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If you've been involved in a t-bone accident in Arizona, one of the first questions running through your mind is probably: who is at fault? Side-impact collisions — sometimes called broadside or t-bone crashes — are among the most dangerous accidents on Arizona roads. They happen in an instant, often at intersections, and the injuries they cause can be severe. Understanding how fault is determined under Arizona law is a critical first step toward protecting your rights and your recovery.

At Sher Law Group PLLC, our car accident attorneys have helped injured drivers and passengers throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale area navigate exactly these situations. Here's what you need to know.

What Is a T-Bone Accident?

A t-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a "T" shape at the point of impact. These collisions most commonly happen at intersections — when one driver runs a red light or stop sign, fails to yield, or misjudges a gap in traffic while turning left. They can also occur in parking lots and on multi-lane roads when a driver changes lanes without checking for other vehicles.

Because the side of a vehicle offers far less structural protection than the front or rear, t-bone crashes frequently result in serious injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal organ injuries. Passengers seated on the side that absorbs the impact are especially vulnerable.

How Does Arizona Law Determine Fault in a T-Bone Accident?

Arizona is a fault-based (or "tort") state when it comes to car accidents. That means the driver who caused the crash — or whose negligence contributed to it — is financially responsible for damages. Fault is not always clear-cut, and in many t-bone collisions both drivers may bear some degree of responsibility.

Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system under A.R.S. § 12-2505. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the crash, you can still recover compensation — but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This makes it critically important to build the strongest possible case for the other driver's liability.

Our blog post on Arizona Comparative Negligence Law Explained goes deeper into how this system works and what it means for your claim.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents and Who May Be Liable

Liability in a t-bone accident typically comes down to which driver violated a traffic law or duty of care. Some of the most common scenarios include:

• Running a red light or stop sign: Under A.R.S. § 28-645, drivers must obey all traffic control signals. A driver who blows through a red light and strikes another vehicle broadside is almost certainly at fault.
• Failure to yield on a left turn: A.R.S. § 28-772 requires drivers turning left to yield to oncoming traffic. If a turning driver misjudges oncoming speed and causes a t-bone crash, they are generally liable.
• Running a stop sign: A.R.S. § 28-855 governs stop sign compliance. Failing to come to a complete stop and yielding appropriately is a common cause of intersection broadside crashes.
• Distracted or impaired driving: Texting, phone use, or driving under the influence can prevent a driver from noticing a red light or oncoming vehicle in time to stop.
• Speeding: Excessive speed can make it impossible to stop before entering an intersection, increasing both the likelihood and the severity of a t-bone collision.

It's worth noting that fault isn't always limited to one of the two drivers. In some cases, a third party — such as a municipality that improperly designed or maintained a dangerous intersection — may share responsibility.

What Evidence Helps Establish Fault in Arizona T-Bone Cases?

Because both drivers often claim the other had the green light or the right of way, evidence is everything in a t-bone accident claim. The most valuable types of evidence include:

• Traffic camera or surveillance footage: Many Arizona intersections are monitored by red-light cameras or nearby business cameras. This footage can clearly show which driver had the right of way.
• Witness statements: Bystanders or other drivers who saw the crash can provide independent accounts of what happened.
• Police report: Officers who respond to the scene often note contributing factors such as skid marks, vehicle positions, and any citations issued.
• Black box / EDR data: Most modern vehicles have an event data recorder (EDR) that captures speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before a crash.
• Accident reconstruction experts: In disputed cases, a professional reconstructionist can analyze the physical evidence and render an opinion on how the crash occurred.

Time is critical. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, witnesses move on, and physical evidence disappears. If you've been involved in a t-bone crash, contacting an attorney as soon as possible gives your legal team the best chance to preserve this evidence.

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

If another driver's negligence caused your injuries, Arizona law allows you to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• Medical expenses — past and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Keep in mind that Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under A.R.S. § 12-542. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to recover anything, so don't wait to explore your options.

How Sher Law Group Can Help You After a T-Bone Crash

Our Car Accidents team at Sher Law Group PLLC handles the full spectrum of side-impact collision claims throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and beyond. We investigate the crash, gather and preserve evidence, deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, and fight to maximize the compensation you're owed.

As your personal injury lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations so you can get honest answers about your situation with zero financial risk.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a t-bone accident in Arizona and you need to understand who is at fault and what your claim is worth, call us today at 480-418-7437. We're ready to help.