Side-impact collisions are some of the most prevalent accidents in Marietta. It can be shocking when another driver suddenly hits you from the side. Plus, this type of crash can leave you with painful injuries and costly bills.
If another driver caused your accident, get help from a Marietta side-impact collisions lawyer today. You might be able to get full compensation for your expenses. Contact John Foy & Associates to discuss the details during a FREE consultation. We’ll go over your accident and what legal options you have.
Working with our attorneys is risk-free for each client. We do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation. To get started for FREE today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What to Know About Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions happen when one vehicle hits the side of another car. Some people call these crashes T-bone accidents. Side-impact collisions often occur at intersections, but they can happen anywhere.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 6,354 fatal crashes in 2017 happened at an angle. Side or angled collisions made up the largest category — 18.6% of all deadly accidents.
If you were the victim of a side-impact accident, you’re not alone. You also have legal options.
Get the strong arm
Bringing a Case Against a Negligent Driver
Any car accident depends on the concept of negligence. Negligence is the lack of care that “ordinarily prudent persons” would have in a similar situation (Georgia Code Section 51-1-2). In other words, negligence is a legal term for carelessness.
Negligence does not always mean intention. Someone could cause a side-impact collision without meaning to cause harm. However, the driver is still negligent because they were careless in some way.
To have a successful case, you’ll need to prove that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver did not fulfill their duty of care.
- The failed duty led to your side-impact accident.
- You suffered injuries and damages from the crash.
All drivers in Marietta owe each other a duty of care. Part of being a licensed driver means being careful behind the wheel. If someone’s actions lead to an accident, that driver is at fault.
If another driver is at fault for your crash, you can seek compensation. You’ll need to file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company. Your claim must prove the driver’s fault and demonstrate your damages.
When “Negligence Per Se” Applies
Under “negligence per se” laws, an action can be automatically negligent if it violates a law. If the other driver receives a traffic ticket or criminal charge, they have broken the law. You might be able to show that the driver was negligent because they didn’t follow the law.
For example, maybe a driver ran a red light before slamming into the side of your car. You might have a negligence per se case because the driver ran the red light. Talk to your lawyer about whether or not this applies to your case.
Common Injuries in a Marietta Side-Impact Collision
Side-impact collisions can lead to some of the most severe injuries or deaths in Marietta. The sides of vehicles often have less protection than the fronts or backs. Even when a car has side safety features, there is little between the point of impact and the people inside.
Typically side-impact collision injuries we see can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Internal organ damage
Severe spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis in several parts of the body. A side-impact accident injury can affect someone’s entire life. They might have to adjust to new types of work or live with a permanent disability.
When you work with a Marietta lawyer, they will determine how the accident has impacted your life. Your insurance claim should reflect what you’ve lost because of the collision.
Damages You Can Claim in a Marietta Side-Impact Accident
If you were not at fault for your accident, you can seek compensation for your damages. Personal injury damages are losses you experience because of your injuries. Examples of damages include:
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
Some damages are more straightforward to prove than others. Your side-impact collisions lawyer can help you calculate all of your losses for your claim.
If the at-fault driver has insurance, you can seek compensation through an insurance claim. Most of the time, accident victims can get a settlement from the insurance company. Make sure you have a lawyer, though. Insurance companies will try to offer much less than you deserve.
If your lawyer cannot negotiate a fair settlement, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Most accident cases settle without going to trial.
How to Prove Fault in Your Marietta Accident
To prove that the other driver caused your accident, you’ll need to build a strong claim. That includes actions like:
- Gathering information from the accident scene,
- Compiling evidence of the driver’s fault, and
- Calculating your total damages.
Thankfully, an experienced lawyer can help you with all of the above. Talk to an attorney today about the best legal options for you. You could be entitled to full recovery for your losses.
Talk to a Marietta Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer for Free Today
Side-impact collisions are often painful and expensive. It can be challenging to know where to start. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. At John Foy & Associates, we can handle the legal details for you.
Insurance companies rarely make injury claims simple. Without help, you might have trouble getting an offer for what you deserve. Our lawyers are not afraid to “strong-arm” the insurance companies. We’ll fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation. If you hire us, there is no fee unless we win your case. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation to get started at no cost today.
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