Side-impact accidents often seem to come out of nowhere. You’re following the law and merely trying to get from one place to another when suddenly, another driver slams into the side of your vehicle, causing injuries and damage.
This scenario is too common in Valdosta. And if you were injured in a side crash, you might deserve compensation for your costs. Our Valdosta side-impact collision lawyers are here to help.
At John Foy & Associates, we help victims recover the money they deserve after an accident. No case is too complicated for us, and every case is personal. We can discuss your legal options with you during a free consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
How Drivers Cause Side-Impact Collisions
Driver negligence is often the reason for a side-impact accident. One or more motorists is careless while driving.
All drivers in Georgia have a duty of care to drive safely. If someone fails in that duty and causes an accident, they are responsible for the damages. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6, victims can recover damages from a breached legal duty.
Side-impact collisions often happen because of actions like:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding excessively
- Not yielding correctly
- Drunk driving
- Texting while driving
Aggressive driving is another common cause. For example, a driver might speed through an intersection without checking for other drivers. If another car is already in the intersection, an instant side-impact crash can happen.
If another driver caused your accident, you have legal grounds against them. You likely have a personal injury case.
Proving Driver Negligence
A valid case must prove four main points about negligence. “Negligence” is a lack of care towards others. In other words, it means someone has been careless.
You must show the following in your claim when proving negligence.
1. There Was a Duty of Care
You’ll need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care. This claim is relatively straightforward because all drivers owe each other this duty of care.
2. The Driver Breached Their Duty
The other driver failed in their duty of care. A breached duty means the driver was negligent. You’ll need to demonstrate how the driver was negligent before and during your accident.
3. The Breached Duty Caused the Accident
The driver’s negligence must have led to your side-impact accident. Your claim must show a clear connection. If the driver hadn’t been careless, your crash wouldn’t have happened.
4. You Have Damages from the Accident
Because of the driver’s negligence and the accident, you have damages. It’s not enough to say that the accident caused your harm and was costly. You’ll need to outline each damage that resulted from the crash.
Proving negligence after an accident isn’t easy. Plus, you will probably need to deal with the other driver’s insurance company. The insurer will look for ways to question your case or deny your damages.
At John Foy & Associates, our Valdosta side-impact collision lawyers can help. We know how to build strong cases and protect you from insurance company tactics. Contact us today to learn more about seeking the compensation you deserve. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Damages You Can Claim from the Accident
A side-impact collision can affect your life in many ways. But if you were not at fault, you shouldn’t have to cover the damages.
Personal injury damages are the losses you have because of the accident. You wouldn’t have these expenses if the crash didn’t happen. If another driver caused the collision, they (and their insurance company) are responsible for the damages.
Georgia law allows you to recover damages like the following.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs are often the largest part of a personal injury claim. That’s because side-impact accidents can cause severe or life-threatening injuries. Victims often need long-term care and costly treatments to heal.
Medical expenses from an accident can include:
- Ambulance fees
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Specialist fees
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment or devices
- Disability costs
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible will help determine your future medical needs. If you need ongoing care, be sure to include that in your claim. Your lawyer can help calculate total past, current, and future medical costs.
Lost Income
If you were working before the accident, you’ll probably need to miss work. The accident could also affect your future earning potential.
Your claim can include any lost wages that result from the accident. That includes future raises, bonuses, and other income that your injuries now prevent you from earning.
Vehicle Repairs
You will likely need significant car repairs after the accident. Since vehicles have less protection on their sides, side-impact accidents are more likely to cause serious damage.
Your claim can include any costs of repairing or replacing a vehicle after the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are economical. An accident can also leave you with emotional “injuries” like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety or depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These are just a few examples. The emotional effects of an accident are complicated, so talk to a lawyer about the details. You deserve compensation for how the crash affects your life—now and in the future.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
Talk to a Valdosta Side-Impact Collision Lawyer for Free
You don’t have to handle the aftermath of your accident alone. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims for over 25 years. We can support you, too.
Our team is not afraid to fight for your rights. Unlike some other firms that quickly cycle through cases, we take the time to pursue what you deserve. We won’t accept a fast settlement just to move on. We believe in seeking 100% of the compensation you deserve.
Reach out today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case, and we’re available 24/7 to take your call. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free.
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