Understanding Who’s at Fault for Michigan T-Bone Accidents

Key Takeaways

• A T-bone accident is extremely dangerous and occurs when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle head-on.
• The evidence at the scene, including witness statements, road conditions, and accident injuries, can help prove fault in a T-bone accident.
• Victims may be able to seek legal action above PIP claims in some situations.
• Seek out the help of our T-bone accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law for guidance.

A T-bone accident is one of the most severe types of car accidents that sometimes leads to fatalities. Also known as an “angle” car accident, about 8,000 individuals per year die in these crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, T-bone accidents account for half of all motor vehicle deaths.

When a driver suffers a T-bone collision, they have little protection, which is why this type of accident often results in severe injury or death. If you have sustained serious injuries from a T-bone accident, do not hesitate to call the compassionate car accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law at 866-226-6833. Our Michigan law firm will fight hard for you to help you receive what you need to cover your medical bills and other losses.

How Does Michigan Define a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident is when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another, with the car crash resembling a “T.” Often referred to as “right angle” or “side impact” accidents, T-bone crashes frequently occur at intersections where two roads cross.

T-bones also occur on major roadways, such as interstates or other highways, when a driver loses control of their vehicle and crashes into other vehicles. Unfortunately, T-bone accidents typically happen with little warning, and other drivers navigating their vehicles have no time to react to evade colliding with a negligent driver.

What Causes T-Bone Accidents in Michigan?

Numerous potential factors contribute to and cause T-bone crashes, including:

• Running a red light or stop sign, or otherwise disobeying traffic laws for traffic signals or devices. This includes failing to provide right-of-way to motorists in the intersection.
• Reckless driving often results in side-impact collisions due to lane weaving, DUI, drag racing, or distracted driving, increasing the risk of broadside crashes occurring.
• Left turns, as these drivers are vulnerable to being hit on the side by oncoming vehicles that neglect to yield, resulting in a side-impact collision.
• Loss of control of the vehicle, including due to vehicles suddenly shifting on highways or other roads. These accidents are often caused by distracted driving, tires losing traction, bad weather, or other types of reckless driving behaviors

Related Article: How to Prepare for a Car Accident

What Are Common Injuries From a Side Impact or T-Bone Collision?

Collisions are terrifying and can change your life in a split second. Injuries and wrongful deaths are sadly common in T-bone collisions. Common injuries include:

• Internal injuries: Including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, lungs, stomach, or intestines, often without immediate indication but requiring medical attention.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, occur as the result of hard shaking back and forth, causing a coup-contrecoup injury. If a head hits the window, dashboard, steering wheel, or another part of the car, a frontal lobe injury or another injury to the brain can occur.
• Hip and leg injuries: A side impact accident usually aligns with a person’s hip or waist; victims can sustain significant injuries to the hips and legs, including bruises, fractures, or worse.
• Whiplash and spinal cord injuries: Whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents. Victims suffer from pain, cervical muscle sprains, or injuries to the spine and its discs.
• Broken bones: Broken bone injuries often occur in side impact crashes. Victims usually break their legs, arms, wrists, ribs, or other bones.
• Shoulder and back injuries: Side-impact crashes can cause whiplash, spinal misalignment, herniated discs, muscle strains, or fractures in the shoulders and back, often leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Who is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Michigan?

In a T-bone accident, who’s at fault in Michigan depends on various factors. Typically, the driver who caused the accident is liable for the injuries, and this could be:

• The driver alone
• The driver’s employer if the person was working at the time of the accident, such as in a truck accident
• Government entities in situations where roadway mistakes caused the incident
• Product manufacturers for defective parts or faulty designs
• Repair and maintenance companies for mistakes

It is important to determine who the at-fault driver is so that the proper insurance company in the accident case can begin working on the injury claim and your personal injury attorney knows who to seek legal action against.

How is Fault Determined in a T-Bone Car Accident in Michigan?

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence law when accidents occur. This means both drivers can share fault in an accident. Law enforcement will investigate and collect evidence; insurance companies will speak to all parties and assign a percentage of the blame. Sometimes, a third driver, road engineer, road designer, local transportation department, or other entity could share fault in an accident, depending upon specific circumstances.

After any collision, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced Michigan attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for bullying victims into accepting some level of blame even if they are not at fault. This allows them to reduce their financial responsibility to pay for damages and losses, cutting victims out of the compensation they deserve.

Related Article: 2024 Guide to Michigan Car Accident Lawsuits

How Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Affect Fault Determination in a T-Bone Accident?

