T-bone accidents, also referred to as side-impact collisions, are a common and dangerous type of traffic collision in Fresno. These types of car accidents can be some of the most fatal. If you have lost a loved one in a t-bone wreck, our Fresno wrongful death attorney can help you recover financial compensation.
Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Fresno
Common factors in T-bone accidents include:
High Traffic Volume
Fresno intersections often experience heavy traffic. This congestion increases the risk of side-impact collisions, especially during peak hours.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Risky behaviors, such as running red lights, failing to yield, or speeding through intersections.
Drivers engaging in activities such as texting, eating, or using in-vehicle entertainment systems often fail to notice other vehicles, particularly at busy intersections.
Intersection Design
Some intersections in Fresno, particularly in older areas, lack modern safety features such as roundabouts or protected turn signals.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment reduce reaction times and lead to poor decision-making at intersections. Our Fresno drunk driving accident lawyer can help with these claims.
Who is Liable in a T-Bone Accident?
In California, determining fault in T-bone accidents hinges on the concept of negligence. Drivers are legally obligated to adhere to traffic laws and operate their vehicles responsibly. Violations such as running red lights, failing to yield, or distracted driving can establish negligence.
California follows a comparative negligence system, allowing for the allocation of fault among multiple parties. Even if a victim shares some responsibility for the accident, they can still recover damages proportionate to their degree of fault. For instance, if a driver is found 30% at fault, they can recover 70% of the total damages.
California Laws Related to T-Bone Accidents
California Vehicle Code § 21800-21804 outlines the rules governing the right-of-way at intersections and other traffic scenarios:
Intersections Without Signals (§ 21800):
At uncontrolled intersections, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.
If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the left must yield.
Vehicles entering intersections from highways or stopping at intersections must yield to oncoming traffic.
Left Turns or U-Turns (§ 21801): Drivers making left or U-turns must yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles until it is safe to proceed.
Entering Roadways (§ 21802): Drivers approaching a stop sign at intersections must stop and yield to traffic on the main roadway before proceeding.
Yielding When Merging (§ 21803): Drivers entering a roadway from a yield sign must yield to traffic already on the road.
Crossing Over Private Property (§ 21804): Vehicles entering a highway from driveways, private roads, or alleys must yield to all vehicles on the highway.
This section mandates that drivers must stop at red lights and outlines the proper conduct at traffic signals.
These rules aim to prevent collisions by ensuring orderly traffic flow and clarifying the responsibilities of drivers in various situations. Violations of these statutes can serve as evidence of negligence in personal injury claims.
How a Fresno T-Bone Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a Fresno car accident attorney is essential for victims to secure fair compensation. Lawyers gather critical evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstructions to establish fault. They manage negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring your claim is not undervalued.
If a settlement is not possible, our Fresno injury attorneys provide legal representation in court. They also calculate the full extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while advising on California’s comparative negligence laws to maximize recovery, even if you share some of the blame.
