Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident?

What is a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact collision, occurs when one vehicle strikes the side of another. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, angled crashes accounted for 29.8% of all crashes in Pennsylvania in2024, making them the most common crash type. These collisions often occur at intersections, such as Pittsburgh’s Boulevard of the Allies and Bates Street,or Fifth Avenue and More wood Avenue. Because the impact comes from the side,T-bone accidents often happen suddenly, leaving little warning and causing serious injuries.

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Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

Because T-bone accidents often occur at intersections, determining fault can be complicated. Drivers may believe they each had the right of way. However, identifying the at-fault party is critical,since the injured person’s claim depends on proving they were not at fault.

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Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

T-bone collisions most often happen at intersections when a driver fails to follow traffic-control devices or does not pay attention to the roadway. Common causes include:

• Running a stop sign or traffic light
• Speeding through an intersection
• Distracted driving, such as using a phone or GPS
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poor weather conditions like ice, rain, or low visibility

Every crash is different, and several factors may combine to cause a collision.

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Determining Fault in a T-Bone Crash

Determining who is responsible for a T-bone crash depends on traffic laws, traffic-control devices, and driver behavior.Fault may be clearer if a driver is cited for violations such as speeding,improper turning, careless driving, or DUI. In fact, from 2018 to 2022,speeding and failing to stop at a stop sign were among the 10 most common traffic violations in Pennsylvania, according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

Intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic lights can also provide important evidence if one driver disregarded the signal. In more complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be needed to examine skid marks, debris, vehicle damage, black box data, and other evidence.

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Common Injuries from T-Bone Collisions

The sudden and forceful nature of T-bone crashes often leads to severe injuries, including:

• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Broken bones and vertebrae
• Traumatic brain injuries or brain bleeding
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Fatal injuries

These collisions can be life-changing or even life-ending. In 2023, the National Safety Council reported that angled crashes accounted for 44.8% of all motor vehicle deaths nationwide.

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How to Prevent a T-Bone Accident?

Not all car accidents can be prevented, but defensive driving can lower your risk. Always give your full attention to the road, follow the flow of traffic, and obey stop signs and traffic lights.

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What to Do After a T-Bone Accident?

Being involved in a T-bone accident is traumatic. Focus first on your health and safety, then take these steps:

1. Call 911 to get medical and law enforcement assistance.
2. Do not admit fault or place blame, since anything you say could be used against you later. Let your attorney determine fault.
3. Call the police so there is an official crash report.
4. Document the accident with photos of the vehicles, roadway, and conditions.
5. Seek medical treatment and follow your doctor’s advice for recovery.
6. Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you have legal guidance.

Contact Edgar Snyder & Associates so our experienced attorneys can start protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

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Why Legal Representation Matters in T-Bone Cases

If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone collision, reach out to Edgar Snyder & Associates today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. The consultation is free, and there is never a fee unless we recover money for you.

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Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Have you or a loved one been involved in a T-bone collision? Contact the experienced Edgar Snyder & Associates T-bone lawyers today for a free consultation of your case. The consultation is free,and there is never a fee unless we get money for you.