Jill Kolodner | April 3, 2023 | Car Accidents
T-bone accidents, also known as broadside collisions, occur when one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle at a right angle. These accidents can be particularly dangerous, as the side of a vehicle offers much less protection to its occupants than the front or rear.
T-bone accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way, and making improper turns. When a T-bone accident occurs in Baltimore, determining fault can be a complex process that requires an investigation of the circumstances leading up to the crash.
How Is Fault Determined in a Maryland Car Accident?
Under Maryland law, fault in a car accident is determined by the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise reasonable care, and that failure results in harm to another person.
In the context of a car accident, negligence can take many forms, such as speeding, texting while driving, or failing to obey traffic signals. To determine fault in a T-bone accident, a thorough investigation is necessary to determine which driver was negligent and whether that negligence caused the accident.
Common Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents
One common cause of T-bone accidents in Baltimore is running red lights or stop signs. When a driver runs a red light or stop sign and collides with another vehicle, that driver is typically at fault.
In Maryland, drivers are required to stop at red lights and stop signs before proceeding into the intersection. Failure to do so can result in a citation for a traffic violation, as well as liability for any resulting accidents.
Another common cause of T-bone accidents is failing to yield the right of way. When a driver fails to yield the right of way and collides with another vehicle, the driver who failed to yield is typically at fault.
For example, if a driver is making a left turn and collides with an oncoming vehicle, the driver who made the left turn is typically at fault for failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
Similarly, if a driver is entering a roadway from a private driveway or parking lot and collides with a vehicle on the roadway, the driver entering the roadway is typically at fault for failing to yield to the vehicle already on the road.
Improper turns can also be a cause of T-bone accidents in Baltimore. When a driver makes an improper turn and collides with another vehicle, the driver who made the improper turn is typically at fault.
For example, if a driver makes a right turn from the left lane and collides with a vehicle in the adjacent lane, the driver who made the improper turn is typically at fault for failing to use the proper lane when making the turn.
What Else Can Cause a T-Bone Accident?
In some cases, factors outside of the drivers’ control can contribute to a T-bone accident in Baltimore.
For example, if a traffic light malfunctions and both drivers proceed into the intersection believing they have the right of way, fault may be difficult to determine.
Similarly, if a driver experiences a sudden medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, and collides with another vehicle, fault may not be clear.
Contact a Baltimore Car Accident Attorney To Determine Who Is At Fault for a T-Bone Collision
When a T-bone accident occurs, it’s important to contact an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney to assist with the investigation and determination of fault. An attorney can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine what caused the accident and who is at fault.
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080
