Sean | November 17, 2022

Who Is at Fault in a St. Petersburg Car Accident T-Bone?

T-bone accidents are a particularly dangerous type of car accident. St. Petersburg drivers in busy intersections are at the highest risk of ending up in a T-bone accident.

St. Petersburg intersections like the US-19 and US-19 ALT/5th Ave, which divides Historic Kenwood from United Central, pose a high risk for T-bone accidents because of the many lanes of congested traffic.

After a St. Petersburg T-bone accident happens, the most important question is: Who is at fault? The at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the costs of any damage that comes out of the accident.

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident is named after the shape made by the cars upon impact. Typically one car drives head-first into the side of the other.

Since a lower speed makes it easier to hit the brakes and avoid such an accident, T-bones often occur at high speeds, when there isn’t enough time to stop the vehicle and avoid the accident.

Head-on impact, strong side impact, and high speed all combine to make a T-bone accident particularly dangerous. T-bones often lead to serious injuries like traumatic brain injury. Sometimes they result in death.

High levels of damage mean that determining fault after a St. Petersburg T-bone accident can have a life-altering impact on the finances of both parties.

How Fault Is Determined in a St. Petersburg T-Bone Accident

Since T-bones most often occur at intersections, it can be easier to prove fault in this type of accident than in others.

Right-of-way is usually fairly straightforward at an intersection. Reasons for a driver to be found at fault in a St. Petersburg T-bone include:

Running a red light
Running a stop sign
Accelerating at a yellow light
Making a left turn into oncoming traffic

T-bone accidents can also occur when a driver tries to enter a street from a driveway or parking lot without checking for oncoming traffic.

Speeding can be a factor in a T-bone accident. For example, a driver making a left turn at a green light may think they have time to turn safely based on the posted speed limit and the distance of the other car. However, if the oncoming car is speeding, it can cause the turning driver to misjudge the time they have to make the turn safely.

In a scenario like this, the oncoming driver still had the right of way. However, a lawyer can make the argument that the oncoming driver bears some responsibility for the crash — they were breaking the law by speeding and that negligence was a contributing factor in the accident.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Makes a Difference

A car accident lawyer thoroughly investigates a St. Petersburg T-bone accident and works to build a case for why fault should lie with the other driver. In some cases, a lawyer can have fault placed fully on the other party. In others, a lawyer can help show that the other driver bore at least partial responsibility.

In working to prove fault, a lawyer may:

Collect eyewitness testimony
Collect traffic camera or security footage
Consult an accident recreation specialist
Investigate other factors, such as whether the other driver was under the influence

After building a case on your behalf, a lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies to gain compensation. Attempting to file a T-bone accident claim without a lawyer’s legal and insurance expertise on your side can be a costly mistake.

When it comes to car accidents, fault determines who gains insurance compensation for the damage. When another driver’s negligence leaves you with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial costs, using a lawyer to fight for fair compensation can have a significant impact on your financial outcome.

OTHER CASES WE COVER

CAR ACCIDENT RESOURCES

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

Contact a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free case review today.

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015