No-fault insurance laws in Michigan do not impact who is labeled as liable for the accident. Rather, they guide how your medical losses will be paid in the accident. In short, a driver’s negligence does not always play a role in who pays for your losses, including your medical expenses and lost time at work.

Insurance Claims: What No-Fault Benefits Cover

As a no-fault state, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage provides financial compensation to you for your economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damages up to the value of the policy. In most personal injury cases, you will file a claim against your insurance provider for payment of your losses after a vehicle accident.

Beyond No-Fault Benefits: Your Legal Options

In some situations, payment for medical treatment may be required, or you may have additional losses from the Michigan car accident that are not covered under your PIP coverage. If your accident meets the definition of a serious injury, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver or party in these situations.

Working with a car accident lawyer is critical to pursue legal action to recover your losses in an auto accident. You can also file a civil lawsuit for negligence and pain and suffering. Because this is a complex process, working with a personal injury lawyer is essential.

Seeking Compensation From the At-Fault Driver After a T-Bone Crash in Michigan

To seek compensation from the at-fault driver, you must prove negligence. To do this in vehicle crashes, you’ll need to demonstrate the following factors:

• The driver owed you a sense of duty: Being behind the wheel means all drivers owe each other a sense of duty to operate their vehicles safely.
• The driver breached that duty of care: This could include, for example, driving into oncoming traffic because they were looking at their phone or entering the intersection on a red instead of a green light.
• Causation: The breach of their actions directly caused the accident to happen.
• Losses: The accident caused you physical injury and financial losses.

What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Fault in a T-Bone Accident in Michigan?

Proving these factors apply in your case means having evidence that supports your accident claim. In a T-bone accident in Michigan, that may include:

• The police report
• Witness statements
• Photographs and videos
• Surveillance footage
• Black box data
• Expert testimony
• Accident reconstruction experts
• Traffic law violations
• Driving behavior evidence

How to Get Maximum Compensation After a Michigan T-Bone Accident

The key to maximizing your compensation claim is to obtain legal advice from a skilled local attorney. Your attorney will provide a full case evaluation to pinpoint specific details to prove your losses and the other driver’s negligence. That could mean showing the court you are owed more compensation than just what PIP coverage pays you.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

When accident victims work with a car accident attorney, they gain the confidence and support they need to navigate this complex process. Your attorney will:

• Provide you with guidance on determining who is at fault for your accident
• Use their years of experience to build your case to demonstrate the value of your losses
• Provide you with peace of mind in navigating insurance companies and claims

Related Article: Is It Worth Hiring A Michigan Car Accident Lawyer?

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

With years of experience and a proven history of providing exceptional service for our clients, Matz Injury Law is the reliable advocate you need by your side. We have recovered millions of dollars in losses for our clients. Let us fight for you.

Testimonials

“I got into a car accident in 7/2023 and was recommended by my mom’s friend. Steven and Jared Matz kept me updated throughout the claim. Kristina would reach out to me to make sure I received all documents that came to me. They stayed in contact and talked me through it all. I am grateful for the services that I received from this father and son team! May God continue to bless them!” – JoaQuaina P.

“If you’re looking for an attorney to handle your automobile accident/injury claims, then I highly recommend Steve Matz and his team! When I fractured my skull, he helped me settle my bodily injury claim in a timely manner! He was very attentive, professional, and cordial. It was easy to reach him if I had any questions.” – Alicia C.

“I was advised by Steve Matz over several days regarding a previous auto accident. He was very diligent with providing me the information I needed to be successful. I was very worried and misguided about the steps I needed to take to manage the lawsuit and obtained his contact information from one of the law firm’s previous clients. I appreciate all of the time he took to get me back on track.” – Domonique B.

Recover Compensation After Sustaining T-Bone Injuries

T-bone injuries are devastating. If you or a loved one are struggling after being involved in a motor vehicle accident and need to sue for pain and suffering, count on Matz Injury Law to be in your corner. Our personal injury attorneys truly understand the physical, emotional, and financial difficulties people suffer after experiencing this type of traumatic accident.

When you contact our law firm, we can provide you with a free consultation or case evaluation. Our goal is to provide sound legal advice to help you get the money you deserve. Matz Injury Law will not collect any fees unless you win. Then, we only accept 22% of the auto accident award, not the industry standard of 33%.

Ready to get started? Call our caring attorneys today at 866-226-6833 or complete our online contact form.