How to Prove Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These accidents most commonly happen at intersections and are often caused by one driver violating traffic rules, such as running a red light, failing to yield, or being distracted.

Key Steps to Prove Fault in a T-Bone Accident

1. Collect Evidence at the Scene

Immediately after the accident, gathering evidence is critical. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Photographs: Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, the intersection, skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals.
• Witness Statements: Talk to anyone who saw the accident and collect their contact information. Witness accounts can provide unbiased perspectives on what happened.
• Police Report: Call the police at the scene and obtain a copy of the accident report. The report often contains the officer’s initial assessment of fault.

2. Examine Traffic Laws

Missouri’s traffic laws play a significant role in determining fault. Typical scenarios where the fault may be evident include:

• Running a Red Light: If a driver enters an intersection on a red light and hits another vehicle, they are typically at fault.
• Failure to Yield: They may be held responsible if a driver fails to yield the right of way (e.g., during a left turn) and causes a T-bone collision.

Understanding these laws is critical in building a fault argument. An experienced car accident lawyer can help interpret and apply these laws to your case.

3. Use Traffic Camera Footage

Many intersections in Missouri, especially in urban areas like St. Louis, have traffic cameras. These cameras can provide objective proof of which driver violated traffic laws. If footage is available, it can be instrumental in proving fault.

4. Analyze Vehicle Damage

The point of impact on the vehicles can often indicate who was at fault. For example:

• Front-End Damage: The vehicle with front-end damage may have struck the side of another car because it ran a light or failed to yield.
• Side Damage: The vehicle with side damage may have been hit due to another driver’s negligence, such as speeding through an intersection.

Accident reconstruction experts can use vehicle damage to recreate the sequence of events leading to the crash.

5. Work With an Accident Reconstruction Expert

When fault is disputed, accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine how the crash occurred. Their professional analysis can be persuasive in court or during settlement negotiations.

6. Navigate Missouri’s Comparative Fault Law

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that multiple parties can share responsibility for the accident. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you may receive $80,000.

Proving that the other driver was primarily at fault is essential to maximizing your compensation.

Common Challenges in Proving Fault

Proving fault in a T-bone accident isn’t always straightforward. Here are some challenges you might face:

• Lack of witnesses or evidence
• Conflicting statements from drivers
• Disputes over traffic signal functionality
• Insurance companies disputing your claim

An experienced car accident attorney can help you overcome these challenges and build a strong case.