T-Bone Collisions Car accident Liability Bristol TN

T-bone accidents occur when the front of one car collides with the side of another. They are some of the most dangerous types of crashes on the road and can result in severe injuries and sometimes even fatalities. In Tennessee, holding a driver liable for damages requires proving that driver was principally at fault, or at least more at fault than the plaintiff.

Some of the most common causes of T-bone collisions are:

  • Running red lights and stop signs — When drivers ignore red lights or stop signs, they often collide with other vehicles that have the right of way, such as cars making left turns or crossing intersections.
  • Distracted driving — Anything that takes a driver's view and attention away from the road can cause an accident. This includes talking on the phone, texting, eating and changing the radio station.
  • Speeding — Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions risk their own safety and that of everyone else on the road. Traveling at high rates of speed makes controlling the vehicle more difficult and increases the distance needed to stop.

Fault in a car accident case is typically determined by showing who was negligent. To be successful in a negligence claim, you need to prove that the other driver owed you a duty of care, the driver breached their duty of care, the breach was the cause of your injuries and you suffered damages as a result of those injuries. The more detailed your medical records are, the easier it will be to make your case. In particular, doctors' reports and hospital discharge papers can be helpful.

When it comes to side-impact car accidents, there are various types of evidence that can be used to prove another driver’s fault, including these:

  • Eyewitness testimony — If there were any witnesses to the accident, they might be able to provide valuable information about what they saw. This can corroborate your version of events or disprove the other driver's version.
  • Video footage — Nowadays, security cameras are often mounted on utility poles, on buildings and on dashboards and on commercial vehicles. If a camera was operating near the accident scene, it might show, for example, that the other driver ran a red light or was speeding. It can also disprove the other driver’s claim that you were at fault.
  • Accident investigations — Your attorney can contact experts who will survey the accident scene and analyze any forensic evidence that could help reconstruct the accident and prove causation.

The attorneys at Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C., represent victims of all kinds of accidents in the Upper East Tennessee region (and Southwest Virginia with local counsel there), including T-bone crashes. We can make the strongest case possible that you are entitled to monetary compensation. We can meet you at your home or the hospital if necessary. Contact us at 423-797-6022 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.