Several parties could share fault in T-bone accidents, when using the comparative fault principles. The parties could include any of the drivers involved, the manufacturer of the vehicle, or a driver that was not actually involved.
Regardless of how the car accident happened, the scene found at the scene of the car accident will be very important to determine responsibility. When possible, you need to document all that you can. This includes recording videos, taking photographs, and collecting contact information and statements from all eyewitnesses.
The Circumstances Of The T-Bone Car Accident
The T-Bone car accident happens when the front part of a vehicle hits another vehicle’s side. This forms the “T” shape at the impact point. T-bone accidents are common at intersections if there is a driver that runs a red light, does not stop at a stop sign, and another driver goes through the intersection at the same time. Bad judgment calls can also lead to such accidents.
Obviously, such accidents do not happen just in intersections. They can take place on interstates or highways as a driver loses control and skids sideways. Even in parking lots, we can see T-bone car accidents. For instance, a car is backing out from the parking space and another car strikes it from the side.
Liable Parties In T-Bone Accidents
T-Bone collisions can happen in various scenarios and there are different parties that could be at fault. A car accident attorney will help evaluate the accident to properly determine liability. Some of the common parties you need to look at are:
- The Involved Drivers
This is the most common situation that appears. Usually, the problem is that one of the drivers did not respect traffic laws and ran the light or did not respect a traffic sign. If this happens, the one that did not respect the law is the one at fault. For instance, if one driver ran the red light, even if he is hit or hits another car, he is considered to be at fault.
Based on accident circumstances, fault can be shared by any driver involved in the collision. Involved drivers can dispute right of way. This is why you need a lawyer in your corner to get you the evidence you need to prove who the party at fault was.
- The Manufacturer Of The Vehicle
When one of the vehicles had faulty components, it is possible that they contributed to the accident. This includes problems like stuck accelerators and bad brakes. In such a situation, the manufacturer of the vehicle can share full or partial liability for injuries and losses.
In most US states, there are product liability laws that allow the injury victim to hold the manufacturer liable. The car accident lawyer can investigate the crash. This includes vehicle condition when the accident happened. All this is done in order to determine how much liability the manufacturer had.
- Another Driver
There are situations in which the car accident’s at-fault driver actually evaded the collision. For instance, someone might have made a left turn that was illegal and was hit in the side by an oncoming car that was driving while respecting the law. This can lead to a chain of events and the one that started it is usually the one at fault.
