T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These crashes often occur at intersections and can leave drivers or passengers with serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt or suffered losses in one of these wrecks, you may be wondering, who is at fault for a T-bone accident in Texas? The answer depends on several things, including how and where the accident happened and what each driver did before the crash.
Texas law sorts through these cases by looking at fault, driver behavior, traffic rules, and the evidence left behind. Police reports, witness accounts, and physical damage all help tell the story. Fault isn't always obvious at first, and both drivers can sometimes share the blame.
If you're recovering after a T-bone accident that someone else caused, a Texas car accident attorney can step in and help you build a case. The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation available. Most law firms offer free consultations, so you can get answers without pressure.
Call us at (210) 941-1306 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.
Understanding T-Bone Accidents in Texas
Side-impact collisions often come out of nowhere and can leave victims disoriented and injured. These crashes usually involve drivers who don't yield the right-of-way, misjudge gaps in traffic, or ignore traffic lights altogether.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions
T-bone crashes typically happen when a driver enters an intersection at the wrong time. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield at unprotected left turns
- Speeding through intersections
- Distracted or drunk driving
Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to devastating consequences. One wrong move, and a vehicle slams into the side of another, where there’s often little protection.
Typical Intersection Scenarios
Many T-bone crashes happen at traffic lights, four-way stops, or uncontrolled intersections. Common scenarios include:
- A driver turning left across traffic without yielding
- A driver running a red light and slamming into someone crossing legally
- A driver rolling through a stop sign and striking another car
These situations often involve quick decisions. But when one driver breaks the rules, someone else usually pays the price.
Severity and Common Injuries
The side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear. That’s why T-bone accidents can cause severe injuries like:
- Broken ribs or limbs
- Head and neck trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Back and spine injuries
The impact angle matters too. When a car is hit directly on the driver's or passenger's side, injuries can be even worse. Recovery may take weeks or months and lead to steep medical bills, lost income, and long-term complications.
Who Is Typically at Fault in T-Bone Accidents?
T-bone accidents usually happen because one driver doesn’t follow the rules. That’s why fault often falls on the person who entered the intersection incorrectly or failed to yield.
The Driver Who Fails to Yield Right-of-Way
Failing to yield is one of the top reasons for side-impact wrecks. At intersections without traffic lights, drivers must wait their turn. If someone pushes through without letting cross-traffic go first, they're often at fault.
In Texas, right-of-way laws are clear. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. At four-way stops, the first to arrive gets to go. Ignoring these rules can make a driver liable for any crash that follows.
Drivers Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Running a red light is a common cause of T-bone crashes. If someone enters an intersection when their light is red, and they collide with a vehicle lawfully crossing on green, the red-light runner is usually at fault.
The same goes for stop signs. Blowing through one without stopping—or stopping too late—can easily result in a side-impact collision. Even rolling stops can trigger these wrecks.
Left-Turn Violations at Intersections
Turning left across traffic is risky. Texas drivers are required to wait for a clear path. If someone turns without enough time and gets hit by oncoming traffic, they may be held responsible.
However, if the other driver was speeding, distracted, or ran a red light, fault may be shared or shift entirely. These situations often come down to the available evidence.
How Does Texas Law Determine Fault in Side-Impact Collisions?
Fault isn’t always black and white. Texas uses a system that compares each party’s actions and assigns responsibility accordingly.
Texas's Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Texas follows modified comparative fault rules. That means more than one person can be blamed for a crash. If you're found partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The 51% Rule and Its Impact on Recovery
Under Texas law, anyone 51% or more at fault cannot recover damages from others. This rule can cut off your ability to collect money for your losses if the insurance company or court says you're mostly to blame.
That’s why evidence matters. The stronger your case, the harder it is for the other side to shift fault onto you.
Multiple Party Liability Scenarios
Sometimes, more than two vehicles are involved. For example, if one driver runs a red light and hits a car, causing it to spin and hit another vehicle, fault may be shared among all involved.
In other cases, commercial vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists contribute to what happened. Texas courts sort through these layers using evidence and witness accounts to assign percentages of fault.
Factors That Influence Fault Determination
Several sources help show what really happened in a T-bone crash. These tools are key in building a clear picture of who did what and when.
Traffic Signal Evidence and Timing
Traffic cameras and intersection signal logs can show whether a driver entered on a red or green light. Some cities track the exact timing of light changes, helping investigators piece together the chain of events.
Witness Testimony and Statements
Eyewitnesses can back up or contradict what the drivers claim. Their statements often carry weight, especially when drivers give conflicting stories.
Police Reports and Citations
Officers usually respond to T-bone crashes and write detailed reports. If someone gets cited for running a red light, failing to yield, or reckless driving, that citation can influence fault.
