If you’ve been involved in a t-bone accident, you’re probably wondering who will be held responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and the other challenges you’ve endured due to the crash. Determining fault in any type of car wreck can be difficult. Fortunately, the team at Winston Law can advise you on who is at fault in a T-bone accident.
A Weston car accident lawyer from our team can investigate your case, identify the at-fault party, and seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Our firm has provided compassionate counsel and aggressive representation since 1989, so we have the experience required to give you the outcome you deserve.
Parties that May Be at fault for Your T-Bone Accident
Typically, three different parties may be at fault for your T-bone accident. When your attorney investigates your collision, they’ll work hard to determine if one of the following parties should be held liable for your medical bills and other losses:
The Driver Who Hit You
In most cases, the driver who collided with the side of the victim’s car will be held responsible for the injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses caused by the collision. If you’ve been in such an incident, you’ll want to exchange contact information with the driver. Having the driver’s information will help your car accident attorney take effective legal action.
A Manufacturer
Sometimes, an auto or car part manufacturer is at fault for a T-bone accident. For example, if a defective set of brakes causes a driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading them to collide with the side of your car, the company that manufactured the brakes or the car may be held liable for the accident.
If you believe your accident was caused by a faulty car part, let your attorney know. They’ll work with auto engineering experts to identify the issue that caused your accent. If they find sufficient evidence to support your suspicions, they’ll file a product liability claim against the manufacturer and fight for the damages you’re owed.
Another Driver
In some cases, a driver who wasn’t directly involved in the collision may be held responsible for the effects of the accident. For instance, if a driver made an improper turn and caused another motorist to swerve out of the way and collide with the side of your vehicle, the driver who made the unsafe turn may be at fault for the T-bone accident.
How a Lawyer Determines Who Is at Fault for a T-Bone Accident
Identifying who is at fault for a T-bone accident can be complicated. The investigation and claims process is made even more challenging when you’re dealing with injuries and emotional trauma from the car accident. Luckily, an attorney can help you take the steps required to identify the at-fault party and provide liability so you have the time you need to heal.
Here’s what a highly experienced lawyer can do to identify the at-fault party:
Investigate the Accident
First, your attorney must investigate the T-bone accident you were involved in and collect evidence. Once your lawyer has analyzed the evidence and considered all the facts, they’ll likely be able to figure out who should be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
Your lawyer will collect and comb through the following forms of evidence before they determine who should be the target of your civil suit:
- The crash report
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Footage of the collision
- Eye-witness testimony
- Testimony from accident reconstructionists and other experts
- Your medical records
Establish Negligence
If your attorney brings your T-bone car accident case to court, they’ll need to present a sound and compelling legal argument to get the financial award you deserve. To build a strong argument as to why the offending party is at fault for the collision and should be held liable, your attorney must use evidence to prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: A duty of care is a legal obligation to drive or behave in a way that prevents others from suffering foreseeable harm. Your attorney can use evidence to establish that the at-fault driver or manufacturer owed you a duty of care.
- Breach: Next, your lawyer must prove that the at-fault party breached the duty of care. They’ll use evidence from the investigation, such as accident reports, witness testimony, and expert statements, to show that the offending party failed to uphold a reasonable duty of care.
- Causation: Next, your attorney will have to present evidence that shows the at-fault party’s failure to uphold a reasonable duty of care directly resulted in the T-bone car accident you were involved in.
- Damages: Finally, your lawyer can use other forms of evidence to prove that the accident resulted in your injuries, economic losses, and non-economic losses. If your attorney is able to complete all four of these steps, you’ll likely get the car accident damages you need to recuperate from the collision.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted T-Bone Car Accident Lawyer
As you now know, there are several complicated steps involved in determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident case. At Winston Law Firm, we understand how difficult the aftermath of an accident can be, which is why we’re here to offer the strong legal support you need to prove liability and hold the offending party responsible for all your losses.
Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney. If you decide to work with our firm, you’ll benefit from the hands-on attention we give every case. Since our firm isn’t the largest, we can give personalized attention to every client, ensuring everything is done to get the best results possible.
