Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, can be very serious in Roswell. These accidents can come out of nowhere, suddenly causing thousands of dollars in damages. If you or someone you love were injured in this way, you’ll want to sit down with a Roswell side-impact collisions lawyer and discuss your legal options.
If you were the victim of a side-impact accident, you can count on John Foy & Associates. We have more than 20 years of experience representing accident victims throughout Georgia, and we are not afraid to fight for your rights.
Give us a call today and we’ll set you up with FREE, no-obligation consultation. If you decide to hire us, we will not charge you unless we win you money. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation today.
The Severity of Side-Impact Collisions
When your vehicle is hit from the side, you don’t have the same degree of protection as a collision from other angles. The steel casing on the side of most cars does not leave much between you and the source of impact.
Even when a vehicle has strong safety features, such as side-impact airbags, the risk of serious injury in a side-impact collision is still pretty high.
Common injuries we see from side-impact collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Internal organ damage
- And more
The severity of a side-impact crash also depends on factors like speed, the weight of each vehicle, safety features, and whether or not the crash results in a rollover or other dangerous consequences.
If you were hurt in a side-impact collision, we urge you to reach out to a side-impact collisions lawyer in Roswell who can help you. Your lawyer can investigate the specific details of your accident and determine your damages. They can also pinpoint who was at fault and how they caused the collision.
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Why Side-Impact Crashes Occur
Side-impact accidents can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Road rage
- Fatigued driving
Many side-impact collisions occur when one driver runs a stop sign or red light at an intersection. They can easily collide into the side of another driver who is following traffic laws and crossing the intersection.
Most of the time, the at-fault driver in a side-impact accident was engaging in very negligent behavior right before the accident happened. They might have been distracted by their phone, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving while very low on sleep. Other times, a driver might actually ram their car into the side of another person’s vehicle in rage.
If you were not at fault in the crash, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. To do this, you’ll need to demonstrate how the other driver caused your accident and the damages you suffered as a result. This can be difficult, but an experienced side-impact collisions lawyer can make the process much easier for you.
How Liability Works in Roswell Side-Impact Collisions
Negligence is the key factor in any car accident case. According to Georgia Code section 51-1-2, negligence is the absence of care that is “exercised by ordinarily prudent persons under the same or similar circumstances.”
When someone’s negligence leads to an accident, it means they are legally liable for the damages. So, if another driver’s actions (or in-actions) lead to your side-impact collision and injuries, they are responsible for covering the costs.
To have a successful case, you will need to show that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care;
- They breached their duty of care;
- The driver’s breached duty led to the side-impact collision; and
- You suffered injuries and other damages as a result of the accident.
All drivers in Georgia owe each other a duty of care to act reasonably and safely on the roads. So, if the other driver was not being careful and their negligence led to your accident, you likely have a case.
If the side-impact collision resulted from the other driver clearly violating traffic laws, such as running a red light, that can act as powerful evidence of their negligence. Other times, it might be more difficult to prove that the other driver was at fault. Thankfully, that’s where an experienced side-impact collisions lawyer can help.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurance company might try to contact you soon after the accident or once you file your claim. Insurance companies will look for ways to pay as little as possible on injury claims, so be wary of any contact with them.
Common tactics insurers use against victims include:
- Offering a lowball settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your costs;
- Trying to intimidate you into accepting a low settlement;
- Asking you questions and then using your answers against you later; or
- Asking you to give a recorded statement or sign something detrimental to your case
Insurance companies know that most people are feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed after a car accident. They, unfortunately, like to use this to their advantage—which is why having a lawyer is so important.
Your Roswell side-impact collisions lawyer can handle the insurance company for you. They can be your point of contact and make sure the insurer does not use anything against you. If you are offered a lowball settlement, your lawyer will work to negotiate for a higher offer.
Damages You Can Pursue in a Side-Impact Collision Case
Any losses that you experience as a result of the accident are fair game in a personal injury case. If you did not cause the accident, you are not legally responsible for covering the costs.
Here are some of the damages you can include in your claim:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Tangible damages like medical costs and lost wages are fairly easy to demonstrate through dollar amounts. However, you’ll still need to consider future medical treatment and other losses you may face for a long time.
You’ll also need to come up with a value for emotional damages like pain and suffering. You’ll need help from a lawyer who can determine what these damages are worth in a dollar amount. Otherwise, you may miss out on the full recovery you deserve.
Speak with a Roswell Side Impact Collisions Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t get stuck paying for an accident you didn’t cause. Contact John Foy & Associates today and we’ll discuss your case during a FREE consultation. We bring over 20 years of experience to the table, and we know what it takes to fight and win.
To get started for FREE, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
