Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Orlando, FL?

James D. Payer | March 1, 2024 | Car Accidents

Most car accidents involve two cars traveling either in the same direction or in opposite directions. A T-bone accident is the exception to this rule. And, like many exceptions, that creates complications. One of those complications is determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident. 

T-Boned Meaning: Car Accident Type Explained

What is a T-bone car accident? In a T-bone accident, one car is struck on the side by the front of the other vehicle. So what does T-bone mean in a car accident? It refers to the shape the two vehicles make at the point of the collision.

If you could look at a T-bone accident from above, you would see something that looks like the letter “T.” The car that forms the top of the “T” has been struck either on the passenger side or the driver’s side. This differs from other types of accidents where the side of a car is hit because those usually involve a collision between the sides of both vehicles.

It is also possible, though less likely, to have a T-bone accident where the rear of a vehicle strikes the side of a vehicle. This can only happen when a vehicle is backing up and is most likely to happen in parking lots.

T-Bone Accident: Who Is at Fault?

In a T-bone accident, who’s at fault matters. Like a rear-end accident, one driver is usually considered at fault in most circumstances — the driver that wasn’t hit from the side. However, there are exceptions when the other driver ignores right-of-way laws.

For example, one of the more common places where T-bone accidents occur is at an intersection. Typically, the driver that entered the intersection first has the right of way. However, if that driver ran a red light or a stop sign, they would usually be at fault. 

The same standard applies in parking lot accidents (the other common situation that results in T-bone accidents). Usually, when a driver is backing up, they are at fault for an accident. However, if another driver recklessly tried to pass behind them without any warning, they would be at fault.

Why Fault Still Matters in Florida Accidents

Florida is a no-fault state. This means that your insurance company covers your insurance costs regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, that is only true up to a point. If you suffer a catastrophic injury in a car accident (or if another exception to the no-fault rules applies), you have the right to sue the other party for damages, but only if they are at fault.

Furthermore, your car insurance rates won’t increase if the other party is at fault in the accident. That can be worth thousands of dollars over the years, depending on how much your insurance costs.

Determining Fault

Typically, the insurance companies for both parties in a car accident will investigate the accident to determine fault. The police might also investigate, depending on the nature of the crash.

While you can let the insurance companies parse out fault, they have economic reasons to make decisions that may not be accurate. Consider hiring a car accident lawyer to investigate your claim. Attorneys have experience accurately determining who is at fault in an accident.

An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

While it might not affect which car insurance company initially pays for your medical bills after a car accident in Orlando, fault matters. If you don’t believe a car insurance company accurately determined fault, consider discussing your case with a lawyer.

Contact Our Orlando Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

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