Who’s Liable If You’ve Been T-Boned by Someone in a Company Car in North Carolina? 2024

Having the ability to drive a company-owned vehicle has its advantages. However, the downside is that it often comes with risks. You might find yourself concerned over the consequences of getting into a car accident with a company vehicle and wonder, “Who’s liable if you’ve been T-boned by someone in a company car in North Carolina?” Thankfully, an experienced car accident lawyer has the knowledge needed to properly determine fault.

If you are in a T-bone accident with a company car, you might be feeling overwhelmed and confused. A car accident lawyer has the knowledge and understanding of the law necessary to handle these complex cases. Whether you were driving the vehicle as an employee of the company or a negligent driver of a company car struck your vehicle, help is available.

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

T-bone accidents occur when one driver crashes into the side of another driver’s vehicle, creating a “T” shape. Most often, these accidents happen at intersections when one driver does not yield the right of way to another driver. It is possible that the driver ran a red light or failed to stop at a stop sign and accidentally placed themselves into the path of oncoming traffic.

T-bone accidents can also occur if a driver loses control of their vehicle and slips sideways. These accidents can be especially dangerous as, typically, the vehicle that creates the “T” is traveling at high speeds. In these situations, there is little that can be done to protect the driver of the other car and any passengers. The resulting injuries can often be severe.

What Causes a T-Bone Accident?

There are several contributing factors that might cause a T-bone accident. Typically, the circumstances surrounding the cause of an accident influence how fault is determined in a compensation claim. If a company car strikes you and causes a T-bone collision, common reasons for this occurrence might include:

• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can reduce a driver’s ability to react to certain hazards or a change in traffic. Speeding might not allow a driver to react to an upcoming intersection, thus resulting in a collision.
• Intersection Collisions: Usually, T-bone accidents occur at intersections when one driver will not yield the right of way. This can happen if a driver runs a red light, a stop sign, or turns into oncoming traffic.
• A Failure to Yield: In some cases, a driver may fail to yield to other vehicles while merging into oncoming traffic, entering a roadway from a parking lot or driveway, or changing lanes.
• Left-Turn Accidents: A driver may misjudge their timing and turn left at an intersection into oncoming traffic, which could have been otherwise avoided.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions that can result in T-bone accidents might include texting, making phone calls, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, or interacting with passengers. This can prevent drivers from noticing a change in traffic, stop lights, or stop signs.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only a common cause of T-bone accidents, but it is also illegal. It can impair a driver and make them less able to react to changes in traffic patterns, stop signs, or stop lights.
• Weather Conditions: Ice, rain, snow, or fog can reduce road traction and visibility. This can make it more difficult for drivers to react or even see changes in traffic, intersections, stop signs, or stop lights.
• Mechanical Failure: Tire blowouts, brake failures, or other mechanical issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and send them careening into the path of oncoming traffic.

Liability in a Company Car Accident

In North Carolina, the legal doctrine of vicarious liability is recognized. In general terms, this means that an injured victim can file a compensation claim against a driver’s employer for their injuries, which occurred as a result of the employee’s negligent behavior. However, to succeed in a vicarious liability case, the victim and their legal team must prove the following:

• The party that is at fault, or negligent, is the employee of an employer at the time of the T-bone accident.
• The employee was acting within the scope of their employment when the collision occurred.
• The T-bone collision was foreseeable and resulted in compensable damages.

If these elements are met, it can be proven that the driver’s employer is liable for the injuries caused by the accident.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Typical Injuries Suffered in a T-Bone Accident?

A: Depending on the nature of your collision, there are several injuries that may be suffered. Typical T-bone injuries might include simpler conditions, such as cuts, bruises, lacerations, or sprains. However, they can also result in serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, concussions, or even events of wrongful death.

Q: What Are the Damages That Can Be Recovered in a T-Bone Collision in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, the damages that can be recovered as a result of a T-bone collision vary widely based on the nature of the accident itself. These damages might include:

• Medical bills
• Repair or replacement of damaged property
• Costs for ongoing treatment
• Assistive devices, like wheelchairs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death

Q: What Should I Do Following a T-Bone Accident in North Carolina That Involves a Company Car?

A: If you find yourself in the aftermath of a T-bone accident in North Carolina that involves a company car, there are several steps to take to start building your case for damage recovery and monetary compensation. First, call the police so they can file a report. If anyone is injured, contact 911. Then, document the scene via video or photographs. After that, exchange contact information with the other driver while also obtaining that of their employer.

Q: What Happens If Someone Else Is Driving My Car and Gets in an Accident in NC?

A: In North Carolina, if someone else is driving your car, and you have authorized them to do so, you may be liable for damages if they get in an accident. Insurance companies in the state follow the vehicle, not the driver. This means that if you have insurance and the individual borrowing your vehicle does not, you can still be held liable for damages.

Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or someone you know has been injured in a T-bone collision involving a company-owned vehicle, contact the professional attorneys at Christina Rivenbark & Associates. See how our firm can assist you in your journey to recovery.