Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Ocala?

Bill Allen | May 11, 2022 | Car Accidents

Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Accident in Ocala?

All accidents are dangerous. In T-bone accidents, the front of one car hits the side of another. These types of accidents can lead to debilitating injuries and even death for drivers and passengers. As a result, you may be in desperate need of compensation after your car has been T-boned.

But in some instances, before you can pursue a settlement, you’ll need to understand and prove who was at fault for the accident. Doing so can be tricky, but with the help of a qualified attorney, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding. Keep reading to learn more about T-bone accidents, determining fault, and how else an attorney can help you in the aftermath of a crash. 

Breaking Down How T-Bone Accidents Happen

You already know that T-bone accidents happen when the front of one car hits the side of another. But how does this scene come together? Oftentimes, it’s entirely avoidable. 

One possible scenario is a bad judgment call, like running a red light or failing to yield. But while many T-bone accidents occur at intersections, that’s not the only possible setting. These types of collisions can happen virtually anywhere, including parking lots, interstates, and highways. There are also a few other details that can play a role in the likelihood of a T-bone collision occurring. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of all automobile collisions, and T-bone accidents are no exception. Using your phone to text, make a call, or look up directions can cause you to fail to yield the right of way. Or, it could be something as simple as lack of sleep, playing with the radio, or eating your lunch behind the wheel. Whatever it is, any form of distracted driving can be immensely dangerous and lead to a T-bone accident. 

Other Causes of T-Bone Accidents 

Distracted driving can certainly cause a T-bone accident, but there are other details that might come into play as well. Faulty brakes, intoxicated driving, or poor road conditions can make a dangerous situation even riskier. If you believe these kinds of factors have influenced the accident scene, make sure to take photographs and keep records of them. These details could be important down the road. 

Who Might Be Liable for a T-Bone Accident in Ocala?

Fortunately, it’s usually pretty obvious who was at fault for a T-bone accident in Ocala. It might be clear that it’s the driver who ran the red light or failed to yield at the intersection. But if you are a little unsure about the details, it’s best to call an attorney for help clarifying the situation.

Florida has no-fault auto insurance rules. This means that you must first rely on your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for compensation, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. 

However, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages if your injuries result in significant scarring, disfigurement, permanent loss of a bodily function, or disability. An attorney will be able to inform you of whether you may have a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. 

How to Avoid a T-Bone Accident in Ocala 

Because of the details mentioned earlier, it’s not always possible to avoid a T-bone collision. However, there are some steps you can take to stay safe on the road. Obviously, the best thing you can do is obey each and every traffic signal you encounter. 

Also, take the time to look all ways before entering an intersection. Slow down (don’t speed up) at yellow lights, and stop whenever you see red flashing lights. These behaviors will help you stay protected, especially at dangerous intersections. 

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala car accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258