Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Accident in Florida?

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 160,000 injury crashes occurred in 2024. Alongside these reported crashes, over 240,000 people sustained bodily injuries or damages. 

Traffic accidents in Florida, where urban growth and high traffic volumes mean intersection collisions are a daily reality. The violent force of a T-bone collision, when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, can cause devastating injuries and leave drivers and passengers.

For those injured, understanding who is at fault in a T-bone accident becomes essential, not only for physical recovery but also for financial security. 

The Morgan Law Group, with our Florida auto accident attorneys, works tirelessly to help those affected by these crashes understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need to move forward.

What Is a T-Bone Accident in Florida? 

A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact or broadside collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another at roughly a 90-degree angle. The vehicles form a “T” shape at the point of impact, hence the name.

According to a 2023 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 5,352 fatalities nationwide resulting from T-bone accidents involving passenger vehicle occupants. These crashes often happen at intersections where one driver may run a red light, fail to yield the right of way, or make a dangerous turn without seeing oncoming traffic.

Florida’s roads are hotspots for T-bone accidents. Intersections with multiple lanes, confusing signage, or obstructed views can make it easy for even cautious drivers to be caught off-guard. Unlike rear-end collisions, where liability often appears straightforward, determining fault in a T-bone accident requires a careful examination of driver behavior, traffic laws, and the unique circumstances of the collision.

Who Can Be at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

In Florida, fault in a T-bone accident does not automatically rest with one party. Multiple individuals or entities may share liability, depending on how the crash occurred. 

Here are common scenarios regarding who is at fault in a T-bone accident:

1. The Driver Who Disobeyed Traffic Signals

Most T-bone collisions result from one driver failing to yield, running a red light, or ignoring a stop sign. For example, if a driver runs a red light and collides with a car lawfully entering the intersection, the driver who violated the signal is typically considered at fault. Florida Statutes Section 316.075 outlines the obligation to obey traffic signals, and failure to do so creates strong grounds for liability.

2. The Turning Driver

A driver making a left turn across traffic must yield to oncoming vehicles. If a T-bone accident occurs while a driver is turning left, they may be at fault for failing to yield unless the oncoming driver was speeding, ran a red light, or was otherwise negligent.

3. The Other Driver

Sometimes, the driver who appears to be the “victim” may share or bear full responsibility. If a driver accelerates through a yellow light or is distracted and fails to notice an oncoming car, they could be found at fault in a T-bone accident.

4. Third Parties

Fault in a T-bone accident can extend beyond the drivers involved. Local government entities might be liable if faulty traffic lights or poorly designed intersections contribute to a collision. Similarly, if a vehicle malfunction (such as failed brakes) led to the crash, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

5. Shared Fault

In many T-bone accidents, both drivers may have contributed to the crash. For instance, one driver may have run a red light while the other was texting or speeding. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows each party’s fault to be considered when determining compensation.

Understanding who is at fault in a T-bone accident requires a careful investigation of traffic laws, driver actions, and sometimes input from accident reconstruction specialists.

How Do You Establish Fault in Florida T-Bone Accidents?

Establishing fault in a T-bone accident in Florida is a process grounded in evidence and the application of state law. Accident attorneys work to gather all necessary proof to demonstrate which party’s actions led to the collision and to what extent.

• Accident Scene Evidence: Visual evidence from the crash site, including the positions of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and property damage, is invaluable in reconstructing how the T-bone accident occurred. Increasingly, drivers and businesses use dashcams, which can provide a clear record of the moments before and after impact.

• Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts often clarify details, such as which vehicle had the green light or whether one driver appeared distracted. Police may record witness statements at the scene, and attorneys may later follow up for more detailed interviews.

• Police Report: Florida law requires law enforcement officers to prepare a crash report for accidents involving injury or death. The police report often contains critical information about driver statements, apparent violations, and citations issued at the scene.

• Traffic Signal and Surveillance Data: At major intersections, traffic cameras or nearby business surveillance systems may have captured the incident. Requesting this footage promptly is crucial, as many systems overwrite recordings after a short period.

• Physical Evidence and Vehicle Inspections: Damage patterns on the vehicles can reveal angles of impact, speed, and even the sequence of collisions in multi-car crashes. Analyzing airbag deployment and electronic data recorders (“black boxes”) can offer additional insights.

• Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts use evidence to create models explaining how the T-bone accident occurred. Their findings often play a significant role in negotiations or litigation.

Establishing who is at fault in a T-bone accident in Florida is not always straightforward. Skilled accident attorneys gather comprehensive evidence, scrutinize every detail, and apply Florida’s statutes and case law to build a compelling case for their clients.

How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Work in T-Bone Accidents?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system for car accidents, including T-bone accidents. Understanding how this affects injury claims is crucial for anyone hurt in a side-impact crash.

Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736, all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP provides up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage, regardless of who was at fault in a T-bone accident. This means that after a collision, your own insurance pays for medical treatment, lost wages, and certain other expenses – no matter which driver caused the accident.

• Medical Costs: PIP covers 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: PIP covers 60% of lost income due to accident-related injuries.
• Other Expenses: Some out-of-pocket costs, such as mileage to medical appointments, may be covered.

While no-fault coverage is the starting point, it does not shield a driver who is at fault in a T-bone accident from liability. If your injuries are severe, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Proving fault in a T-bone collision then becomes critical for recovering additional damages.

How Will Florida’s Comparative Negligence Impact Your Claim?

Florida follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (as of March 2023), which significantly influences compensation in T-bone accident claims. Under this system, each party’s percentage of fault affects their ability to recover damages.

• Proportional Recovery: If you are partially at fault in a T-bone accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident and your damages total $100,000, you can recover up to $80,000.
• Threshold for Recovery: If you are more than 50% at fault in a T-bone accident, you are barred from recovering any damages from the other party.

For example, both drivers share blame – Driver A speeds through a yellow light, while Driver B fails to yield. Driver A is 60% at fault, and Driver B is 40%. Driver B can recover 60% of their damages, but if the percentages were reversed, Driver B would not be eligible for compensation.

Comparative negligence often becomes a focal point in negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, in litigation. Accident attorneys are essential in ensuring that fault is accurately assessed and that their clients’ share of responsibility is minimized to maximize potential recovery.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney in Florida After a T-Bone Accident 

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a T-bone accident in Florida, knowing who is at fault and how state law affects your claim is the first step toward justice and recovery. 

These crashes often cause life-altering harm, and dealing with insurance companies and at-fault drivers can be overwhelming. An auto accident attorney can help establish fault in a T-bone accident, navigate Florida’s insurance requirements, and protect your right to compensation under comparative negligence laws. 

The Morgan Law Group has been representing injured persons in different car accidents, including T-bone collisions, and offers dedicated guidance from start to finish. Get the right Florida auto accident attorneys to evaluate the merit of your case. 

Call us today at (305) 504-7642 or contact us using our online form to schedule a free consultation.