Statesboro T-Bone Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can happen in countless ways, but there are some types of collisions that are particularly notorious for causing more severe injuries and even fatalities. T-bone accidents, also known as angle collisions, is a type of vehicle collision that stands out as being highly dangerous due to the location of the crash on the vehicle and the speeds that are usually involved. If you have been involved in a T-bone accident in Statesboro or anywhere in Georgia, understanding the dynamics of these crashes, their common causes, and your legal rights is crucial.

The Statesboro t-bone accident lawyer team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm are dedicated to helping those injured in car accidents across Georgia, and are here to help you when you need them. Call us today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation.

What is a T-Bone Accident?

A T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These collisions frequently happen at intersections, where vehicles may be crossing paths. Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, where the impact is usually absorbed by the front or rear areas of the vehicle, a T-bone crash directs the full force of the collision into the side of a vehicle, offering significantly less protection to the occupants.

Hazardous Statesboro Areas for T-bone Crashes

A t-bone crash can happen anywhere in Statesboro, but there are a few places where they could be more likely to occur due to their high number of car accidents. Some of the more likely places for t-bone accidents to occur are:

1. Intersections along Veterans Memorial Parkway (US 301 Bypass): This bypass is consistently identified as having the most dangerous intersections in Statesboro due to high speeds and heavy traffic. Specifically, the following intersections are known hotspots:

• Veterans Memorial Parkway @ Fair Road (SR 67): This intersection is consistently cited as the busiest and most crash-prone in Statesboro. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has even recommended converting it to a large roundabout to reduce T-bone crashes, recognizing the severity of accidents there. The presence of multiple lanes and high traffic volume creates many conflict points.
• Veterans Memorial Parkway @ Lanier Drive
• Veterans Memorial Parkway @ Brannen Street
• Veterans Memorial Parkway @ Northside Drive E
• Veterans Memorial Parkway @ South Main Street

Many of these intersections have traffic lights, but drivers are constantly running red lights or making unsafe turns at these intersections, increasing the risk of t-bone accidents to occur.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Georgia

T-bone accidents are often the result of a driver’s failure to obey traffic laws or exercise caution, particularly at intersections. Several contributing factors are highlighted in the sources that frequently lead to this type of collision:

• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: A primary cause of t-bone collisions is a driver failing to stop at a traffic signal or stop sign and entering an intersection when it is not safe to do so.
• Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way
• Distracted Driving: When drivers are distracted, they may fail to notice changes in traffic, traffic signals, or other vehicles entering an intersection. Distracted driving played a role in over half of all motor vehicle crashes in Georgia in 2022.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty coordinating their actions, making them much more likely to cause intersection collisions.
• Speeding: Traveling too fast reduces a driver’s ability to stop or react in time to avoid a collision, especially at intersections.
• Illegal Maneuvers
• Driver Inattention or Inadequate Surveillance: Simply failing to pay attention or adequately scan the roadway for hazards can result in not seeing other vehicles and causing a collision.

Common Injuries Sustained in T-Bone Accidents

Due to the direct impact on the side of the vehicle and the vulnerability of the occupants on the side of the car versus being hit in the front or rear of the car, T-bone accidents often result in severe and potentially life-threatening injuries. The types of injuries can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the size difference between the vehicles, and where occupants were seated. Common injuries reported in various types of traffic crashes in Georgia, which are frequently seen in T-bone accidents, include:

• Head Injuries: These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting or permanent effects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is a severe injury that can result in paralysis or other permanent disabilities. It is essential to avoid movement if a serious injury like a neck or back injury is suspected after a car accident.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common, particularly in the limbs, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone, often resulting from the force of the impact or being pinned within the vehicle. Many victims suffer broken bones, particularly in their hands and wrists where there are many smaller bones that tend to break when a person tries to brace themselves for the impact of an accident.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other internal injuries can occur from the impact.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: While sometimes considered minor, there can be some severe soft tissue injuries like whiplash from t-bone accidents, which can be debilitating and require extensive medical treatment.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Occupants may suffer cuts and scrapes from shattered glass or contact with damaged parts of the vehicle.

Catastrophic injuries, defined as severe and disabling, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, and paralysis, often require lifelong medical care and have profound impacts on your life and livelihood. If you have been injured in a t-bone accident in Georgia, you may be seeking compensation from the other party who caused the accident. When that happens, you should trust the Statesboro t-bone accident lawyer team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 912-764-3434 to discuss your case for free with an attorney.

Legal Aspects of a T-Bone Accident Claim in Georgia

If you have been injured in a T-bone accident in Georgia due to another driver’s negligence, you may have the legal right to file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for your losses. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for causing an accident could be liable for damages.

To succeed in a negligence claim in Georgia, you must prove four elements:

1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care (for example, the duty to obey traffic laws).
2. Breach of Duty: The at-fault party breached this duty (for example, a person ran a red light, failed to yield).
3. Causation: The at-fault party’s breach directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered actual harm or damages as a result of the injuries.

The state of Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault is less than 50%. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, however, any compensation awarded to you will be reduced by the amount you were responsible for the accident. For example, if you are found to be 10% responsible for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you would claim $90,000 in compensation, or 10% less than the awarded compensation. However, if you are found 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages. A Statesboro t-bone accident lawyer can work to reduce your assigned blame by establishing evidence in your favor. Call Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation to see how we can get you the compensation you deserve.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Victims of T-bone accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover the full extent of their losses. These damages can be categorized as:

• Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other incidental expenses related to the injury.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible losses, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationships).
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

In any personal injury case, your claim likely requires meticulous documentation and knowledge of the Georgia legal system. A Statesboro t-bone accident lawyer can help you account for all the losses you suffered and fight to get you the maximum amount of recovery for your injuries.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Action

Following a T-bone accident, it is crucial to take the proper actions quickly to safeguard your rights. This includes seeking immediate medical care, even for a minor injury, to document injuries and ensure your health. You should also notify the police about the accident in order to get documentation of the accident through an official police report.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you generally lose your right to sue for damages. While exceptions may exist, it is crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm as soon as possible. Prompt legal attention allows your attorney to file within the statute of limitations and collect evidence and witness testimony while it is still fresh. Call our experienced attorneys today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation.

How a Statesboro T-Bone Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the legal process after suffering injuries due to a T-bone accident can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when dealing with painful injuries and mounting expenses. An experienced Statesboro t-bone accident lawyer can be your best advocate, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Call the offices of Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation today.