Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident in Chicago?

In 2023, there were 18,470 sideswipe accidents in Chicago alone, highlighting how common side-impact crashes—also known as T-bone accidents—are in the city. But who is at fault in a T-bone accident? With high traffic volumes and busy intersections, these collisions often lead to serious injuries and complex liability questions.

Understanding fault is essential to recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been hurt in a T-bone crash, a Chicago T-bone accident attorney can help you identify who’s responsible and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of T-Bone Car Accidents

T-bone accidents are often the result of traffic violations or driver errors, and certain areas in Chicago see a higher rate of these crashes due to congestion and complex traffic patterns.

Intersections like Cicero Avenue & Madison Street or the six-way crossing at Milwaukee, North, and Damen are frequent sites for these types of collisions. Understanding where and why these accidents happen can help drivers avoid risky scenarios.

Below are some of the main situations where T-bone accidents occur:

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs 

One of the top causes of a T-bone collision car accident is when a driver runs a red light or ignores a stop sign. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code § 625 ILCS 5/11-306, drivers must come to a complete stop and obey all traffic signals. In Chicago, busy intersections such as Western Avenue & 79th Street are hotspots for this type of violation, especially during rush hour.

Left Turns Across Traffic

T-bone crashes also occur when a driver misjudges oncoming traffic while making a left turn. Under Chicago Municipal Code 9-16-020, drivers making a left must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. 

This is a common issue at intersections along Lake Shore Drive or near expressway exits where visibility is limited, and speeds are higher.

Parking Lot Accidents

Side-impact accidents often happen in parking lots where visibility is reduced, and drivers back out without checking for cross-traffic. According to Chicago’s traffic regulations, drivers exiting parking spaces must yield to vehicles with the right-of-way. 

Parking garages in River North or busy lots near Wrigley Field are frequent locations for this type of crash, especially during high-traffic events.

Determining Fault for a Chicago T-Bone Crash

Determining fault in a T-bone collision can be more complicated than it appears. Multiple parties may be responsible for the crash, and it’s crucial to gather all evidence before determining liability.

Illinois traffic laws specify that fault can be attributed to various parties, including:

The Drivers Involved

Running a light, failing to yield the right-of-way, speeding, or distracted driving are all factors that can help determine fault, according to Illinois Vehicle Code § 625 ILCS 5/11-305, drivers who fail to stop at a red light or yield the right-of-way can be held accountable for accidents caused as a result of these actions.

The Vehicle Manufacturer

If a mechanical defect, such as brake failure or a stuck accelerator, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be responsible. In such cases, Illinois law allows victims to pursue claims against the manufacturer under product liability laws.

Another Negligent Driver

Sometimes, an accident occurs when a third driver’s actions, such as an illegal turn or sudden stop, force another vehicle into a T-bone accident. Even though this driver may not directly collide with the victim’s car, their actions can be attributed to the collision.

Proving Liability for a T-Bone Collision 

Proving fault in a T-bone accident often requires gathering substantial evidence. Victims should collect the following items to support their claim:

• Police Report: Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as possible to document the details of the accident.
• Photos Evidence: Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the surrounding area to support your claim.
• Eyewitness Statements: Eyewitnesses can offer valuable testimony regarding the circumstances leading to the crash.
• Medical Records and Bills: Keep all medical records and bills to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the financial burden of medical treatment.
• Surveillance Video Footage: Video footage from nearby traffic cameras or businesses can provide objective evidence of how the accident occurred.
• Stored Vehicles for Forensic Examination: An expert can examine the damaged vehicles to determine the point of impact and other important details.
• Accident Reconstruction: Experts can help recreate the events of the crash and provide a professional opinion regarding liability.
• Physical Evidence Analysis: Physical evidence, such as skid marks or debris from the crash, can help determine the speed of the vehicles involved.

Working with an experienced Chicago car accident law firm can help ensure that all the necessary evidence is gathered and presented.

Steps to Take After a T-Bone Car Accident in Chicago

If you’re involved in a T-bone collision car accident in Chicago, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation.

These types of motor vehicle accidents can be serious, especially when one driver runs a red or green light or loses control and strikes the side of another car. Here’s what you should do at the accident scene and what to avoid.

At the Scene

• Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical attention. This ensures an official accident report is filed and that medical professionals can treat anyone with injuries.
• Exchange information with the other driver and any witnesses. Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved.
• Document the scene by taking clear photos or videos of the vehicles involved, visible injuries, traffic lights, car damage, and the surrounding area. These visuals can help clarify how the accident happened, especially if the other driver claims they had the green light.
• Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene. Keep your communication factual and brief.
• Remain at the scene until law enforcement clears you to leave.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-407, in Illinois, you’re required to report an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 (or $500 if any driver lacks insurance). Failing to report the crash can jeopardize your case and any potential claim.

