T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are some of the most dangerous and legally complex types of motor vehicle crashes. These collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, creating a “T” shape upon impact. Because the sides of most vehicles offer limited structural protection, victims of T-bone accidents frequently suffer severe, and sometimes life-altering, injuries. If you’ve been involved in a crash like this, a skilled Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
In a bustling urban area like Salt Lake City, where major intersections such as those along 400 South, State Street, and North Temple are heavily trafficked, these types of accidents are not uncommon. If you’ve been involved in a T-bone collision, one of the most critical questions is: who is at fault?
Understanding how liability is determined in intersection accidents in Salt Lake City is essential if you want to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and ensure your rights are protected.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone crashes almost always occur at intersections where two or more roads meet. They are rarely random and usually stem from some form of human error or negligence. The most common causes of T-bone accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs: One of the top causes of T-bone accidents is when a driver ignores traffic signals and drives into oncoming cross traffic.
- Failing to yield: A driver making a left-hand turn may misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming traffic and turn directly into the path of another vehicle.
- Distracted driving: Looking down at a phone or GPS for even a second can cause a driver to miss a light change or fail to notice a car with the right of way.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poorer judgment, increasing the likelihood of intersection violations.
- Speeding: A speeding driver may not have enough time to stop at a red light or avoid a crossing vehicle, leading to a T-bone crash.
Understanding the root cause of the accident is essential in determining fault. Each of these behaviors constitutes negligence and can place full or partial liability on the responsible driver.
Determining Fault in a T-Bone Collision
Establishing fault in a T-bone accident can be more complex than it first appears. Often, both drivers claim they had the green light or the right of way, making it a case of conflicting narratives. Insurance companies will look closely at available evidence before assigning blame, but they are not always impartial. They may try to reduce payouts by assigning partial fault to the injured party.
Here are some of the most valuable pieces of evidence in a T-bone accident case:
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Dashcam video from either the driver or witnesses
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police accident reports
- Vehicle damage and crash reconstruction analysis
It’s not uncommon for drivers involved in intersection accidents in Salt Lake City to misremember key details due to shock, confusion, or injury. That’s why collecting evidence as soon as possible is critical.
Utah’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Utah uses a modified comparative fault system to determine compensation in car accident cases. Under this rule, an injured victim may still collect damages even if they were partially at fault for the crash, as long as their share of fault is less than 50%. However, the amount of compensation will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned.
For example:
- If you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
- If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation at all.
This system makes it vital to minimize your share of fault and ensure the at-fault driver is held properly accountable. An experienced Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help with that.
What To Do After a T-Bone Accident
If you’re involved in a T-bone collision, your actions at the scene and in the following days can significantly affect your legal and financial outcome. Taking the right steps helps preserve your right to compensation and creates a strong foundation for your claim.
Immediately After the Crash:
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
- Do not admit fault or speculate about what caused the crash.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and contact details.
- Document the scene with photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, and traffic signals.
- Collect witness names and contact info if anyone saw the crash.
In the Following Days:
- Seek prompt medical treatment, even if you feel “fine.” Some injuries take time to show.
- Request a copy of the police report once it’s filed.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Keep a journal of symptoms, missed workdays, and how the injury impacts your daily life.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a T-Bone Accident
While some car accident claims can be settled without legal help, T-bone collisions tend to involve serious injuries and complicated questions of fault. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim outright or offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t begin to cover your losses.
A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and collect critical evidence
- Communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
- Accurately assess your damages, including future medical needs
- Represent you in negotiations or at trial if necessary
Hiring a lawyer doesn’t just increase your chances of recovering compensation, it also protects you from tactics that could reduce or deny your claim.
Contact a Trusted Legal Advocate Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in one of the many intersection accidents in Salt Lake City, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. A dedicated Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help you determine fault, gather strong evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation and compassionate legal guidance tailored to your case.
