Side-impact accidents, also known as T-bone collisions, can cause serious injuries and damage in Sandy Springs. Vehicles have less protection on their sides, leaving drivers and passengers more exposed. If you or a loved one were injured in a side-impact collision, talk to a Sandy Springs side-impact collisions lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims and their families. We can determine if you have a legal case for compensation and what type of settlement is fair.
Our lawyers only work on contingency, which means there is no charge unless we win you money. To get started with a free, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Causes of Side-Impact Collisions
Most side-impact accidents happen at intersections. These collisions often occur when one driver makes an unsafe turn or fails to yield. If the at-fault driver is going too fast, the damages from a side-impact collision can be severe.
Common reasons T-bone accidents happen include:
- Unsafe left turns
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving while drunk
- Driving while distracted
- Failure to yield
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding, especially through an intersection
- Illegal U-turns
These are just a few of the most common causes of side-impact collisions. No matter how your accident happened, you might be entitled to compensation. Talk to a lawyer if another driver’s actions contributed to your accident.
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Sandy Springs Drivers Are Responsible for Their Actions
Everyone must exercise “ordinary diligence” towards others, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-2. In other words, everyone must take steps to be careful on a daily basis. That includes driving carefully to avoid harming others.
The absence of carefulness is “negligence,” the presence of which is crucial in personal injury claims. When a driver’s negligence leads to an accident, that driver should be held responsible for the costs involved.
Commercial Drivers and Side-Impact Crashes
Commercial drivers have an even greater duty of care than other drivers. They must follow specific regulations and laws related to their jobs. Unfortunately, driver fatigue and other demands can lead to mistakes. And those mistakes can lead to accidents.
If a truck driver or other commercial driver caused your side-impact collision, you have rights. You might have a personal injury claim against:
- The commercial driver
- The driver’s employer
- A mechanic or maintenance company
- A vehicle manufacturer
There are many moving parts when it comes to a commercial driving accident. It’s best to contact a Sandy Springs side-impact collision lawyer to talk about the details. You could be entitled to compensation.
To discuss your accident with an experienced attorney, contact John Foy & Associates. We’ll look at the details and make sure you know your options. You might even be entitled to full compensation for your damages.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Bring a Case Against a Negligent Driver
After suffering injuries in a side-impact accident, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Most of the time, this means filing a claim with the driver’s auto insurance.
Your injury claim will need to prove that:
- The driver had a duty of care towards you.
- The driver failed in their duty of care.
- The driver’s negligence led to your side-impact accident.
- You have injuries and other damages from the accident.
A lawyer can help you prove each of these points. You’ll also need to prepare for the insurance company’s response. Insurance companies don’t like to pay much on injury claims, and they will always look for ways to pay even less.
If you get a lowball settlement offer, don’t accept it. In fact, never take the first offer. Instead, work with your lawyer to negotiate a better offer. Most cases settle in this way, but sometimes you’ll need to bring a lawsuit to get what you truly deserve.
When the Other Driver Gets a Ticket
Drivers who cause a T-bone accident may receive a citation for their actions. In some cases, they can even face criminal charges for the accident. This is good news for your case.
If a driver received a ticket for their actions, you could find them at fault for negligence per se. This law says that someone is negligent because they’ve broken the law.
Partial Fault in a T-Bone Accident
If you’re worried you shared fault in the accident, don’t assume you have no case. Georgia law allows you to recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. The courts would simply reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault.
Talk to a lawyer if you think you might be partially at fault. Do this before admitting any responsibility to the other side or their insurance company. Many accident victims are surprised to find they actually hold no fault in their accident. Accepting blame you don’t have can hurt your case and your recovery options.
Common Damages from a Side-Impact Accident
A personal injury claim seeks compensation for accident losses. Those losses can include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
The damages from a side-impact accident can be significant. And if you have emotional damages, you will need help proving them. An experienced lawyer will know what to do. They can help keep track of your expenses and calculate your total damages from there.
You also need to consider both current and future medical costs. Accident injuries can be serious, and your claim should reflect that. You don’t want to be left paying for any damages on your own later that you should not have to take responsibility for.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer
Side-impact collisions can leave you with a host of damages. They can often be completely devastating. If you were injured because of someone else’s actions, reach out to us today.
John Foy & Associates has a reputation as the “Strong Arm” because we’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We’re not afraid to do what it takes to fight for your rights.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-risk consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form