Who Is at Fault for a T-Bone Car Accident in Huron, OH?

A T-bone car accident occurs when the front of one vehicle slams into the side of another. These crashes often occur at high speeds, and the resulting injuries can be severe or even catastrophic. Since Ohio is an at-fault state, accident victims must prove fault in order to get compensation for their injuries. 

Typically, the at-fault driver is the one who ran the light/stop sign or failed to yield while turning left. However, Ohio’s modified comparative negligence law divides fault if both drivers contributed to causing the collision.

Common Scenarios That Result in T-Bone Crashes

Here are a couple of scenarios that commonly result in T-bone collisions:

Drivers Breaking the Law

T-bone crashes usually happen at intersections with traffic lights or stop signs. Fault is often easy to determine when one driver illegally enters the intersection.

For instance, a driver who runs a red light and T-bones a vehicle that was proceeding on a green light is typically at fault. Similarly, if one driver runs a stop sign and causes a T-bone accident, the driver who ran the stop sign is most likely at fault.

Drivers Turning Left Out of Turn

Ohio’s right-of-way laws dictate that drivers turning left must wait until oncoming traffic is clear before making the turn. Drivers who are turning left can misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles and attempt to turn at the wrong time, potentially causing an accident. 

The vehicle turning left may crash into the side of the passing car. Alternatively, the oncoming vehicle may crash into the side of the turning vehicle as it turns. Either way, the driver who failed to yield the right-of-way is generally at fault for the accident.

Apportioning Fault in Ohio Car Accident Cases

It is not uncommon for both drivers to share some of the fault for a T-bone accident. Although one driver may have broken the law, the other driver’s negligence may have also contributed to the accident. 

Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule for accidents of this nature. This means that an injured victim can still recover compensation for their injuries as long as they were less than 51% at fault. However, their recovery will be reduced by their portion of responsibility.

What Kinds of Evidence Can I Use to Support My Car Accident Claim in Huron, Ohio?

Common types of evidence that may be used to prove your T-bone accident claim include:

  • Your own testimony
  • Testimony from the other driver
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Photos of damage to the vehicles
  • Surveillance footage that may have captured the crash
  • Opinions from expert witnesses, such as a crash reconstructionist
  • Police reports

Once you gather this evidence, it can be used to show who caused the crash and support your claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a T-Bone Accident in Ohio?

Once you have enough evidence to establish liability, you will also have to prove your damages. Compensatory damages encompass both economic and non-economic losses resulting from a T-bone car accident.

Examples include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In rare cases, punitive damages, which punish the defendant for malicious or egregious conduct, may also be available.

Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Huron Car Accident Lawyer

Determining who is at fault after a T-bone accident in Ohio can be difficult. You may need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can help you maximize your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Huron car accident attorney.

For more information, contact the personal injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870

(419) 625-7770

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902

(419) 910-2605

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452

(419) 871-3995

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089

(440) 967-6136

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857

(419) 863-5922

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839

(419) 827-5884

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Westlake
24610 Detroit Rd Suite 230,
Westlake, OH 44145

(419) 502-5821