Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

Like the rest of the US, Utah experiences a fair share of T-bone accidents. A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact collision, happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape.

These crashes are dangerous because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear. Smaller vehicles, in particular, have less structural reinforcement to absorb the impact, meaning the crash forces on passengers are much greater. In short, injuries from a T-bone car accident are typically severe or even fatal. 

The question is – who is at fault in a T-bone accident? 

Given how devastating these crashes are, it’s your right to know who’s guilty. At Henriksen & Henriksen, we know that proving liability in these cases can be complex, and the outcome often depends on traffic laws, driver behavior, and available evidence. 

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple and clear.

How Fault is Determined in a T-Bone Accident

Determining fault in a T-bone accident isn’t always straightforward. It usually comes down to who had the right of way and whether any traffic laws were broken.

1. Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

Most T-bone car accidents in Utah happen at intersections. If a driver runs a red light or ignores a stop sign, they are almost always at fault. The driver with the green light or right of way should be able to pass safely. For example, if you were legally going through an intersection on a green light and another driver ran a red light, the driver who ran the red light is at fault.

2. Failing to Yield the Right of Way

If a driver fails to yield when required, they can cause a T-bone car accident. Let’s say you were driving through a four-way stop. If you arrived first and started moving through the intersection, but the other driver didn’t and rammed into your car, they are likely at fault.

3. Distracted or Reckless Driving

If a driver is texting, speeding, or otherwise distracted and enters an intersection when they shouldn’t, they can be held responsible. If a driver is checking their phone and doesn’t see a stop sign, then crashes into your car that had the right of way, they might be at fault for the T-bone accident. 

4. Making an Unsafe Left Turn

If a driver turns left without waiting for oncoming traffic to clear, they may cause a T-bone car accident. A common example is a driver at a green light who tries to turn left but doesn’t wait for your car going straight through the intersection. If your car gets hit, the driver making the left turn is likely at fault.

5. Mechanical Failures

If a driver experiences brake failure or another mechanical issue, they might still be held responsible unless they can prove they took reasonable steps to maintain their vehicle. If this was the reason another driver slammed into your car, you may still hold them accountable, provided they knew about the issue and didn’t fix it.

6. Poor Road Conditions or Traffic Signals Not Working

Bad weather, especially during the harsh Utah winters, often leads to T-bone car accidents. But sometimes, fault doesn’t rest solely on the drivers or bad weather. 

If traffic lights aren’t working or roads are poorly designed, the city or county might bear some responsibility. A car accident lawyer can help you determine who you can file a claim against after investigating your case. 

Can Both Drivers Be at Fault?

Yes. Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that more than one driver can share fault in any car crash, not just T-bone accidents. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

Let’s simplify this with an example. If a driver ran a red light but you were speeding excessively, both of you might share fault for the T-bone accident. After investigation, it was found that the driver who ran the red light was 70% at fault, and you were 30% at fault. 

As per the state’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages, but they would be reduced by 30% – your share of the fault in the crash.

What Do You Need to Prove Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident

If you’re involved in a T-bone car accident in Utah, you’ll need to prove the other driver’s fault to recover damages. Here’s how you can build your case:

1. Gather Evidence

Every car accident claim needs evidence to recover damages. This typically means you should: 

• Take photos and videos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and traffic signs.
• Look for footage from traffic cameras at the intersection or CCTV cameras from nearby shops. 

2. Get Witness Statements

If bystanders saw what happened, get their contact information and ask them to provide statements. Your lawyer can record witness testimonies to strengthen your claim. 

3. Check the Police Report

One of the most critical things you must do is file a report. A police officer at the scene will document what happened and may assign fault for the T-bone accident. Get a copy of this report.

4. Review Traffic Laws

If the crash happened because someone ran a red light, failed to yield, or made an illegal turn, knowing Utah traffic laws can help you establish fault.

Common Injuries from A T-Bone Car Accident

Injuries from a T-bone accident are often severe and life-changing because the side of a passenger vehicle has less structural protection compared to the front or rear. These injuries typically include: 

• Head and Brain Injuries: The force of the crash can cause a driver or passenger to hit their head against the window, steering wheel, or dashboard, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures.
• Broken Ribs and Internal Injuries: The impact can cause seat belts to tighten suddenly, leading to fractured ribs, damage to internal organs, or internal bleeding.
• Neck and Spinal Injuries: The sudden jolt from a side-impact collision can cause severe whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage, which may lead to long-term mobility issues or paralysis.
• Pelvic and Hip Fractures: Side impacts often affect the lower body, making hip, pelvis, and leg fractures more common.
• Severe Lacerations and Bruising: Broken glass, twisted metal, and the force of impact can cause deep cuts, bruising, or soft tissue injuries, which may require surgery or stitches.

If you’ve been in a T-bone accident, seeking legal help is just as important as getting medical attention. Hire a car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. 

Final Thoughts

In a T-bone car accident, fault depends on who had the right of way. Running a red light, failing to yield, or driving distracted are common causes. However, Utah’s comparative negligence laws mean the fault isn’t always 100% on one driver.

If you’ve been in a T-bone accident, look no further than car accident lawyers at Henriksen & Henriksen Law . We’ve helped many Utah car crash victims seek fair compensation. For a free consultation, get in touch with us today!