Stephen B. Farmer | September 22, 2026 | Car Accidents
Fault in a T-bone car accident often comes down to a straightforward question: Who had the right-of-way? These crashes commonly happen at intersections when one vehicle strikes the side of another, but figuring out who caused the collision is not always as simple as looking at where the vehicles were damaged.
In Morgantown, West Virginia, investigators may look at traffic signals, witness statements, video footage, vehicle damage, and police reports to piece together what happened. Sometimes, the evidence shows that both drivers share responsibility for the crash.
Who Usually Causes a T-Bone Accident?
There is no rule that automatically makes one driver responsible for every T-bone accident. Instead, fault depends on what each driver was doing in the moments leading up to the collision.
Many T-bone accidents happen when someone fails to yield at an intersection. Under West Virginia Code § 17C-9-1, a driver approaching an intersection must yield to a vehicle that has already entered it from a different highway. When two vehicles enter from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver on the left generally must yield to the driver on the right.
Other common causes of T-bone crashes include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Making an unsafe left turn
- Speeding through an intersection
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while impaired
Still, the location of the damage does not tell the whole story. Investigators may need to determine where each vehicle was, which driver had the right-of-way, and whether either person had enough time to avoid the crash.
Who Is at Fault When a Driver Makes a Left Turn?
Left turns are a common factor in T-bone accidents. A driver may misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching vehicle, begin turning, and end up directly in its path.
Under West Virginia Code § 17C-9-2, a driver making a left turn at an intersection generally must yield to oncoming traffic that is already in the intersection or close enough to present an immediate hazard.
That means a left-turning driver could be responsible for a crash if they failed to yield. However, the approaching driver’s actions still matter. If that driver was speeding, ran a traffic signal, or otherwise contributed to the collision, fault may be shared.
What Evidence Can Establish Fault After a T-Bone Crash?
After an accident, both drivers may genuinely believe they had the right-of-way. That is where evidence from the scene becomes especially important.
Evidence that may help establish fault includes:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Vehicle damage and the location of impact
- Skid marks and other physical evidence
- Cellphone records
- Event data recorder information
- The police accident report
No single piece of evidence necessarily decides the case. Taken together, however, these details can provide a much clearer picture of how the collision occurred and whether one or both drivers contributed to it.
Can Both Drivers Be at Fault for a T-Bone Accident in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault system. Fault can be divided among the people whose actions contributed to an injury or property damage. A plaintiff cannot recover damages if their share of fault is greater than the combined fault of all other responsible parties.
For example, imagine a driver has $100,000 in damages but is found 20% responsible for the collision. Their potential recovery would be reduced by 20% to account for their share of fault.
This is one reason fault disputes can matter so much after a Morgantown T-bone accident. An insurance company may argue that an injured driver contributed to the crash, which could affect how much compensation they can recover.
What Should I Do After a T-Bone Accident in Morgantown?
The moments after a T-bone accident can be stressful and confusing. If you can safely do so, document the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the collision.
It is also important to seek appropriate medical attention after a serious crash. Side-impact collisions can cause significant injuries, and some symptoms may not be immediately obvious.
Finally, be careful about accepting blame or making assumptions about what happened before the available evidence has been reviewed. Traffic signals, road conditions, witness accounts, and the actions of both drivers may all play a role in determining fault.
Contact the Morgantown Car Accident Lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
Figuring out who caused a T-bone accident is not always straightforward. A careful investigation may reveal that another driver failed to yield, made an unsafe turn, ignored a traffic signal, or otherwise contributed to the collision.
If you have been in an accident, Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers is here for you. Give our Morgantown car accident attorneys a call to arrange a free consultation.
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990