If you were injured in a T-bone car accident, whether you have a personal injury claim will depend on who had the right of way at the time of the collision. These crashes typically occur at intersections when one driver is traveling north/south and another is heading east/west. In most cases, one vehicle runs a red light or fails to yield at a stop sign. However, these accidents can also happen when a driver is making a left turn.
Can the Striking Driver Still Recover Damages?
Being the vehicle that struck the other car does not automatically make you liable for the crash. If the vehicle you hit ran a red light or ignored a stop sign before entering the intersection, that driver is likely at fault. In these cases, the striking driver may still have a valid car accident injury claim.
T-Bone Collisions Involving Left Turns
Determining fault in T-bone collisions that occur during a left turn depends heavily on traffic signals and who had the right of way. If the left-turning driver had a green turn arrow, then the oncoming driver who ran the red light is likely at fault. However, if there was no arrow and the driver turned left across traffic, they may be held responsible for failing to yield.
If a left turn was made at the crest of a hill, fault may lie with the turning driver for not ensuring there was a clear line of sight before entering the intersection.
The Role of Speeding in T-Bone Accidents
Speeding often plays a critical role in intersection accidents. A driver traveling at an excessive speed may miss traffic signals or stop signs, increasing the chance of a serious collision. Speed can also impact fault if it contributed to the severity of the crash. For example, if the striking vehicle was speeding, a claim could argue that the accident would not have occurred—or would have been less severe—had the vehicle been traveling at the posted speed limit.
How to Prove Liability in a T-Bone Crash
Proving who was at fault in a T-bone accident may require:
- Eyewitness statements
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic or surveillance camera recordings
- The official police report
All of these elements can be key pieces of evidence in supporting your personal injury case.
Can You File a Claim After a T-Bone Car Accident?
Even if another driver caused the accident, your ability to pursue a personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries and your auto insurance policy. In Pennsylvania, a limited tort policy restricts your ability to recover pain and suffering damages unless the injuries are serious and life-altering. In New Jersey, a “limitation on lawsuit” policy prevents recovery unless the injuries meet certain thresholds—such as death, permanent disfigurement, or displaced fractures.
The nature and extent of your injuries can be proven through medical documentation and witness testimony about how your daily life has been impacted.
If you carry full tort insurance in Pennsylvania or an “unlimited right to sue” policy in New Jersey, these restrictions do not apply.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After the Crash?
Following a T-bone accident, your auto insurance should cover your medical bills up to the policy’s no-fault medical benefits limit. Once those benefits are exhausted, your health insurance will take over. Any out-of-pocket expenses or outstanding balances can be included as part of your compensation claim.
Speak With an Experienced T-Bone Accident Attorney
The attorneys at Thistle Law Firm have extensive experience handling serious intersection and T-bone accidents. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, call us today at 215-568-6800 for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.