Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Dallas, TX?
T-bone collisions, also called side-impact collisions, are among the most dangerous crashes on Dallas roads. These car accidents often happen at intersections and can cause serious injuries because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear. Determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident is a critical step in any injury claim, but liability is not always as straightforward as it may seem.
Below is an overview of how fault is determined in a Dallas T-bone car accident, as well as what injured drivers should know about their rights under Texas law.
What Is a T-Bone Car Accident?
A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape at the point of impact. These crashes frequently occur at intersections, parking lot exits, and areas where traffic crosses paths.
Because the impact is often concentrated on the driver or passenger side doors, T-bone accidents can result in severe injuries, including head injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Dallas T-Bone Accident?
In many cases, the driver who fails to yield the right of way is responsible for a T-bone crash. However, fault depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.
Common scenarios that may establish fault include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield while making a left turn
- Ignoring traffic signals or road signs
- Speeding through an intersection
- Driving while distracted or impaired
Texas follows an “at-fault” system for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the crash may be held financially responsible for resulting damages.
How Texas Traffic Laws Affect Fault Determination
Texas traffic laws play a central role in determining liability after a T-bone accident. Drivers are required to obey traffic signals, yield signs, and right-of-way rules at intersections. When a driver violates these laws and causes a collision, that violation may be used as evidence of negligence.
For example, a driver who turns left without yielding to oncoming traffic may be considered at fault if their failure to yield leads to a side-impact collision. Similarly, a driver who enters an intersection against a red light may be liable for injuries caused to another motorist who had the right of way.
What If Both Drivers Share Fault?
Fault in a T-bone accident is not always placed on just one driver. Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule, which means more than one party can share responsibility for a crash.
Under this rule:
- An injured person may recover compensation if they are 50% or less at fault
- Any recovery is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault
- A person who is 51% or more at fault may not recover damages
Insurance companies often try to shift partial blame onto injured drivers to reduce payouts. This makes a careful review of the evidence especially important.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in a T-Bone Crash
Establishing fault in a Dallas T-bone accident usually requires a detailed investigation. Several types of evidence may be used to determine how the crash occurred.
Common forms of evidence include:
- Police crash reports
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage and skid marks
- Witness statements
- Cell phone or vehicle data
This evidence can help show which driver had the right of way, whether a traffic law was violated, and how fast each vehicle was traveling before impact.
Can a Passenger Be Held at Fault?
In most cases, passengers are not held responsible for causing a T-bone accident. Passengers who are injured typically have the right to pursue compensation from one or both drivers involved, depending on who was at fault.
However, unusual circumstances—such as a passenger distracting the driver—could be raised by insurers. These situations are fact-specific and should be carefully evaluated.
Why Fault Matters After a Dallas T-Bone Accident
Determining fault directly affects who pays for medical bills, lost income, and other losses after a T-bone crash. Because side-impact accidents often cause serious injuries, the financial stakes can be significant.
Understanding how fault is assessed can help injured individuals make informed decisions when dealing with insurance companies and considering their legal options.
Contact the Dallas Car Accident Lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you were injured in a T-bone car accident in Dallas, determining who was at fault can be complicated. Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers helps injured people understand their rights and pursue compensation after serious car crashes.
Schedule a free consultation today at (214) 556-8321 with our Dallas car accident attorneys for guidance and support.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, please contact the experienced Dallas Car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
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Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
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