T-Bone Accident Lawyer in Augusta

Side-impact car crashes can result in life-changing injuries. If you were on the wrong end of one, an Augusta car accident lawyer can help you seek damages.

John Foy & Associates has been fighting for accident victims since 1999. If you were injured in a T-bone accident that wasn’t your fault, a T-bone accident lawyer in Augusta can help you recover compensation for your losses.

How an Augusta T-Bone Accident Lawyer Can Help

The aftermath of a serious car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you were severely injured. An Augusta personal injury lawyer can help with your claim by:

• Gathering evidence: We can gather police reports, photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to prove how the collision occurred and who is liable.
• Calculating your damages: We can evaluate both your current and future losses and determine your claim’s value.
• Handling insurance negotiations: We can communicate with insurers on your behalf and work to negotiate a fair settlement.
• Representing you in court: If settlement negotiations fail, we can present your case before a judge or jury.

What Types of Compensation are Available?

As a victim of a T-bone accident, you can recover compensation for a variety of losses, including:

• Medical expenses: You can receive compensation for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: You can seek compensation for income you would’ve earned while recovering from your injuries.
• Reduced earning capacity: You can pursue additional damages if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your ability to earn a living in the future.
• Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle as well as compensation for other damaged personal property.
• Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: You can pursue additional damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, family activities, or other aspects of daily life that you previously enjoyed.
• Loss of consortium: You can seek damages for the negative impact your injuries have had on your relationship with your spouse.
• Punitive damages: You can seek punitive damages in rare cases involving especially reckless or intentional misconduct from the other party.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Georgia?

Georgia generally enforces a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits tied to motor vehicle accidents. In most situations, this means that if you don’t file a lawsuit within two years of the crash, you will forfeit the right to seek damages.

A different filing deadline may apply in certain situations, such as if your case involves a government agency or the delayed discovery of injuries. A T-bone accident attorney in Augusta can help you file your claim on time.

How Do You Prove Liability?

To obtain compensation for a car crash, you must prove that the other driver acted negligently and that their negligence resulted in the collision.

Useful types of evidence often include:

• Police motor vehicle accident reports
• Photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Traffic camera footage
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Employment records showing lost wages
• Cell phone records (when distracted driving is suspected)
• Vehicle black box data
• Accident reconstruction reports

What is a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, creating the shape of the letter “T.” These crashes most commonly happen at intersections but can also occur in parking lots, private driveways, and when drivers attempt unsafe turns.

The passengers sitting on the side of the car that is struck often suffer the most severe injuries because there is much less structural protection than in a frontal or rear-end collision.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents

Most side-impact crashes result from driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Running red lights: Drivers who ignore traffic signals often collide with vehicles that have the legal right-of-way.
• Failing to stop at stop signs: Rolling through or ignoring stop signs can lead to devastating intersection crashes.
• Distracted driving: Engaging with a phone, GPS, or other distraction may cause a driver to enter an intersection without noticing cross traffic.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the force of any crashes that occur.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
• Improper left turns: Drivers who misjudge approaching traffic may strike vehicles traveling straight through an intersection.
• Failure to yield: Many T-bone crashes occur because one driver incorrectly assumes another vehicle will stop.
• Fatigued driving: Drowsy drivers can miss traffic signals or fail to recognize other vehicles entering an intersection.

Common Injuries in Side-Impact Collisions

A T-bone collision often causes severe injuries since occupants absorb much of the impact.

Some of the most common injuries in these crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Herniated discs
• Neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Broken ribs
• Pelvic fractures
• Hip injuries
• Arm and shoulder fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Facial injuries
• Lacerations from broken glass

Steps to Take After a T-Bone Accident in Augusta

Everything you do after a car crash will either strengthen or weaken your legal claim. It’s vital to:

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
• Photograph the accident scene, the vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information (if possible).
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Save receipts, medical records, and repair estimates related to the accident.
• Avoid speculating or discussing fault with insurance adjusters.
• Keep a journal documenting your recovery and how your injuries affect your daily life.
• Consult a personal injury attorney before agreeing to a settlement.

Speak to a T-Bone Accident Attorney in Augusta

A side-impact crash can leave you facing weeks or even months of time off work and sky-high medical bills. If you or someone you love was hurt in a preventable T-bone collision, an Augusta T-bone accident attorney from John Foy & Associates can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Book a free consultation to find out how you can get paid for your accident.