T-bone car accidents often occur at intersections, and they frequently leave both drivers with serious injuries. Louisiana is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the at-fault driver is legally responsible for your damages. In order to hold that driver accountable, you must first prove that they were at fault. 

Keep reading below to learn more about how to determine who is at fault in T-bone accidents.

Understanding T-Bone Accidents

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle slams into the side of another. When the cars collide, they form the shape of the letter T. 

These accidents often involve vehicles that are traveling at high speeds, and they often result in catastrophic injuries such as:

  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Paralysis and nerve damage
  • Lacerations
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage

Before you file an insurance claim for your injuries, you need to know who was at fault for the accident.

Exploring Fault in Different T-Bone Accident Scenarios

Identifying the at-fault driver in your accident requires examining the facts of the case. In some situations, a thorough investigation of the accident might need to be performed.

Intersection and Red-Light Accidents

Most T-bone accidents occur at intersections, and most of those intersections are controlled by red lights or stop signs. When one driver enters an intersection illegally, they are often considered to be at fault for the accident. 

For instance, if a driver runs a red light and T-bones another vehicle at the intersection, the driver who ran the red light would be liable for any damages they caused.

Left-Turn Crashes

Many T-bone car accidents happen when one driver turns left in front of an oncoming vehicle. This is especially common in motorcycle accidents. Drivers turning left are generally required to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

Distracted driving, misjudging speed, and other issues can cause a driver to turn left in front of another vehicle. Witness testimony can often help prove that the driver turning left was at fault for the crash.

Shared Fault Wrecks

Sometimes, both drivers share fault for the accident. For example, suppose that a driver turns left in front of another vehicle, but the oncoming driver was speeding. Both drivers may share some of the fault in that situation.

If you share some of the fault for your accident, your ability to recover compensation may be reduced by your share of the fault. This is because Louisiana follows a comparative negligence rule. Drivers who bear 51% or more of the responsibility are barred from recovering compensation for their injuries from the other driver.

What Types of Evidence Can Help Prove Fault After a T-Bone Accident?

Proving fault after a T-bone accident requires having evidence on your side. There are several types of evidence that might be used to prove fault in these accidents. 

Some common examples include:

  • Witness testimony
  • Expert testimony (such as crash reconstructionists)
  • Surveillance video
  • Photos of the damage to the vehicles
  • Police reports or accident reports

All of these items can help prove which driver was at fault in your accident. Having enough evidence on your side is crucial to your personal injury claim.

Call the Metairie Car Accident Lawyers at Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for a Free Consultation

Fault is not the only issue that often arises in T-bone accidents in Louisiana. Other complex legal questions around insurance coverage, damages, and more can quickly overwhelm someone who isn’t familiar with car accident cases. 

At the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C., we can help you determine all the damages that may be available in your claim and help you hold the at-fault driver responsible. Call us today at (504) 500-5000 to schedule a free consultation with a Metairie car accident lawyer who is ready to help.

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