Determining who is at fault in a Connecticut T-bone collision depends on who had the right-of-way. The driver without the right-of-way when the crash occurred is typically responsible. However, there may be exceptions.
The party who caused the T-bone wreck may be liable for compensating a victim for their medical bills, lost income, and other related losses. The victim can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance to seek the compensation they may deserve.
How Do T-Bone Accidents Happen?
T-bone crashes are often the result of drivers failing to follow the rules of the road by engaging in careless or reckless driving behaviors. Common examples of ways a T-bone collision may happen include:
- A driver fails to yield the right-of-way by running a red light or stop sign.
- A driver pulls out of a driveway or parking lot without first checking for oncoming traffic.
- A driver is engaging in some form of reckless driving behavior, such as speeding or driving while intoxicated.
Weather conditions and mechanical failure can also contribute to T-bone accidents by causing a driver to lose control of their vehicle or fail to stop in time to avoid an accident.
Who Are the Potential Liable Parties in a T-Bone Crash?
Identifying the liable party is a crucial early step in the car accident claim process. Most of the time, the at-fault party in a T-bone crash will be the driver who didn’t have the right-of-way.
The driver of a vehicle that collides with another is not automatically at fault. For example, the driver that got hit may have pulled out in front of a car with the right-of-way. In that case, the driver who failed to yield would likely be liable.
Other potentially responsible parties in a T-bone motor vehicle accident may include:
- Vehicle designers and manufacturers – T-bone collisions resulting from mechanical failure can occur if vehicle designers and manufacturers overlook defects.
- Government agencies – Another possible scenario involves a T-bone wreck caused by hazardous road conditions. For example, missing signage could create confusion about which driver has the right-of-way. If a government agency failed to address such conditions in a timely manner, it may be liable.
How Does a Lawyer Prove Fault for a T-Bone Accident?
When you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your T-bone car accident claim, they’ll begin by investigating the wreck on your behalf to gather evidence of fault. This is critical. When you file a claim, the insurance company may try to minimize your payout. They might even deny liability if you don’t have sufficient evidence showing the crash was the other driver’s fault.
A Connecticut car accident lawyer can collect and review the evidence to strengthen your case. If necessary, they may also enlist the help of other professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, to show how a collision occurred and who was at fault. Contact our Hartford car accident lawyer today.
What Evidence Can Prove Fault for the Accident?
Various forms of evidence may help your attorney establish fault after a T-bone car accident. They include:
- Police reports
- Personal dashboard camera footage
- Police body camera footage
- Witness statements
- Photos of the crash scene
- Footage of the wreck, if any is available
- Auto repair records
Sometimes, even your medical records can help show fault. You will already need to gather these records when submitting a claim to show why you deserve the amount of compensation you’re seeking. Your attorney can use your medical records to demonstrate how the nature of your injuries proves the other driver was responsible for causing the accident and your resulting injuries.
What Do I Do After a T-Bone Collision That Was Someone Else’s Fault?
In addition to securing immediate medical treatment, take the following steps after a T-bone accident to protect your claim:
- Follow all medical recommendations, attend all doctor appointments and rehab sessions, and do nothing that might put your physical recovery at risk.
- Avoid saying anything that could jeopardize your claim, whether on social media or in conversations with police or insurance adjusters. Even a casual “I’m sorry” at the accident scene could be considered an admission of responsibility.
- Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, doctor notes, receipts for related expenses, and communications from insurance companies and your employer.
Finally, contact an attorney right away for help navigating the claims process. Your lawyer can deal with the insurance companies and ensure you don’t accept an initial settlement offer that may be far less than you actually deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Connecticut?
You typically have two years from the date of the wreck to file a car accident lawsuit in Connecticut. Don’t delay, or you may lose your right to compensation.
While two years may seem like a lot of time, keep in mind that your attorney will need time to gather and review evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, some key evidence may not be accessible for long after the accident. Contacting an attorney right away will help maximize your ability to reach a positive outcome in your case. Our Hartford personal injury lawyer can help.
Contact a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer
Proving the other driver was at fault is just one way a Connecticut car accident attorney at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can help with your case. By coordinating with claims adjusters and handling all administrative tasks, we allow you to focus on your recovery throughout the legal process. Learn more about how we’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve by contacting us today for a free case review.
