When you are in a T-bone car accident in Charlotte, it is typically possible to recover compensation with the help of a good Charlotte car accident lawyer. However, that is easier when the negligence and fault of one driver is clear. When the fault is not clear, or if both drivers may be at fault, things may become a bit more complicated.
The nature of the fault in a car crash varies from one accident to another. In some types of car crashes, such as those involving multiple vehicles, the fault is harder to determine. This is simply because the fault may be distributed between several parties. However, in other types of crash, the fault is easier to determine. This is particularly true for a T-bone crash.
What is a T-bone Crash?
A T-bone accident is also called a broadside accident or side impact accident. This is because in a crash like this, the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. The second vehicle may be hit on the front side or the rear side where the passenger seats are. Depending on the speed of the vehicles and the occupants of both vehicles, a T-bone crash can result in injuries ranging from mild to fatal.
Given their nature, most T-bone accidents occur at intersections or left-hand turns. When such an accident occurs, the most important thing to consider is the right of way.
What is Right of Way?
The right of way laws determine which vehicle has the right to move forward in a given situation. At an intersection, the right of way shows which vehicle was right in crossing the intersection at a given time. For instance, if one vehicle had a red light and the other one had a green light, the latter vehicle has the right of way. If the vehicle with the red light drove through the intersection anyway and caused a crash, its driver violated the right of way. So this driver will be held as guilty for negligence.
Fault in an Intersection T-Bone Crash
When an accident occurs at an intersection, the fault is relatively easier to determine. This is because most intersections have a traffic control device. In such a case, the vehicle with a red light is held at fault.
In some cases, one of the drivers may have a stop sign at an intersection while the other driver has no traffic control device. The driver with the stop sign is obliged to stop and let the other vehicle pass. If a collision occurs, it is typically the fault of the driver with the stop sign.
Fault in a Left-Hand Turn T-Bone Crash
Many t-bone accidents take place when a vehicle is taking a left-hand turn. This brings the vehicle into the path of the oncoming traffic. Sometimes, the vehicle that is taking the turn has the right of way but the oncoming vehicle also believes it has the right of way. As a result, a t-bone collision occurs. In other cases, the reverse occurs. The vehicle taking the left hand turn does not have right of way while the oncoming vehicle does. Again, a t-bone crash takes place involving both vehicles.
Other Possibilities of T-bone Accidents
T-bone accidents can also take place in other situations where there is no clear intersection. For instance, the driver of one vehicle may attempt to cross the roadway and cause a t-bone collision. In such a case, the vehicle that was already traveling on the roadway usually has the right of way.
A t-bone collision may also occur when one vehicle takes a U-turn and fails to account for a vehicle traveling down the lane. Similarly, a car that is leaving a parking lot can also run into a t-bone crash. It is the responsibility of the vehicle that is exiting the parking to ensure that traffic is clear on both sides to enter the roadway. Failure to do so will be considered negligence on the part of that vehicle.
Hiring a Reliable Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered a T-bone accident in Charlotte, we can help you. Here at Ted Greve & Associates, we specialize in helping crash victims recover a fair amount of compensatory damages. Fault is not always clear in T-bone crashes. We can help you determine who was at fault in the crash and then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Message us today to discuss your case with our experienced lawyers.
