How is Fault Determined in a T-Bone Car Accident in New Jersey?

Fault is determined in a New Jersey T-bone car accident through a variety of factors, such as speed, right-of-way rules, and distractions. However, New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that after most car accidents, including T-bone collisions, your insurance company covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault.

A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the reduced protection on the sides of vehicles. 

A Newark car accident lawyer can help you If you’ve been involved in a t-bone car accident. They can help you get the most from your accident settlement. If your case becomes eligible for an at-fault lawsuit, you’ll need one to start your case.

What is the Lawsuit Threshold in New Jersey?

New Jersey allows drivers or their surviving family members to step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if their injuries meet certain criteria, known as the “lawsuit threshold.” These criteria include:

• Loss of a body part
  
• Significant disfigurement or scarring
  
• Displaced fractures
  
• Loss of a fetus
  
• Permanent injury
  
• Death

You can pursue additional compensation beyond your PIP coverage if your injuries meet this threshold. T-bone accidents often result in severe injuries due to the nature of the impact. If your injuries meet the lawsuit threshold, then determining fault after your New Jersey T-bone accident is necessary for your lawsuit.

If your accident doesn’t meet the lawsuit threshold, you can still use your PIP coverage to pay for your medical damages. Also, depending on your policy, you may still need to determine fault for some damages, like property damage.

What Factors Are Considered in Fault Determination?

If you need to prove fault for your accident, you’ll need evidence to prove it. You may need to show:

• Traffic signal status at the time of the accident
  
• Each driver’s speed
  
• Right-of-way rules
  
• Driver distractions or impairment
  
• Vehicle maintenance issues
  
• Road conditions

There are many sources for this information. The police report is the most important source, but eyewitness testimony and traffic camera footage can also show who was at fault. If these don’t clarify who is at fault, vehicle damage assessments or accident reconstruction may reveal the answer.

What is Comparative Negligence in New Jersey?

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages from the other party.

In a T-bone accident, both drivers might share some degree of fault. For example:

• Driver A runs a red light but Driver B was speeding
  
• Driver A fails to yield at a stop sign, but Driver B was distracted

In these cases, fault percentages would be assigned to each driver, affecting each party’s compensation.

How Can Morelli Law Firm Help with Determining Fault after a T-bone Accident?

At Morelli Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling T-bone accident cases in New Jersey. Our approach includes:

• Thorough investigation of the accident circumstances
  
• Gathering and analyzing all available evidence
  
• Working with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
  
• Helping you step outside New Jersey’s no-fault system if you qualify
  
• Fighting for maximum compensation, whether through your PIP coverage or a lawsuit

We understand the significant impact a T-bone accident can have on your life. Let us use our experience and dedication to help you. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.

How does Fault Determination Affect Insurance Premiums in New Jersey?

Being found at fault in a T-bone accident can have significant long-term financial consequences, particularly when it comes to your insurance premiums. If you’re determined to be at fault in a T-bone accident, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase at your next policy renewal. 

Points on Your Driving Record

In New Jersey, at-fault accidents add points to your driving record. These points affect your insurance premiums and can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many. For example:

• An at-fault accident resulting in injuries can add 4 points to your record
  
• An at-fault accident with property damage over $500 can add 2 points

Insurance companies often use these points as a factor in calculating your premiums.

Duration of Premium Increases

The impact of an at-fault accident on your insurance premiums isn’t just a one-time occurrence. In New Jersey, an at-fault accident typically affects your rates for three to five years. You’ll be considered a higher-risk driver during this time.

In some cases, being found at fault in a serious T-bone accident might lead your insurance company to:

• Decline to renew your policy
  
• Significantly increase your deductibles
  
• Reduce your coverage options

This can force you to seek new insurance, often at much higher rates.

The Importance of Accurate Fault Determination

Given these significant financial implications, it is important to ensure that fault is accurately determined in your T-bone accident case in New Jersey. This is where the expertise of a skilled car accident attorney becomes invaluable. 

Don’t let an unfair fault determination impact your finances for years. If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in New Jersey, contact Morelli Law Firm today. We’ll fight to ensure that fault is accurately determined and fight to protect your financial health.