How is Fault Decided in a T-Bone (Side-Impact) Crash?

The T-bone collision—also known as a side-impact crash—is one of the most violent types of accidents that can occur on Tacoma’s city streets. It happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape.² Because the side of a vehicle offers very little protection from the force of a direct impact, these accidents frequently result in severe, life-altering injuries.³

After such a traumatic event, determining who was at fault is the central question. Unlike a rear-end collision, there is no simple, automatic presumption. Instead, fault in a T-bone crash almost always comes down to one crucial legal concept: the right-of-way.

Essentially, one driver had the legal right to be in that space at that time, and the other driver violated that right. Proving who had the right-of-way is the key to the entire insurance claim and any potential lawsuit.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• It’s All About Right-of-Way: The driver who failed to yield the legal right-of-way is almost always found to be at fault in a T-bone accident.
• Stop Signs and Traffic Lights are Key: Fault is determined by identifying which driver had the green light or who failed to stop at a stop sign.
• The “Duty to See” is Important: Even with the right-of-way, all drivers have a duty to see and avoid obvious hazards. However, this is a secondary factor.
• Evidence is Critical: Since T-bone accidents often result in conflicting stories, physical evidence (vehicle damage, skid marks), witness statements, and video footage are essential to prove what happened.⁴
  
   
• Washington’s Comparative Fault Can Apply: If both drivers are found to have made a mistake, fault can be shared under the state’s comparative fault rules.⁵
  
   

The Core Principle: Who Had the Right-of-Way?

Washington State’s traffic laws (the Revised Code of Washington, or RCW) have a detailed set of rules that govern who has the right to proceed in any given traffic situation.⁶ In a T-bone accident, the investigation will focus on which driver violated these rules.

Let’s break down the most common scenarios.

Scenario 1: Intersections with Stop Signs

This is a frequent site of T-bone crashes in residential Tacoma neighborhoods.

• Two-Way Stop: If you are on a main road with no stop sign, and another driver on a cross-street with a stop sign pulls out in front of you, they are at fault. They had a legal duty to stop and wait until it was safe to proceed.
• Four-Way Stop: At a four-way stop, the rule is that the driver who arrives at the intersection first has the right-of-way.⁷ If two drivers arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. The driver who violates this sequence is at fault.
  
   

Scenario 2: Intersections with Traffic Lights

This is where the most serious side-impact collisions often occur.

• Running a Red Light: This is the most clear-cut case. The driver who enters the intersection after their light has turned red is negligent and at fault for the collision.
• Failure to Yield on a Left Turn: As we’ve discussed before, a driver turning left on a solid green light must yield to all oncoming traffic.⁸ If they turn into the path of a car proceeding straight, the turning driver is at fault. This is a very common cause of T-bone accidents.
  
   

The Evidence That Proves Right-of-Way

Because drivers in a T-bone crash often have conflicting stories (“My light was green!” “No, my light was green!”), objective evidence is king.⁹

• Witness Statements: An independent witness who saw the color of the lights or which driver failed to stop is the most powerful evidence you can have.
• Dashcam and Surveillance Footage: A video recording of the intersection is undeniable proof and can instantly resolve the dispute.¹⁰ Always look for nearby businesses that may have security cameras.
  
   
• The Police Report: The responding officer will interview both drivers and witnesses and note their findings. If they issue a citation to one driver for running a red light or failing to yield, it is very strong evidence of fault.
• Vehicle Damage: The location and type of damage to the vehicles can help an accident reconstruction expert determine the angle and force of the impact, which can support your version of events.¹¹
  
   

What About Comparative Fault?

Even in a right-of-way case, fault can sometimes be shared. For example, if one driver ran a red light, but the other driver was texting and could have reasonably avoided the crash if they had been paying attention, a jury might assign a small percentage of fault to the distracted driver. The insurance company will certainly try to make this argument to reduce their payout.

T-bone collisions can lead to complex and hard-fought legal battles. Proving you had the right-of-way requires a swift and thorough investigation. If you’ve been injured in a side-impact crash in the Tacoma area, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Compare profiles and read real client reviews to find an experienced local attorney who can secure the evidence needed to prove your case and fight for the full compensation your serious injuries deserve.

References

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.61.180 – Vehicle approaching intersection):The official state law that establishes the rules for right-of-way at different types of intersections.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.180

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.61.190) – Vehicle turning left:The law governing left-turns, a common cause of T-bone accidents.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.190

• Washington Pattern Jury Instructions (WPI 70.01) – Right of Way—Deception:The official instruction for juries explaining the legal concept of right-of-way and a driver’s right to assume other drivers will obey the law.

  https://www.courts.wa.gov/superiori/pattern_jury_instructions/WPI%2070.01%20Right%20of%20Way%20-%20Deception.pdf