T-bone accidents are among the most dangerous crashes on D.C. roads. One driver’s vehicle slams into the side of another, often at intersections, leaving little protection for the people sitting on the struck side. These crashes frequently lead to severe injuries and significant financial costs.

If you or a loved one were involved in a T-bone accident in Washington, D.C., one of the first questions that comes up is: who is at fault? The answer determines not just liability, but also your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Fault isn’t always as clear-cut as it seems, especially under D.C.’s strict contributory negligence law.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in D.C.

Most T-bone accidents happen at intersections, where drivers must follow traffic lights, stop signs, and right-of-way rules. When someone ignores those rules, the results can be devastating. Here are the most common scenarios:

• Running a red light or stop sign. A driver who fails to stop and enters the intersection often strikes another car traveling through legally.
• Failing to yield. At four-way stops or left turns, drivers must yield the right-of-way. Misjudging speed or ignoring the rules can cause a side-impact crash.
• Distracted driving. Looking at a phone, eating, or adjusting controls means less time watching for cross traffic.
• Speeding. A driver going too fast for the conditions or over the posted limit may be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting another car.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, making collisions more likely.

In most cases, the driver who violated traffic laws is considered at fault. However, proving this requires evidence—witness statements, police reports, camera footage, and sometimes expert reconstruction. Fault in D.C. isn’t just about what happened; it’s about what can be proven.

How Washington, D.C.’s Contributory Negligence Law Affects Fault

Even if another driver clearly caused your personal injury auto accident, D.C.’s contributory negligence rule makes things more complicated. Unlike most states that use comparative negligence, D.C. follows one of the harshest fault standards in the country. Under contributory negligence, if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you cannot recover compensation from the other driver. This strict rule often becomes the central issue in T-bone accident cases.

Consider these examples:

• If another driver runs a red light and hits you, but you were speeding, their insurer may argue your speed contributed to the accident.
• If you looked down at your phone for a moment when another car failed to yield, they may claim your distraction played a role.

Insurance companies know this rule well. They use it aggressively to deny claims, often arguing that the victim shares some small amount of blame. That’s why building a strong case with solid evidence is critical in D.C.

Determining and Proving Fault After a T-Bone Accident

Because the stakes are so high in D.C., proving fault is the cornerstone of any T-bone accident claim. Here’s what goes into that process.

1. Gathering Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible: photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, intersection lights, and any debris. Eyewitness contact information is also crucial.

2. Police Reports and Traffic Citations

A responding officer’s report often contains initial findings on who violated traffic laws. If a driver is cited for running a red light, failing to yield, or reckless driving, that citation supports your case.

3. Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage

In D.C., many intersections are equipped with traffic cameras. These recordings can provide clear evidence of who entered the intersection illegally. However, obtaining this footage quickly is essential, as it may be overwritten.

4. Vehicle Damage Analysis

The location of the impact often tells part of the story. If your car was struck broadside while legally proceeding through an intersection, it points to the other driver’s liability. Accident reconstruction professionals may analyze the angle and severity of impact to support this.

5. Witness and Expert Testimony

Witnesses can confirm traffic signal colors or whether a driver appeared distracted. In more contested cases, accident reconstruction experts may testify about speed, braking, and reaction times.

6. Medical Records

Your injuries themselves may demonstrate the force and direction of impact, further supporting your version of events. All of these elements combine to show not only who caused the crash but also that you did nothing to contribute. In D.C., eliminating even the slightest hint of fault on your part is critical for protecting your right to compensation.

Call Crowley So LLP After a T-Bone Accident in D.C.

T-bone accidents can leave you with serious injuries, high medical costs, and insurers eager to shift blame. In Washington, D.C., the contributory negligence rule means your case must be handled carefully from the very beginning. At Crowley SO LLP, we know how to build strong, evidence-backed cases for car accident victims. We fight insurance companies that try to deny claims and work to secure the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a T-bone accident in D.C., don’t wait. Reach out to our team today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights.