Atlanta Side-Impact Collision Accident Lawyer

A side-impact collision, otherwise known as a T-bone accident or a broadside crash, can cause devastating injuries to those involved. These types of accidents are alarmingly common in the state of Georgia, particularly at intersections where the flow of traffic is regulated by signals and signs. The consequences of a side-impact collision can be severe due in part to vehicle design, which offer less structural protection along their sides compared to the front or rear. This lessened structural protection means that persons in the vehicle are more susceptible to injury in a collision on the side of the car versus the front or rear of the car.

If you’ve been in an accident where another vehicle or truck has struck your car from the side, you may have legal rights to exercise. Our Atlanta side-impact collision accident lawyerteam is available at 404-975-1775 or online to learn about the specifics of your case. It’s always free to talk to our team so you have nothing to lose.

Establishing Liability and Fault in Georgia

Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the side-impact collision, your ability to recover compensation may be affected. An example of this would be if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident you are filing a claim for, then any compensation you receive for that claim would be reduced by 20%. Also in the state of Georgia, you are not allowed to proceed with a claim if you are determined to be over 50% at fault for the accident.

The determination of fault, and the assignment of a percentage of fault to each party involved, can be made by insurance adjusters during the claims process or by a judge or jury if the case proceeds to trial. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney from Merritt and Merritt Law Firm will guarantee you get the best legal representation possible to get the most out of your claim.

In Georgia, you must be able to prove that the driver who caused the accident was negligent in some way, and that negligence caused the accident that you suffered injuries or damages from. There are several common negligent behaviors that are found to frequently contribute to side-impact collisions. For example:

• Drivers who run red lights or stop signs
• Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way
• Distracted driving
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding, or engaging in reckless or aggressive driving

Identifying the specific negligent action or actions of the at-fault driver is a critical step in building a successful personal injury claim that the attorneys at Merritt and Merritt Law Firm will diligently work with you to discover.

Evidence such as police reports, witness statements from individuals who observed the collision, traffic camera footage, and in some cases, the analysis of accident reconstruction experts may all be examples of the types of documentation we will gather for your case to get the best possible outcome.

Damages in a Side-Impact Accident in Atlanta

Georgia law mandates that all drivers are legally required to carry a minimum level of liability car insurance to help cover the costs associated with accidents they may cause. Although insurance is required by law, it’s important to understand that insurance may not be sufficient to fully cover the damages resulting from a serious side-impact collision, or a person may be illegally driving without insurance at all. If you are involved in a side-impact collision caused by another driver, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. We encourage you to call 404-975-1775 to learn more about your legal options. You could either be compensated by a settlement with the insurance agency, or if that is not an agreeable amount, you may take your case to court.

The damages you may be entitled to recover in could include compensation for the following:

• Current or future medical bills
• Lost wages that you incurred due to time off work or work that you will not be able to perform anymore due to your injuries
• Property damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings
• Any compensation for your pain and suffering

Our highly experienced Atlanta side-impact collision accident lawyer team at Merritt and Merritt can help you through this complex process, from helping with insurance negotiations to representing you in court so you can focus on your recovery.

Frequency and Severity of Side-Impact Collisions in Georgia

Side-impact car crashes can lead to severe and possible life threatening injuries. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that side impact car crashes are the second most lethal type of collision after head-on crashes. Some locations where these collisions are particularly frequent include dangerous intersections where drivers often fail to obey traffic signals or yield the right-of-way, as well as areas where distracted or impaired driving is prevalent.

Common Injuries and Their Long-Term Impacts

The injuries resulting from side-impact collisions can be varied and can often be severe. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), neck and shoulder injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or severe bruising and other soft tissue injuries. The severity of these injuries can vary based on several factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, their weight, and the presence and effectiveness of safety features in the vehicles like side airbags.

Some injuries that occur could be so severe that they require long-term medical care. Many victims can experience chronic pain that persists for months, years, or even a lifetime. These permanent injuries could have a severe impact on a person’s life. Emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, is also a common impact of someone who survived a side impact collision. These psychological effects could severely impact someone’s quality of life and their ability to enjoy their daily life as they once did before.

On top of the physical and emotional distress a side impact collision could cause, the financial burden associated with ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lost income could also be a substantial burden on a person and their family. If you find yourself recovering from a side impact collision, you should hire a compassionate attorney at Merritt and Merritt Law Firm that will take on the burden of fighting for your rights to get you the compensation you need so you can concentrate on your recovery.

The Legal Process of Filing a Claim in Georgia

If you have been injured in a side-impact collision in Georgia, the legal situation can look daunting. By calling the Merritt and Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775, we can provide you a free case evaluation.

Following the consultation, if you decide to proceed with a claim, your dedicated attorney will begin a thorough investigation into the accident which involves gathering crucial evidence. This evidence could include official police reports, statements from any witnesses to the collision, your medical records documenting your injuries and treatment, and potentially a reconstruction of the accident. If you are safely able to take photos of the accident soon after it happens, those photos could also provide vital evidence in establishing the fault of the other driver.

After all of the necessary evidence is gathered, your attorney will contact the insurance agencies to negotiate a settlement amount. If that amount is not fair, then the case may proceed to court to obtain a better compensation amount. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injury compensation. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to pursue compensation. This is why it is best to have an experienced attorney by your side to handle your case and fight for the rights you deserve.

What to Do After a Side-Impact Accident in Atlanta

If you find yourself involved in a side-impact collision in Georgia, safely taking the right steps immediately following the accident is essential to get your compensation. First and foremost, ensure that you and others are safe and call emergency services if there are any injuries. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, some injuries may not be immediately present, so it may be in your best interest to contact medical authorities.

It is also important to report the accident to the police, regardless of how minor the accident may seem. The police will be able to provide an official police report that can be used as evidence to prove that you were not at fault in the accident. If you are physically able to exchange phone numbers with the others involved in the accident, you should do so and also gather any information you can from any person who witnessed the accident. Taking your own photos of the accident can also help your case if you are able to safely do so, and call your insurance agency as soon as you can about the accident.

Free Consultation: Speak with an Atlanta Side-Impact Collision Accident Lawyer Today

We invite you to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the side-impact collision. The attorneys at Merritt and Merritt Law Firm can advise you on your legal rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure that your interests are protected every step of the way. It’s easy to take the first step and speak with an experienced member of our team. Call 404-975-1775 or contact us online today to learn more.