Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Boca Raton?

Gregg Hollander | November 4, 2022 | Car Accidents

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Boca Raton?

Impact location can play a significant role in the severity of a car crash. Although the damage may be minor when one vehicle swipes another, head-on collisions can have catastrophic effects.

T-bone crashes, also called side-impact collisions, are some of Florida’s most high-risk car accidents. Similar to other crashes, proving fault and liability can often pose a challenge.

T-Bone Crashes in Boca Raton 

A T-bone crash occurs whenever the front end of a vehicle collides with the side panels of a separate vehicle, generating a “T” shape where the impact occurs. T-bone accidents are likely to happen at intersections or anywhere cars cross each other going in different directions.  

Sadly, traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light, often result in side-impact collisions. 

According to traffic analysts, the increased risk of injury in T-bone accidents results from the vulnerable locations on impact. Structurally, the sides of cars are not as strong as other points. There’s little to protect passengers and drivers whenever a crash involves these areas. 

Some common factors that contribute to the severity of t-bone crashes include:

  • Velocity of cars
  • Size and load of each vehicle
  • Car-specific safety elements
  • If seatbelts are worn
  • Environmental conditions
  • Driver visibility

Even low-speed T-bone accidents may result in bodily injury and vehicle damage.

Florida T-Bone Accident Investigations 

When it comes to car crashes, Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means motorists must carry valid personal injury insurance (PIP) to cover any hospital bills, medical expenses, and property damage — regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

However, after a T-bone accident, law enforcement will likely investigate to determine fault. 

Whenever it’s determined a single driver engaged in negligence, fault is assigned accordingly. In other cases, the responsibility may be shared among two or more parties. 

Recovering damages from a T-bone crash may be done directly through insurance companies or through a personal injury lawsuit, assuming the accident meets Florida’s “serious injury” threshold. Because of Florida’s no-fault rules, lawsuits are only permitted after relatively serious accidents.

Evidence in a T-Bone Crash

When you file a claim against a negligent driver, your attorney will work hard to obtain as much evidence as possible.

Florida has strict car accident reporting mandates. If you were involved in a T-bone crash, law enforcement will generally arrive at the scene and collect important information, including:

  • Photographs of the impact site to document debris, vehicle damage, and skid marks
  • Video and photo surveillance 
  • Witness and driver statements
  • Chemical tests for DUI, if suspected 

Often, a police crash report may be sufficient in establishing liability for your accident. In other cases, an attorney may need to obtain additional evidence through their own investigation or third parties. 

Fault and Liability in T-Bone Crashes

Per Florida liability statutes, fault for a car crash entails proving negligence. Some examples of negligence behind the wheel include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Moving violations
  • Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)
  • Driver fatigue
  • Excess speed
  • Poor driving skills

While proving fault in a lawsuit may often be challenging, a seasoned car accident attorney can review the facts and determine the best course of action.

Defective Vehicles and Fault

Defective components and design elements are often to blame for a T-bone crash. Cars are far from perfect, and defects can affect many features, including:

  • Wheels
  • Lights
  • Brakes
  • Accelerator
  • Mechanical functions

An investigation may often determine that the car itself was to blame, and courts can assign liability to any number of parties, including:

  • Car manufacturer or seller 
  • Owner of the vehicle
  • Maintenance technician or mechanic

Whenever vehicle defects are suspected, you can benefit from the knowledge of an experienced car accident lawyer. Seasoned personal injury attorneys know the ins and outs of car crash cases and can fight to recover any losses you suffer.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in South Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873