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Who Is At Fault for a T-Bone Accident?

Date: December 11, 2023

T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. They can cause serious injury to both drivers. For the front car, the accident is like a head-on crash, releasing a significant amount of force that can injure the driver. The other driver may be struck on the driver’s side of the car, where there is less protection from a crash.

T-bone accidents are caused by one driver failing to yield the right of way to the other. There are several scenarios where T-bone accidents occur, such as:

  • Left turns: Turning left without checking for oncoming traffic and colliding into the side of another vehicle.
  • Running a red light: Failing to stop at a red light and crashing into the side of a cross-traffic vehicle.
  • Running a stop sign: Failing to stop at a stop sign, crashing broadside into cross-traffic in the intersection.
  • Intersection: Failing to yield or stop at a four-way intersection and colliding with drivers turning left, in oncoming traffic, or cross-traffic.

Proving That Another Driver’s Negligence Caused Your Injury

It may be difficult, if not impossible, for you to investigate your car accident case. First, you may not have the capacity to gather evidence on your own, especially at the scene of a car accident when you are injured. Second, you may not even know how to investigate a car accident. This is why it is critical to have a car accident lawyer.

Some evidence you can gather on your own includes the following:

  • Pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
  • Medical bills and records
  • Witness statements
  • Accident and police reports

Filing a Lawsuit After T-Bone Accident

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if you are able to prove their negligent actions caused the accident and your injuries. You must also demonstrate that damages directly result from the accident and no other factors. Your car accident lawyer can help you file.

Damages for Injuries Sustained in T-Bone Car Accidents

In New Jersey, damages are not fixed costs and vary depending on the accident’s severity and injuries. Compensation is determined through economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic damages refer to the actual expenses incurred due to the accident and injuries and include but are not limited to:

  • Lost wages and future earnings
  • Disability
  • Medical expenses and ongoing care
  • Medical devices and equipment
  • Repair costs

Non-economic damages are unquantifiable losses related to pain and suffering resulting from the accident and injuries and include but are not limited to:

  • Chronic pain
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Disfigurement, scarring, or amputation
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium or life enjoyment
  • Pain and suffering

Punitive damages are rare but are applied as an additional legal “punishment” for the at-fault driver if the accident and injuries are the proven result of an intentional and malicious act.

Contact a New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC After a T-Bone Accident

If you have been injured in a T-bone collision, get legal help from a New Jersey car accident lawyer at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call 732-800-9474 or contact us online. Located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.