What Not to Do

• Don’t leave the accident scene early. Stay until law enforcement arrives and provides instructions.
• Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Your words may be used against you later.
• Avoid accepting a quick settlement from the insurance company without first speaking with a car accident attorney. Initial offers may not fully account for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, or future medical expenses.
  

A T-bone accident can lead to serious financial strain, and the other driver’s insurer may try to minimize your settlement. 

Chicago T-Bone Accident Statistics

T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often during failed left turns or traffic light violations. These crashes can be severe,

According to the IDOT 2023 Chicago City Summary, there were:

• 10,984 total angle crashes (T-bone collisions)
  • 20 fatal crashes resulting in 20 fatalities
  • 3,049 injury crashes causing 5,024 injuries
  • 7,915 property-damage only crashes

T-bone collisions often occur when a driver loses control or runs a light at an intersection. When one driver is struck on the side, it frequently leads to costly medical bills, extended time away from work, and permanent injury. Drivers involved in these crashes should seek medical attention immediately and file a police report.

Since these cases often involve disputes over who had the green light or failed to yield, working with a trusted law firm can be key. A Chicago attorney can help secure a T-bone accident settlement that reflects the full impact of the injuries, including lost wages, ongoing care needs, and vehicle repair or replacement.

Why T-Bone Accidents Are So Dangerous

T-bone accidents are particularly dangerous due to the lack of structural protection on the sides of vehicles. Unlike the front and rear of a car, which have crumple zones designed to absorb impact, the sides of vehicles offer little protection to the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. 

The severity of injuries in a T-bone accident often depends on factors like the speed and size of the striking vehicle and the point of impact relative to the driver or passengers.

Common T-Bone Accident Injuries 

T-bone accidents can cause a range of serious injuries, including:

• Blunt Force Trauma: The impact of a side collision can lead to blunt force trauma, which may result in internal injuries or organ damage.
• Chest, Abdomen, or Pelvis Crush Injuries: The force of the crash can crush vital organs, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Side-impact collisions often result in TBIs due to the violent motion of the head during the crash.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact can cause damage to the spine, leading to permanent paralysis.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The body’s forceful movement during the crash can result in broken limbs, ribs, and other bones.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: The sudden jerking motion of the head and neck can lead to whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.

Damages Available in a T-Bone Accident Claim 

When pursuing a claim for a T-bone car accident, settlement values vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the long-term impact on the victim’s quality of life. 

No two cases are the same, and a past settlement does not guarantee similar outcomes for a different case. As every situation is unique, consulting with an experienced attorney is the best way to determine the potential for compensation based on the specifics of the accident. Victims may seek three types of damages:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to compensate for the financial losses that result from a T-bone accident. Medical expenses, for example, may include immediate emergency room care, surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future medical treatments needed to recover from injuries. 

These expenses can add up quickly, especially in cases involving severe injuries. Additionally, victims of T-bone accidents can seek compensation for lost wages, which includes not only the time lost immediately after the accident but also any future earnings if the injuries have long-term effects on the victim’s ability to work. 

Vehicle repair or replacement costs are also a major component of economic damages, especially in accidents where the vehicle is severely damaged and cannot be repaired economically.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological toll a T-bone accident can have on a victim. While these damages do not have a direct monetary value, they are equally important in seeking justice for an accident victim. 

Pain and suffering represent the physical discomfort endured due to the accident, which may continue long after the victim has received medical treatment. 

Emotional distress and PTSD are common, as the trauma from a T-bone crash can cause lasting anxiety, depression, and fear, affecting the victim’s ability to function in daily life. 

Loss of enjoyment of life is another form of non-economic damage that can be accounted for in a settlement. Victims may experience a diminished quality of life if they are no longer able to participate in activities they once enjoyed because of the physical limitations caused by the accident.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault driver exhibited gross negligence or recklessness. These damages are not designed to compensate the victim but rather to punish the wrongdoer for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future. 

For instance, if the at-fault driver was driving under the influence (DUI) or engaged in reckless driving, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to other damages. These penalties are typically higher than compensatory damages and serve as a strong deterrent to prevent others from committing similar acts.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim in Chicago

Under Illinois law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202) related to a T-bone accident is typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure all deadlines are met.

How a Chicago T-Bone Car Law Firm Can Help

An experienced car accident attorney can play a vital role in your T-bone car accident case. These crashes often involve complex questions about fault, multiple vehicles involved, and serious medical bills. 

A lawyer can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine whether the other driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or another party may share responsibility.

Legal support is especially important when the other driver disputes fault or when insurance companies attempt to downplay your injuries. 

A lawyer can:

• Investigate the car accident and gather key evidence from the scene.
• Evaluate liability among all vehicles involved, including potential vehicle manufacturer defects.
• Negotiate with the insurance company to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages.
• File a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered.

Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your car accident case protects your rights and gives you the best chance of securing full compensation.

Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone car accident, consulting an experienced lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to support you during your T-bone accident case. 

Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our form to discuss your legal options.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.