T-bone car accidents are also called broadside accidents or side impact collisions. These crashes are when one car or truck hits into the side of another car or truck with the front end of the vehicle. The name “t-bone accident” is derived from the fact that when the crash is over, the two cars form a “T”.
Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Crash
It’s absolutely essential that the police determine who is at fault in t-bone crashes. Sometimes this can be very difficult. With t-bone accidents, in some cases, one driver is determined to be the only one at fault. However, sometimes, it’s decided that both drivers are at fault. However, the second driver is deemed to be secondarily at fault to a lesser degree.
According to the American Bar Association, in the United States, three conditions must be met in order for a driver to be at fault for a car accident. The legal conditions necessary are a duty of care and the breach of that duty of care. The breach is the direct cause of the crash and injuries incurred.
The duty of care is defined as the responsibility a person has to ensure reasonable care in a situation like driving a car. An example of the duty of care is a person driving a vehicle must follow traffic signals and signs. The failure to practice duty of care, such as running a red light, is called breach of the duty of care. Proximate cause is determined when the driver who is broadsided, or not at fault, sustains serious injuries.
Two situations differ to determine who is at fault in a t-bone accident. For example, if the driver broadsides a car because he ran a red light, then he is at fault. On the other hand, if the car that’s broadsided is in an intersection when he shouldn’t be, that driver will most likely be deemed at fault.
What You Should Do if in a T-Bone Car Accident
If you’re in a t-bone car accident, there are certain steps you must take before you hire an attorney.
- Get all the documentation associated with the accident, including the police report.
- Make an appointment for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
- Write down a list of question to ask the lawyer.
- Get the specifics of fees the attorney requires.
It’s necessary to get all of the facts correctly to present to a car accident attorney in Miami. Never admit fault for a t-bone accident before speaking to a qualified lawyer. They’ll be able to appropriately guide and advise you as to the proper way to handle your case.