Side-impact collisions often happen on Brookhaven roads. Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions can cause serious injuries and damage. If you or a loved one were victims of a side-impact collision, you have options.
You might be eligible for money to cover your accident damages like:
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Taking fast action is crucial. You will need to start building a claim to file with the driver’s insurance company. To get help with the process, call a Brookhaven side-impact collisions lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates is here for you. We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Plus, there is no upfront cost. We do not charge you at all unless we win your case.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today. We’ll get you started with a FREE consultation.
The Dangers of Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact accidents happen when one car hits another on the side. The collision often occurs at close to a 45-degree angle. Side accidents are hazardous and often deadly.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), side-impact accidents caused 23% of passenger vehicle deaths in 2018. The risk of severe injuries is high.
Cars don’t have a lot of protection on their sides. Even with modern safety features, the side of a vehicle is fragile. There is little protecting those inside the car when a crash happens from the side. Severe injuries are more likely to happen.
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Damages to Recover After Your Accident
If you didn’t cause your accident, you have rights. In Brookhaven, the responsible party in an accident must cover the damages. So, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
There are two main types of damages (Georgia Code §51-12-2):
- General damages
- Special damages
1. General Damages
General damages are about how the accident has affected you. You don’t have to prove a dollar amount for general damages.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety or depression
- Embarrassment or fear
- Disfigurement
Talk to your lawyer about the ways the accident has impacted your life. Your lawyer will use a formula to put a value on your general damages.
Don’t try to do this without talking to an attorney. It’s easy to underestimate what your pain and suffering are worth.
2. Special Damages
Special damages are the direct result of the accident. They include costs like:
- Medical bills
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Vehicle damage
- Lost wages
You must prove your special damages. Thankfully, you can do this by saving bills and other documentation.
Your lawyer will consider all of your accident costs, including future medical care. It’s best to complete treatment for your injuries before filing your claim.
Discuss your damages with John Foy & Associates today during a FREE consultation. We’ll talk about your case and your options. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Accidents
Your case starts with knowing how the accident happened. You will need to know who caused the crash and how it occurred. Common reasons for side-impact accidents include:
- Running a red light
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Poor weather conditions
Often a driver will try to speed through a red light at an intersection. The driver will collide with other cars already in the intersection. Or, the driver might be looking at their phone when they slam into another car.
Georgia is a fault state. If a driver is entirely at fault for an accident, they are 100% responsible for the damages. As the victim, you can file a claim to recover your costs.
Injuries from Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact accidents often cause life-threatening injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
Side accidents tend to happen at high speeds. And, as we covered above, there is less protection for those in the car. The combination creates a serious situation.
Accident injuries affect your life in many ways. You might be unable to work as you could before. Plus, severe injuries will impact your quality of life. Talk to your lawyer about how the injuries affect you so that your claim will reflect this.
Side Accidents Can Cause Rollovers
Side-impact collisions can lead to very serious rollovers. A rollover happens when a car flips onto its roof or side. The force of a side-impact crash might cause a vehicle to tip and flip over.
Rollover accidents are often terrible. For example, they can cause head or neck injuries that paralyze those in the car. If your side-impact crash led to a rollover, don’t wait to get help. Get prompt medical treatment, and contact a lawyer.
Documenting Your Accident
After the accident, it’s important to document what happened. Of course, your injuries might prevent you from doing anything at the scene. If you have severe injuries, call 9-1-1 to report the accident and get an ambulance.
If you can gather information, here are some steps to take:
- Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
- Talk to any witnesses. Ask for their names and contact information.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Get their contact and insurance information.
- Do not talk about the accident with the other driver.
The driver’s insurance company might contact you after the crash. Avoid contact until you have a lawyer on your side.
Insurance companies know what they’re doing. They will look for ways to pay you less. But your lawyer will talk to the insurer for you and work to negotiate.
Talk to a Brookhaven Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer for Free
Side-impact accidents are often very extreme. No matter how your crash happened, you have rights. If you didn’t cause the accident, you might deserve full recovery. Talk to a lawyer about your options today.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have 20-plus years of experience, and we’re not afraid to fight. We’ll handle your claim and the insurance company for you.
Call us today for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
