Helping T-bone accident victims in Atlanta protect their rights and recover
maximum compensation
Have you or a loved one been involved in a T-bone accident in Atlanta, Georgia?
Such accidents, often occurring at intersections, are among the most dangerous and unexpected on our roads.
In this article, we’ll delve into the unique hazards of T-bone collisions, exploring why they happen, the injuries they can cause, and the lasting impact they can have on your life. We’ll also guide you through the steps you should take to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for the losses and challenges you’ve faced.
If you have any questions or would like help filing a claim or determining how much your claim is worth, reach out to the skilled Atlanta injury attorneys at Gerber & Holder to schedule a free consultation.
What does T-bone in an accident mean?
T-bone accidents are dubbed such because of the way 2 vehicles collide in a crash in which one car strikes the side of another, causing the vehicles to form a “T” shape.
T-bone accidents pose a significant risk due to the minimal protective features on the sides of most vehicles. Unlike the front areas of cars, which are often equipped with various safety measures, the sides lack a substantial buffer zone.
This absence of side protection means that when a vehicle is struck laterally, occupants are more vulnerable to serious injuries, making T-bone collisions particularly hazardous compared to other types of accidents like head-on collisions.
How common are T-bone accidents?
Unfortunately, T-bone crashes are fairly common events. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 16% of car accidents in the U.S. in 2021 were side-impact crashes.
How do T-bone accidents typically occur?
T-bone accidents typically happen at intersections, often as a result of a driver running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign. These collisions are frequently linked to distracted driving and often involve drunk driving or speeding, which can lead to more severe injuries.
Such accidents, commonly caused by a disregard for traffic laws, are largely preventable.
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What types of injuries are commonly associated with T-bone accidents?
Because of the minimal protection drivers and passengers have in side-impact crashes, T-bone accidents often result in serious, sometimes catastrophic injuries. Many of these injuries can be life-changing, impacting the victim’s ability to work and participate in everyday activities.
The following are common injuries stemming from T-bone accidents:
- Broken bones. Many victims of T-bone accidents suffer fractures. Depending on the severity of these injuries, a person can be left with simple or compound fractures. The latter are more serious and often result in a bone penetrating through the skin. Surgery is often necessary to repair the damage, and rehabilitation is crucial.
- Internal injuries. T-bone collisions often happen at high impact, which increases the risk of internal injuries. This can manifest in internal organ damage and internal bleeding. These serious injuries can require extensive surgery and should be treated as medical emergencies.
- Soft tissue injuries. People can suffer whiplash, lacerations, sprains or strains after a T-bone accident. These injuries often cause chronic pain and stiffness and can compromise one’s range of motion. If lacerations occur, the risk of infection can also be a concern.
- Spinal cord injuries. When a person is involved in a T-bone accident, it can cause their body to be violently jerked upon impact. They can suffer damage to the back and spinal cord, which can range from moderate to severe. A vertebral disc may be dislodged or even broken. In some cases, paralysis can occur, leaving the person permanently disabled and needing a lifetime of medical care.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Upon the impact of a T-bone collision, a person’s head can strike the steering wheel, dashboard or even a window, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Such injuries can be mild and temporary, severe and permanent, or even lead to death.
Who’s typically at fault in a T-bone accident?
In T-bone accidents, fault typically lies with the driver who acted contrary to traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield at a stop sign. However, determining fault can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of each incident.
While proving fault often requires a thorough investigation into the actions of both drivers leading up to the collision, generally speaking, the driver who failed to adhere to road rules or was driving distractedly is generally considered at fault in these situations.
How do you prove fault in a Georgia car accident?
To prove fault in a car accident in Georgia, one must demonstrate that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident and resulting damages (like property damage, lost wages, medical bills, etc.).
This involves collecting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the accident scene. Accident reconstruction reports and expert testimonies can also be vital.
In any car accident claim, establishing clear evidence is key to proving fault and recovering compensation.
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Can I still get compensation if the accident
was partially my fault?
Some T-bone accidents are not cut and dry in terms of who’s at fault, and both drivers may be found to be responsible. In Georgia, if you’re partially at fault for a T-bone accident, the modified comparative negligence rule applies.
This means you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Here’s an example: If you’re found to be 30% at fault for speeding at the time of the accident, but the other driver is found to be 70% at fault for running a red light, you can still recover damages. However, if your total damages are $100,000, you would only receive $70,000, reflecting the 30% reduction due to your partial fault.
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule makes it crucial for anyone involved in a T-bone accident to take the necessary steps to minimize their liability after an accident. This includes calling the police to the accident site, not admitting fault when speaking with the other driver, seeking immediate medical care, and contacting an attorney to help gather and preserve evidence.
What types of compensation can I expect
after a T-bone accident?
While the average payout for a T-bone accident depends on the specific circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, if you win a car accident claim stemming from a T-bone accident, you can recover certain damages as part of your compensation. They include:
- Economic damages include compensation for damages that carry a specific monetary amount, such as medical expenses, lost wages and damages to your vehicle.
- Noneconomic damages are those that don’t have a specific dollar amount, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life, and loss of companionship if a loved one is paralyzed or killed in an accident.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding a T-bone accident, you could even receive punitive damages. If the at-fault driver’s behavior was particularly egregious, the jury might decide to award this extra compensation as a way to punish that person and deter others from similar behavior.
How much time do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your claim within that period, you typically forfeit your right to recover any compensation.
Because of this, it’s essential to contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible to begin the formal process of filing a lawsuit.
Were you injured in a T-bone accident in Georgia? Get the help you need from
Gerber & Holder.
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident in Georgia, it’s crucial to have the right legal representation to guide you through the claims process so you can secure maximum compensation.
The knowledgeable Atlanta injury attorneys at Gerber & Holder are here to provide the assistance you need. With our expertise in handling complex auto accident cases, including those involving T-bone collisions, we can help ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
We understand that navigating the aftermath of such an accident can be overwhelming, but with our experienced legal team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the negotiations with insurers and other legal requirements.
You don’t face the aftermath of a T-bone accident alone; let Gerber & Holder guide you through this challenging time and help secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Get started by scheduling a free consultation today.
References
Traffic Safety Facts 2021. (n.d.). https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813527