A T-bone accident can be disorienting and overwhelming for victims, who may wonder, “T-bone accident, who’s at fault?” Fault is important in insurance claims, medical compensation, and legal actions. We discuss here common causes, how to prevent such accidents, major evidence that proves fault, and damages that can be recovered by the victims in Indiana.
T-bone accidents, or side-impact collisions, most commonly happen at intersections and are most often caused by:
Ignoring traffic signals, running red lights, or failing to yield the right-of-way are leading causes of side-impact crashes. These incidents are particularly common at busy intersections, where heightened awareness is essential.
Distracted driving, such as texting, adjusting the radio, or using GPS, takes a driver’s focus off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in severe collisions, especially in high-traffic areas.
Alcohol or drug use reduces response time and impairs judgment. This heightens the possibility of an accident, making impaired driving among the greatest dangers on the road.
High speeds decrease a driver’s capability to turn or stop safely, particularly at intersections. High-speed accidents frequently result in serious injury or fatality.
Tailgating, running traffic signals, or road rage significantly raises the risk of accidents. Reckless driving threatens everyone’s life.
Rain, fog, or driving at night that may obscure traffic signs, pedestrians, or other vehicles can make navigating difficult and raise the risks of accidents.
Vehicle breakdowns, such as brake or steering failures, can make drivers incapable of preventing collisions, creating dangerous situations on the road. Proper maintenance is critical.
Understanding these causes helps drivers stay alert and take precautions to prevent accidents.
While not all accidents are preventable, the following strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of a T-bone collision:
By adopting these precautions, drivers can lower risk and contribute to safer roads.
T-bone collisions often result in severe injuries due to limited side-impact protection in vehicles. Common injuries include:
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may occur if a victim’s head strikes a window, dashboard, or steering wheel. These injuries can have long-term cognitive effects.
Whiplash and spinal cord injury are typical because of the sudden side-to-side or forward movement, causing pain and restricted mobility.
Fractures frequently occur in the ribs, pelvis, arms, and legs, requiring significant recovery time.
Such injuries may include damage to internal organs such as the liver or spleen. Without prompt medical attention, certain injuries—like internal bleeding—can quickly become life-threatening.
Beyond physical injuries, victims may suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression long after the accident. Seeking medical and psychological support is essential.
Seeing a doctor immediately after an accident ensures that visible and hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.
Proving fault requires strong evidence. Key pieces of evidence that can support a claim include:
An experienced attorney can assist in collecting and interpreting this evidence to build a strong case.
Most T-bone accidents occur when a driver does not yield or runs a red light; consequently, driver negligence is often blamed. To establish fault, it must be shown that the driver acted negligently by ignoring traffic signals or failing to yield.
Mechanical failures like defective brakes and malfunctioning steering might shift partial liability to the vehicle manufacturer. If a defect causes an accident, the manufacturer can be sued for its role.
Victims of T-bone accidents in Indiana may be entitled to various types of damages:
These include quantifiable losses: medical expenses, including emergency room bills and rehabilitation claims; lost earnings or diminished earning ability due to injury; and property damage, including car repair or replacement costs.
The non-economic damages are supposed to give compensation for all the losses caused due to non-tangible consequences, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress (including anxiety or PTSD), and loss of the ability to enjoy life.
If the at-fault party acted recklessly or maliciously (e.g., driving under the influence), punitive damages may be awarded to punish their behavior and prevent future incidents.
In cases of fatal T-bone accidents, the family can submit a wrongful death suit to recover damages. Such damages may consist of funeral and burial expenses, companionship losses, and lost financial support for dependents.
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in Indiana, determining fault and seeking compensation can be overwhelming. The experienced attorneys at Blackburn Romey are here to help. We exclusively practice personal injury and wrongful death law and can guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait. Claim the recovery you deserve for injuries, medical bills, or lost wages. Contact us at 833.FOR HELP, or visit our offices at 4203 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 for a free consultation today. Call Blackburn Romey and protect your rights.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
