Understanding T-Bone Accident Fault in California
July 22, 2025 Posted In Car Accidents
T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another, often forming a “T” shape. These vehicle crashes usually occur at intersections and while it may seem obvious who is at fault, determining legal responsibility is often complex.
Who Is At Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
Fault in a T-bone crash depends on who failed to follow traffic rules. California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for causing the crash must cover the damages. For example:
Driver Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
If a driver enters an intersection after the light turns red or fails to stop at a stop sign, that driver will almost always be found at fault. Surveillance footage, dashcams, or eyewitness statements can prove this.
Left-Turning Driver
A driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic unless protected by a green arrow. If a left-turning driver collides with a vehicle traveling straight through an intersection, the turning driver is typically at fault unless the other driver was speeding or ran a red light.
Failure to Yield
A driver entering a roadway must yield to approaching traffic. If a T-bone accident occurs because one driver entered the road unsafely, fault lies with the entering vehicle.
Shared Fault in California
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means both drivers can share fault, and compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. For example, if Driver A is found 70% at fault and Driver B is 30% at fault, Driver B can still recover 70% of the damages from Driver A. Scenarios involving shared fault include:
- Both drivers entering the intersection during a yellow light
- One driver speeding while the other fails to yield
- Unclear or malfunctioning traffic signals
Determining fault is critical because it affects who pays for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages, whether a claim is accepted or denied by an insurance company, and the amount of compensation a victim may receive through a personal injury lawsuit.
Proving Fault in a T-Bone Accident
Insurance companies and attorneys rely on various types of evidence to establish fault, including:
- Police Reports: Officers often issue citations or note statements that indicate fault.
- Traffic Cameras or Surveillance Footage: Video evidence can show signal status or illegal maneuvers.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Bystanders may confirm who had the green light or right of way.
- Vehicle Damage: The angle and point of impact help reconstruct the crash.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: In complex cases, experts may be used to determine speed, positioning, and timing.
Failing to prove fault or being wrongly blamed can significantly reduce a victim’s recovery.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
T-bone crashes usually occur because one driver failed to yield the right of way. In California, the most common causes include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Making an unsafe left turn at an intersection
- Speeding through a yellow light
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Misjudging the timing of oncoming traffic
These actions often violate California Vehicle Code sections that govern safe driving, such as Section 21453 (red light violations) or Section 21801 (left turn right-of-way).