Who Pays for a T-Bone Accident in Texas?

 Posted on July 08, 2026 in Car Accidents

In most T-bone accidents in Texas, the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying for the damages. But figuring out who caused the crash and getting their insurance to pay what is owed is rarely simple. T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, are among the most serious types of car crashes because the side of a vehicle offers far less protection than the front or rear. If you or someone you love was hurt in a T-bone accident in 2026, the Kennedy, TX personal injury lawyers at The Bettersworth Law Firm can help you figure out who is responsible and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Causes T-Bone Accidents and Who Is Usually at Fault?

T-bone accidents typically happen at intersections. One vehicle hits the side of another because one driver broke a traffic law. The driver who broke the law is usually the one who bears responsibility for the damages.

Common causes include running a red light or stop sign, failing to yield when turning left, pulling out of a parking lot without checking for oncoming traffic, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Figuring out who had the right of way at the time of the crash is often the central question. That answer drives everything from the insurance claim to any potential lawsuit.

What Evidence Helps Prove Fault in a Texas T-Bone Accident?

Getting the right evidence quickly is one of the most important steps after a crash. Some evidence disappears fast, and having an attorney involved early can make sure nothing important is lost.

Useful evidence includes:

• The police report, which often includes the officer's assessment and any citations issued
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage showing the moment of impact
• Dashcam footage from either vehicle
• Witness statements from people who saw what happened
• Skid marks or other physical evidence at the scene
• Black box data from the vehicles showing speed and braking before the collision
• Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected

Your attorney can send a formal preservation letter right away to prevent important evidence from being destroyed or overwritten.

What Damages Can You Recover After a T-Bone Accident in Texas?

T-bone accidents often cause serious injuries. Head injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and internal damage are all common. If you can show the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning ability if your injuries are permanent, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damage to your vehicle. In cases involving especially reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be available.

What If the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?

Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance under Texas Transportation Code Section 601.072. Unfortunately, not everyone follows that rule, and not everyone carries enough coverage to pay for serious injuries. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy may have coverage that can help fill the gap.

Your attorney can review all available insurance coverage to find every possible source of compensation. In some T-bone accidents, other parties may also share responsibility, such as a government entity responsible for a broken traffic signal. In that case, your claim may be more complex, but an experienced attorney will walk you through it.

What if You Were a Passenger in a T-Bone Accident?

If you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in a T-bone accident, you have the right to seek compensation from any at-fault party. That may include the driver of the vehicle you were in, the driver of the other vehicle, or both. As a passenger, you are generally not assigned any fault for the crash, which puts you in a strong position to recover full compensation for your injuries.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Braunfels, TX Car Accident Attorneys

At The Bettersworth Law Firm, our Kennedy, TX personal injury lawyers bring 25 years of legal experience to every case and approach every client with both the fight the situation demands and the compassion they deserve. We have recovered millions for our clients and are proud members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Club. We keep our caseload intentionally low because we believe you should never be just a number. You will have direct, regular contact with the attorney handling your case, and you will never fall through the cracks because there simply are not any cracks to fall through.

Contact The Bettersworth Law Firm at 830-606-0404 to schedule your free consultation today.