If you were injured after someone crashed into the side of your vehicle, determining who is liable in a T-bone accident is crucial for your recovery. Proving fault in these cases can be complicated, as numerous factors can potentially be at play.
The experienced car accident attorneys at The Bishop Law Group have helped crash victims throughout Maryland for years. We know the hardships you may be facing and we are committed to helping you pursue the maximum compensation you need to move forward.
Determining Liability for a T-Bone Accident
T-bone accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Almost all T-bone accidents happen at intersections and, in most cases, it is the driver who does the T-boning who is at fault. However, this isn’t always the case.
Determining who is liable for a T-bone accident requires a careful examination of all the evidence available. This evidence can be used to answer crucial questions, such as:
- Did either driver run a red light or stop sign?
- Which driver had the right of way in the intersection?
- Was either driver speeding?
- Was either driver distracted or impaired?
- Did an issue with the road (i.e., a slippery road surface) cause either driver to lose control?
- Were the stoplights controlling the intersection improperly timed, or did they malfunction?
- Could (and should) either driver have done something to avoid the collision?
In many cases, accident reconstruction can be a key tool for determining liability in a T-bone accident. Accident reconstruction involves using all of the available evidence to piece together the events leading up to a collision. If sufficient evidence is available, an accident reconstructionist will be able to determine when each vehicle entered the intersection and at what speed, which driver had the right of way, and who (or what) is ultimately responsible for the collision.
Financial Recovery Options After a T-Bone Accident in Maryland
Let’s say you were injured in a T-bone accident, and let’s say the other driver is to blame. If this is the case, who is liable to pay for your accident-related losses?
In this scenario, there are three main possibilities:
- The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company – When a negligent driver causes a T-bone accident, that driver’s insurance company is liable up to the driver’s policy limit (unless the insurance company acts in bad faith, in which case it could be liable for additional compensation). All drivers are required to carry auto insurance under Maryland law, and many drivers carry more than the minimum requirements.
- Your Insurance Company – If the driver who caused your T-bone accident is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to fully cover your losses, you can seek coverage under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. Maryland is one of 22 states and the District of Columbia that requires drivers to have UM/UIM coverage in their insurance policies.
- The At-Fault Driver’s Employer, a Rideshare Company, or Another Third Party – If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident (i.e., as a delivery driver or on the way to a job site), then the driver’s employer could be liable for your losses. Rideshare companies can also be held liable for their drivers’ accidents in many cases. If the at-fault driver was borrowing someone else’s car, then you could potentially have a claim under the owner’s insurance policy.
These are not the only options when it comes to liability for a T-bone accident. For example, if a stoplight malfunctioned or the other driver’s visibility was limited by road signs or other visual obstructions, then various other parties could be liable as well. If the other driver’s brakes failed (or if your brakes failed), this could also entitle you to file a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer.
In short, there are several possibilities when it comes to determining who is liable for a T-bone accident. To find out who is liable in your case, you should hire a lawyer to conduct an investigation promptly.
Contact a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
The Baltimore car accident lawyers at The Bishop Law Group have a proven record of successfully recovering compensation for victims of car wrecks. If you or someone you love was hurt by a negligent driver, contact our office right away.
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