Omar Khawaja | January 12, 2026 | Car Accidents
A T-bone accident happens when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. These crashes usually happen at intersections and are often serious because the side of a car offers less protection.
If you were injured in a T-bone accident in Texas, you may be wondering who is at fault. The answer depends on what happened just before the crash and which driver had the right of way.
Why T-bone Accidents Happen
Most T-bone crashes are caused by a driver failing to follow traffic laws. Common causes include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an unsafe left turn
- Speeding through an intersection
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
Many of these accidents could be prevented with more attention and patience.
Right of Way Often Determines Fault
In Texas, fault in a T-bone accident often comes down to who had the right of way.
Drivers must yield when:
- Facing a red light or stop sign
- Turning left across oncoming traffic
- Entering a road from a driveway or side street
- Approaching a yield sign
If a driver fails to yield and causes a side-impact crash, that driver is often found at fault.
Common T-Bone Accident Fault Scenarios
Here are some common T-bone accident scenarios:
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
This is one of the clearest causes of fault. Police reports, traffic cameras, and witnesses often confirm what happened.
Unsafe Left Turns
Drivers turning left must wait until it is safe to do so. If a left-turning driver pulls into oncoming traffic and causes a crash, they may be at fault.
Speeding Through an Intersection
Even a driver with the right of way can share fault if they were speeding and could not stop in time.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Texting, looking away from the road, or driving under the influence can all contribute to a finding of fault if they were a factor in the crash.
Can Both Drivers Be at Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule.
This means:
- You can recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Because fault can be shared, it’s important to gather strong evidence to minimize your percentage of blame and protect your ability to recover compensation.
How Fault Is Determined
Several types of evidence can be used to determine fault, including:
- Police crash reports
- Photos of vehicle damage and the intersection
- Traffic or dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle data
The stronger the evidence, the harder it is for an insurer to deny responsibility.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. These may include filing a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
A Houston car accident lawyer can review your situation and explain what applies to your case.
What to Do After a T-Bone Accident
If you can, take these steps:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible.
- Take photos of the scene and vehicles.
- Get witness contact information.
- Avoid admitting fault.
- Be cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters.
If you are facing resistance from an insurer or believe the other driver was clearly at fault, legal counsel can be crucial to protect your claim.
Contact Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
T-bone accidents can leave you seriously injured and unsure of what to do next. Determining fault is not always simple, especially when insurance companies get involved.
Whether you were hurt in a minor car accident or a catastrophic wreck, Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston car accident lawyer. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
If you’ve been injured in Houston or Dallas, please call Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve clients throughout Texas, with offices in Houston and Dallas.
Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston Office
5177 Richmond Ave. Suite 1065, Houston, TX 77056
(281) 888-2339
Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
5345 Towne Square Dr Suite 240, Plano, TX 75024
(469) 300-5046