Determining liability in side-impact collisions, often referred to as T-bone accidents, hinges on establishing which driver acted negligently. Typically, this involves assessing whether a driver disregarded traffic signals, failed to yield the right-of-way, or engaged in other unsafe driving practices, such as speeding or distracted driving. For example, a driver proceeding through a green light might have the right-of-way over a driver running a red light who then impacts the first vehicle’s side. Collecting evidence like witness testimonies, traffic camera footage, and police reports plays a vital role in this process.
Accurate fault determination is crucial for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable. It affects compensation for damages, including vehicle repair, medical expenses, and lost wages. Historically, assigning fault relied heavily on eyewitness accounts and police reports. However, advancements in technology, such as vehicle data recorders (also known as “black boxes”) and increasingly prevalent traffic cameras, offer more objective data to aid in these assessments. This enhances the accuracy and fairness of the process.