3 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know
About T-Bone Accidents
Table of Contents
  1. Secret #1: They Might Try to Shift Blame onto You
  2. Secret #2: They Might Downplay Your Injuries 
  3. Secret #3: They Won’t Tell You That Multiple Parties Could Be Liable
  4. Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are among the most dangerous types of car crashes. These accidents often result in severe injuries and significant vehicle damage. If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in Washington, understanding how to prove fault and navigate insurance claims is crucial. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always play fair. They have tactics designed to minimize or deny claims, leaving victims struggling to get the compensation they deserve. 

Here are three things insurance companies don’t want you to know about proving fault in T-bone accidents in Washington. 

1. They Might Try to Shift Blame onto You 

One of the biggest tactics insurance companies use is shifting blame. Even if another driver clearly caused the accident, insurers may argue that you were partially or entirely at fault. 

Why This Happens: 

  • Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. 
  • Insurance adjusters may use inconsistencies in your statement or lack of evidence to argue against you. 
  • If traffic signals or right-of-way laws are unclear in your case, insurers might exploit the ambiguity to weaken your claim. 

How to Protect Yourself: 

  • Gather Evidence Immediately: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and traffic signals. 
  • Get Witness Statements: Neutral third-party accounts can help prove who was at fault. 
  • Obtain a Police Report: An official accident report often includes crucial details about fault determination. 
  • Avoid Admitting Any Fault: Even saying “I didn’t see them coming” can be twisted against you. 

2. They Might Downplay Your Injuries 

Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize the severity of injuries in T-bone accidents, even though side-impact crashes often lead to: 

  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries 
  • Head and brain injuries 
  • Broken ribs and internal injuries 
  • Spinal cord damage 

Common Tactics Insurers Use: 

  • Claiming that your injuries were “pre-existing” or unrelated to the crash. 
  • Pressuring you to accept a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. 
  • Arguing that delayed medical treatment means your injuries aren’t serious. 

How to Fight Back: 

  • Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. 
  • Follow Doctor’s Orders: Keep all medical records and follow recommended treatments. 
  • Don’t Settle Too Soon: Quick settlements rarely cover long-term medical expenses. 
  • Consult a Lawyer: An experienced attorney can push back against bad-faith insurance practices. 

3. They Won’t Tell You That Multiple Parties Could Be Liable 

T-bone accidents often involve more than just two drivers. In some cases, additional parties may share responsibility for the crash. 

Possible Liable Parties Include: 

  • The At-Fault Driver: If they ran a red light, failed to yield, or engaged in reckless driving. 
  • Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect (e.g., brake failure) contributed to the accident. 
  • Government Entities: Poor road conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate signage could make a city or county liable. 

Why This Matters: 

  • Identifying multiple liable parties can increase your potential compensation. 
  • Insurance companies may only address the most obvious at-fault party, limiting your ability to recover full damages. 
  • A thorough investigation by an attorney can uncover additional sources of compensation. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You 

If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in Washington, don’t fall for insurance company tactics designed to reduce your claim. Knowing their strategies can help you take the right steps to protect your rights. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Never assume the insurance company has your best interests in mind. 
  • Always document the accident thoroughly and seek medical care immediately. 
  • Consider legal representation to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. 

At Washington Auto Law, we specialize in helping car accident victims fight back against insurance companies. If you’ve been injured in a T-bone collision, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Call us at 206-497-4357 or schedule a free case review online. 

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