Who is At Fault in an Oklahoma City T-Bone Accident?

T-bone accidents, also known as “side impact collisions,” are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents. These accidents occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another (forming a “T” shape). The sides of a car offer less protection than the front or rear, and a T-bone accident can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a T-bone collision in Oklahoma City, you may be asking, “Who is at fault?”

What are the common causes of T-bone accidents?

Before we discuss fault, you should understand what usually causes T-bone accidents. These types of car accidents often happen at intersections and are commonly caused by the following:

• If a driver ignores a red light or stop sign and enters an intersection where another vehicle has the right of way, they can cause a T-bone accident.
• Some intersections require drivers to yield before entering. If a driver fails to do this, they can crash into another vehicle already crossing the intersection.
• Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can cause a driver to miss a stop sign or traffic light, leading to a side-impact crash.
• A driver going too fast may not have enough time to stop at an intersection, increasing the risk of a T-bone collision.
• Alcohol or drug use can slow reaction times and impair judgment, making it more likely for a driver to improperly enter an intersection.
• Rain, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and make it harder for a driver to stop in time at an intersection.

What should I do after an Oklahoma City T-bone accident?

If you’re involved in a T-bone accident, here are some steps to take to protect yourself and your legal claim.

• Call 911 to report the accident. This will create an official police report.
• Even if you don’t feel injured at the moment, some injuries take time to appear. Get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
• Document the scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and any injuries.
• Exchange insurance and contact details with the other driver and gather information from witnesses.
• Request a copy of the police report. This can be vital in documenting important information.
• Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid admitting fault until all the facts are reviewed.

Finally, consult with the experienced car accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears. We can help gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and work to obtain fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Who is at fault in an Oklahoma City T-bone accident?

Determining fault in a T-bone accident usually comes down to who had the right of way. Here are some key factors that help establish fault.

• If one driver ran a red light or ignored a stop sign, they are usually at fault. Traffic cameras, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction reports can help prove whether a driver violated a traffic signal.
• Even if a driver technically had the right of way, they could still share fault if they were speeding or driving recklessly. If a vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a crash, contributing to the accident.
• Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence What this means is that more than one driver can be found partially at fault for an accident. If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were T-boned by a driver who ran a stop sign, but you were also speeding at the time, the insurance company might determine that you were 20% at fault. If your damages total $10,000, you’ll only be able to recover $8,000, which is 80% of the total. However, if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover anything.

What evidence is used to determine fault in an Oklahoma City T-bone accident?

Investigators and insurance adjusters will look at various pieces of evidence to establish who’s at fault in a T-bone accident. This evidence includes:

• After an accident, police officers usually arrive on the scene to assess what happened. The police report may include witness statements and citations issued to either driver.
• Video evidence can be extremely valuable in proving who had the right of way. Many intersections in Oklahoma City have traffic cameras that might have recorded the accident. If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, this footage can also help demonstrate what happened.
• Eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen can provide valuable information about which driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or was otherwise driving in a negligent manner.
• The location and extent of your vehicle damage can help determine how the accident happened. Accident reconstruction experts may analyze skid marks, debris patterns, and other evidence to establish fault.

At Cunningham & Mears, we understand how overwhelming a T-bone accident can be. If you’ve been injured in an Oklahoma City car accident, our dedicated attorneys are here to help you determine fault, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with us without any financial risk. Contact Cunningham & Mears today to learn how we can help protect your rights and get the justice you deserve. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle accident claims on a contingency fee basis.