you will hire to represent you. The police must decide who is responsible when a T-bone collision occurs.