We’ve all heard the term “T-bone car accident,” but a lot of us reasonably wonder what exactly that entails. Also known as side collisions or angle collisions, T-bone accidents typically (but not always) occur at intersections.

If a person is taking a left turn and is hit by an oncoming car, the two cars would form the shape of the letter “T” if you were looking at the scene from above. In brief, that’s the answer to what exactly a T-bone car accident is.

In New York City, as in the rest of the state, most traffic crashes occur at intersections when a driver makes a turn. Crashes at intersections make up nearly 22% of fatal crashes, and 40% of the total crashes across the country

After a T-bone accident, who is at fault is a very important question. It’s smart to consult with an experienced attorney for help in proving your case. But in the meantime, continue reading this blog post for helpful insight into the topic.

Typical T-Bone Accidents Scenarios in New York City

A T-bone car accident usually happens at an intersection and unfolds in one of the following ways: either a car goes through a red light or a stop sign without yielding to other traffic, or a car turns left across traffic and is hit by an oncoming car or runs into another car.

Usually, the driver in these situations has misjudged how quickly the oncoming car was coming or how far away it was in reality. The driver could also have been negligent in the following ways:

  • Not checking sufficiently that the coast was clear to turn
  • Turning without a good, clean look at oncoming traffic
  • Being distracted by their phone, the radio, or another passenger, among other things
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is known to affect a person’s judgment and ability to react quickly 
  • Speeding—-driving at high speeds makes stopping and adjusting your path that much harder
  • Not using a turn signal when changing lanes or improperly merging

There is no shortage of ways to cause a T-bone accident. What’s next? Figuring out who is at fault.

Who Could Be at Fault in an NYC T-Bone Car Accident?

If you were involved in a T-bone car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party for any injuries or property damage you suffered. In order to do that, you will need to show evidence that they were at fault. An experienced attorney will know exactly how to go about proving who is at fault in a T-bone accident. 

A good first place to look for evidence in New York City is for photographs from the red-light cameras at well-traveled intersections throughout the city. When a driver runs a red light, these cameras take a picture of the driver and the red traffic signal before and after entering the intersection.

Your attorney will also look at the police report, the statements of the drivers, and witness statements to see if speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving were factors in the accident. Security cameras from local businesses or even residential homes could also provide information that would be useful for your case. 

The weather and the conditions of the road could also have contributed to an accident. For example, an un-filled pothole or malfunctioning traffic signal might mean there was some liability on the part of the local government in charge of the roads. 

Cell phone records of the drivers, credit card information, and even social media posts are also potential treasure troves of information. 

Contact a New York City T-Bone Attorney for Questions About Your Accident

T-bone accidents can be scary and result in serious injuries and property damage. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when moving forward with a case. A seasoned accident attorney will skillfully assess your case and advise you on the best path forward for you to take.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.

Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
100 Wall St 15th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007