When you’re hit from the side, it’s easy to assume fault is obvious. One car ran into the other, right? Unfortunately, Texas law isn’t always that straightforward. In many cases, both drivers share some responsibility. Even if the other driver caused the wreck, your actions can still affect how much compensation you receive.
Knowing how fault is determined—and how to protect your rights—can make a huge difference after a T-bone accident in San Antonio.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A T-bone accident, also called a side-impact collision, happens when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These wrecks are especially common at intersections, stop signs, and parking lots.
They often occur when:
- A driver runs a red light or stop sign
- Someone fails to yield while turning left
- A driver speeds through a yellow light
- Someone is distracted by texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio
- A driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
In some cases, outside factors play a role—like poor road conditions, faulty brakes, or broken traffic signals.
Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
So, who’s responsible? In most situations, it comes down to who broke the rules of the road. For example, a driver who ignores a stop sign or fails to yield to oncoming traffic is usually at fault.
Texas uses what’s called modified comparative negligence. That means fault can be split between drivers. For example, if you were driving a little over the speed limit when another driver ran a stop sign and hit you, you might still be assigned part of the blame. Your compensation would then be reduced by that percentage. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover at all.
Fault isn’t always limited to the drivers involved. Other parties could also share responsibility:
- Car manufacturers if a defect like bad brakes caused the wreck
- Employers if the at-fault driver was on the job (delivery drivers, trucking companies, etc.)
- Local governments if unsafe road conditions or malfunctioning traffic lights contributed
Why Evidence Is So Important
Strong evidence is the key to proving fault after a T-bone crash. Useful evidence might include:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos of the vehicles, damage, or skid marks
- Traffic or security camera footage
In more complicated cases, accident reconstruction experts can help piece together what happened by analyzing speed, impact angles, and other details.
Because memories fade and evidence can disappear, it’s best to act quickly after a crash. The sooner you gather information, the stronger your claim will be—especially when insurance companies try to push blame your way.
Common Injuries and Compensation
Side-impact crashes are among the most dangerous types of accidents. The side of a vehicle doesn’t offer much protection, so injuries are often severe. Victims may suffer:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- In the worst cases, fatalities
The costs add up fast—hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and time away from work. Some people are left unable to return to their jobs at all.
Under Texas law, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving
Because Texas is an at-fault state, you’ll usually file a claim against the other driver’s insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies often delay, deny, or offer much less than what your case is worth. Keep in mind you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Texas.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a T-Bone Accident
Trying to take on the insurance company by yourself can be overwhelming. Their job is to protect profits, not people. Adjusters may try to blame you for the crash or argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as they are.
At Toscano Law Firm, we don’t let that happen. For more than 23 years, we’ve stood up for injured Texans and their families. Our team investigates every angle, gathers the evidence you need, and fights to get you every penny you’re entitled to.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Over the years, we’ve helped clients recover millions—including $530,000 in a car accident case involving fractures and $8.25 million in a wrongful death case.
Contact Toscano Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t face it alone. Call me directly at 210-464-5454—you’ll reach me, not a call center. Or contact our San Antonio office at 210-951-0696 for a free consultation.
We proudly represent clients across South Texas, from Austin to Carrizo Springs. Let’s talk about your case and get you on the road to recovery. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the fight.