Vehicle Damage Patterns and Accident Reconstruction
Damage to the cars can show who hit whom and at what angle. Experts may reconstruct the crash to see how fast each car was going, which direction they traveled, and what likely caused the wreck.
What Evidence Is Crucial for Proving Fault?
Strong cases often come down to what evidence is available and how quickly it’s gathered. Some of the most important pieces include:
Surveillance Camera Footage
Video from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or home security systems can be powerful. It may show a car speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield.
Cell Phone Records and Distracted Driving
If a driver was texting or on a call, cell phone records could support claims of distracted driving. This may help show they weren't paying attention before the crash.
Skid Mark Analysis and Vehicle Position
Skid marks on the road, along with the final position of the vehicles, can help determine who had control or tried to stop. Experts often use these clues to show which driver caused the crash.
Expert Witness Testimony
Engineers, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals can analyze crash scenes and offer opinions about fault. Their input can add credibility and help support your version of events.
Special Circumstances That Affect Liability
Some T-bone crashes involve outside factors that shift fault away from one of the drivers or spread blame more widely.
Defective Traffic Signals or Road Conditions
If a traffic light malfunctions or visibility is poor due to missing signs or poorly painted lanes, the city or road agency might share blame. These cases can involve government liability rules.
Weather-Related Factors
Rain, fog, or ice can affect how quickly drivers react or stop. While weather doesn’t excuse unsafe behavior, it may contribute to the crash. Courts still expect drivers to adjust their speed and following distance to match conditions.
Commercial Vehicle Involvement
Trucks, delivery vans, and rideshare drivers bring other complications. Employers may be responsible for what their drivers do on the job. Commercial vehicles may also carry black boxes or GPS systems that record useful data.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Considerations
Sometimes, a cyclist or pedestrian moves into an intersection unexpectedly, forcing a driver to swerve and causing a T-bone crash. In rare cases, that person’s actions may have contributed to the wreck.
Can Both Drivers Be at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Texas law recognizes that accidents don't always have just one cause. Both drivers may have made mistakes that led to the crash.
Shared Negligence Examples
Imagine a situation where one driver runs a red light, but the other driver was speeding or distracted. Both share some blame. Or maybe one driver failed to yield, and the other one didn’t have headlights on at night. Again, responsibility is split.
How Comparative Fault Affects Compensation
The court or insurance company will assign each party a percentage of fault. Your financial recovery depends on staying under 51% at fault. The closer you are to that line, the more you lose from your final recovery.
Insurance Company Tactics in Shared Fault Cases
Insurers may try to push as much blame onto you as possible. Their goal is to reduce what they have to pay. That’s why your attorney must gather evidence quickly and argue strongly on your behalf.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock knows how to build strong cases after T-bone accidents. We start working on your case immediately to protect your rights and keep evidence from disappearing.
Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation
We send letters to preserve camera footage, request phone records, and document the crash scene. This early action helps prevent evidence from being lost or erased.
Accident Reconstruction and Expert Analysis
Our team works with experienced analysts to understand how the crash happened. Their reports support your claim and can be used during settlement talks or at trial.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what your claim is worth. We push back with facts, evidence, and numbers that support a fair outcome.
Litigation Support and Trial Representation
If the insurance company won’t agree to a reasonable settlement, we’re ready to take your case to trial. We build your case for court from day one, so you’re never caught off guard.
Why Choose Our Firm
The personal injury attorneys at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock have helped clients across Texas recover after side-impact crashes. When you work with us, you get more than just legal knowledge. You get a team that listens and fights for you every step of the way.
Proven Track Record with T-Bone Accident Cases
We’ve handled many T-bone collision cases and understand how to build a strong argument for fault and damages.
No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation
You don’t pay upfront. Our fee only comes from the compensation we recover on your behalf.
Local Texas Knowledge and Court Experience
We know how Texas laws apply to your case and how local judges and juries tend to view these crashes.
Personalized Attention and Communication
You're not just another case. We keep you informed and involved throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About T-Bone Crashes in Texas
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
In most T-bone accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can block your ability to recover anything.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
You may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Your attorney can help explore your options.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you're not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame.
What types of compensation are available?
You can seek payment for medical expenses, lost wages, car repairs, and other losses tied to the crash.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Insurance companies often offer less than what your claim is worth. An attorney can review the offer and help you decide whether to accept or fight for more.
Don't Wait - Contact Us Today
If you were involved in a T-bone accident, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.
Our team at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock is ready to evaluate your case at no cost. We’ll explain your legal options and help you take the next step. We’ll ask about your injuries, the accident, and the evidence available. You’ll get straight answers without pressure or legal jargon.
Once we take your case, we begin gathering records, talking to witnesses, and working with accident experts. We handle the legal side so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to get started.
Call us at (210) 941-1306 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.