Side-impact car collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, make up more than a quarter of all car accidents according to a 2018 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report. They are also the second most deadly type of car crash, after head-on collisions.
If you or a family member recently suffered serious injuries from a side-impact collision in Atlanta, reach out to an Atlanta car accident lawyer for support. At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we can provide the legal assistance you need to file a claim against the responsible party. You may be able to recover damages to your car, medical costs for your injuries, and income losses suffered because of your injuries.
Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, can have devastating effects on those involved. These accidents often occur at intersections or when a driver fails to yield, leaving victims with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact collision in Atlanta, you may be facing a difficult recovery. In addition to the physical pain, you might be dealing with lost wages and expensive repairs to your vehicle. At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. Our experienced car accident attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Side-impact collisions are particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear. These accidents can result in life-altering injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we’ll work tirelessly to investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Whether through negotiation or trial, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal process.
If the settlement amount from the insurer is inadequate, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers will file a lawsuit to attempt to get you the award you deserve. To get started, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888.
Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact accidents occur when one car crashes into another at a 90-degree angle. People also refer to these types of collisions as ‘T-bone’ accidents, as one car slamming into another on its side forms a T-shape.
Side-impact collisions rank among the most dangerous car accidents. If a car slams into another at a 90-degree angle, there is less protection for the vehicle occupants. All that is standing between them and the oncoming vehicle is a car door, which is likely to get crushed in such an accident. This means the driver and passengers are likely to suffer serious personal injuries.
A side-impact collision might push another car into oncoming traffic as well, causing multiple car accidents as a result. These are serious accidents that may or may not be the fault of any one driver.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collision lawyer serving Atlanta, call (404) 888-8888
Causes of Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions can be caused by a number of factors. Often, these accidents occur because a driver runs a red light or stop sign, failing to yield to other cars as they enter an intersection or crossing. The at-fault driver might be traveling too fast for conditions, distracted in the vehicle, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Another factor might be that the traffic lights at an intersection are faulty or non-operational. When this happens, there is often a swift reaction by police to get an officer out to an intersection to direct traffic. Other actions that can cause T-bone accidents include:
- Driving recklessly.
- Texting while driving.
- Changing radio channels in the car while driving.
- Turning around in the car to retrieve something.
Failure to Yield
One of the leading causes of side-impact collisions is a driver’s failure to yield the right of way. This can happen when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, or when they fail to yield during a left-hand turn. In these cases, the vehicle that fails to yield strikes the side of another car, causing significant damage and potentially serious injuries to the occupants.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a growing problem in Atlanta and across the country. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not notice stop signs, traffic signals, or other vehicles in time to avoid a collision. In a side-impact accident, a distracted driver may run through an intersection or fail to brake in time, leading to a serious crash.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Drivers who are speeding or driving recklessly are more likely to cause side-impact collisions. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing traffic conditions, making it harder to stop in time or avoid other vehicles. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision, which can result in more severe injuries for the occupants of both vehicles.
Any of these actions can form a basis for negligence in an accident case. If you choose to bring a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver, then contact an Atlanta side-impact collisions lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers. When you call (404) 888-8888, we can set up a consultation and help you understand your legal rights.
Atlanta Side-Impact Collision Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions can lead to a range of serious injuries, many of which require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. The nature of these injuries often depends on the angle and speed of the collision.
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
In a side-impact collision, occupants are at risk of striking their heads against the window, door, or dashboard. This can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures. TBIs can have long-lasting effects, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, and mood changes, making it essential to seek medical attention immediately after the accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The impact of a side collision can place significant strain on the spine, potentially leading to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis, depending on the severity. Victims of spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment to manage their condition.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a side-impact collision can cause broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation, affecting the victim’s ability to return to work or perform daily activities.
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After a Side-Impact Collision
Getting hit at full speed across the driver-side or passenger- door side can cause a number of traumatic injuries. Passengers or drivers who get hit by another car at a 90-degree angle can lose their lives instantly. A side door with glass is not adequate protection from direct impact with a speeding vehicle.
These side-impact car accidents can also push one or more vehicles into other oncoming traffic as well. The cars may even roll over from the impact of the collision, leading to more injuries. If multiple cars get hit, that could result in a massive pile-up that further endangers drivers.
Determining Fault
In some of these side-impact crashes, it may not be immediately clear who is at fault. After the accident occurs, it is important to follow certain steps to make sure you can move forward with insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. In many cases, your lawyer can complete the following tasks on your behalf:
- Assess the extent of your passengers and injuries suffered. Any medical records and receipts you receive from your doctor can help your lawyer calculate a fair settlement amount.
- Gather photos and videos of the scene when possible, including footage of the cars, the intersection, any skid marks from tires braking, and the condition of the drivers in each car. This can help to prove who was at fault.
- Obtain the police report and eyewitness statements. Information noted in the police report and bystander testimony can further support your claim to the insurance company or in court.
Note that you want to be careful about how you discuss the accident with the other drivers involved, and their insurance representatives on the phone. Another driver’s insurance company will likely ask you questions that try to bring about an admission of culpability for the accident. This could affect the size of your settlement or invalidate your claim.
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Pursuing Compensation After a Side-Impact Collision in Atlanta
If you’ve been injured in a side-impact collision, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the full financial recovery you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Side-impact collisions often result in serious injuries that require emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. Victims may also face the need for long-term care or physical therapy to manage their injuries. When pursuing compensation, it’s important to include not only current medical bills but also the cost of future care that may be necessary.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include wages lost during your recovery as well as any future earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or require you to take a lower-paying position, you may also be able to recover compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, victims of side-impact collisions may be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. This can include the physical pain caused by your injuries as well as the emotional distress of dealing with a serious accident and its aftermath. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive full compensation for the impact the accident has had on your life.
Local Resources for Side-Impact Collision Victims in Atlanta, GA
If you’ve been involved in a side-impact collision in Atlanta, it’s important to have access to local resources that can assist you in your recovery and legal process.
Here are some helpful resources in the area:
- Atlanta Municipal Court
150 Garnett St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 658-6940 - Atlanta Police Department
226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 614-6544
Website - Grady Memorial Hospital
80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 616-1000
Website - Fulton County Superior Court
136 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-0505
Website
These resources can help you manage the medical, legal, and logistical aspects of your recovery following a side-impact collision in Atlanta.
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Can Help
Side-impact collisions can be traumatic to all involved, making it difficult to fight for your legal rights. If you need help understanding how to move forward after suffering injuries in a side-impact collision, seek out legal support. An Atlanta side-impact collisions lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you pursue financial compensation for the injuries and damages.
We can listen to your story, discover the details of the accident, and get access to records that can help determine liability in your case. Our team will fight to prove negligence on the part of the driver, and if he or she is deemed liable, we can help you calculate a fair settlement based on your damages.
To contact the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers and get started today, call (404) 888-8888. Acc
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