T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, involve the front end of one vehicle hitting the side of another, creating a wreck shaped like the bone in the eponymous cut of steak. These auto crashes often cause serious injuries because the sides of cars provide less protection than the front or back, which have crumple zones.
If you have been injured in a T-bone accident in Atlanta, an Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer at Bayuk Pratt is ready to help you pursue fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s demand the money and justice you deserve.
Where Do Most T-Bone Crashes Happen?
T-bone collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, with angle crashes accounting for 32.5 percent of all multi-vehicle crashes annually, per the National Safety Council (NSC). They tend to happen in areas where vehicles cross paths at different angles, most commonly at intersections. Parking lots can also be dangerous spots for T-bone accidents, especially when drivers are backing out of spaces without paying close attention.
What Are the Most Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents in Atlanta?
Several factors can lead to a T-bone accident, but some of the most common causes include:
- Failure to yield – One of the main reasons T-bone accidents happen is when a driver doesn’t yield the right of way when required to do so. For example, if another driver runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign, they might crash into another car that had the right to pass through the intersection. Failure to yield is dangerous because it often leaves little time for the other driver to avoid a car crash.
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are using their cell phones, talking to passengers, or engaging in other activities that take their attention off the road are prone to making preventable mistakes. A distracted driver may not notice traffic signals or other vehicles crossing in front of them, which might cause a T-bone crash.
- Speeding – Driving too fast is another common cause of T-bone accidents. When a driver speeds, they have less time to react to changing traffic conditions.
- Drunk driving – Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time. In T-bone accidents, drunk drivers may fail to notice traffic lights, signs, or other vehicles, leading to dangerous side-impact collisions.
If you were injured in a car crash, reach out for help from an experienced injury attorney who can investigate the collision and determine who is at fault.
What Types of Injuries Can Occur in a T-Bone Car Accident?
The sides of vehicles are not as well-protected as the front or rear, which is one reason that the NSC estimates that angle collisions account for a plurality of all multi-car accident injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash – T-bone crashes often cause this type of injury. It can result in pain, stiffness, and trouble moving your neck.
- Broken bones – The force of a T-bone collision can fracture bones. The arms, legs, and ribs are the parts of the body more vulnerable in a side-impact crash.
- Traumatic brain injuries – When a vehicle is hit from the side, the driver or passengers may hit their heads on the window, door, or dashboard, causing concussions or more severe head injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries – The back can take the brunt of the force in a crash, which can lead to severe injuries to the spine.
- Internal injuries – Serious T-bone accidents can result in internal bleeding or organ damage, which might require emergency surgery.
T-bone crashes often cause catastrophic injuries. If you suffered significant injuries in a T-bone crash, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bayuk Pratt. Contact us today for a free case review.
Who Can Be Held at Fault in a T-Bone Collision?
Typically, the driver who fails to follow traffic laws, such as running a red light or failing to yield, is at fault for an accident and, therefore, financially liable for the consequences. However, proving fault can sometimes be complicated, especially if both drivers claim they had the right of way.
An experienced Atlanta T-bone accident attorney can investigate the crash and gather evidence to build your T-bone accident claim. This may include:
- Traffic camera footage
- Statements from witnesses
- Traffic citations
- Photos and/or videos of the vehicles and accident scene
- Your medical records
- Damage to the vehicles involved in the accident
- Phone records to determine if the other driver was on the phone
- Police reports
An Atlanta car accident lawyer may also consult accident reconstruction experts, who can recreate the circumstances of the accident to illustrate what took place and why. This evidence can help show who was responsible for the accident and ensure that the right person is held accountable.
Can I Seek Compensation for My Damages?
If you’ve been hurt in a T-bone accident in Atlanta, you may be entitled to financial compensation for various losses and expenses, including:
- Medical expenses – This can cover the cost of emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments you may need due to the accident.
- Lost wages – If you can’t work due to your injuries, you may receive compensation for the income you’ve lost while recovering, as well as income you can no longer earn because of the long-term effects your injuries have on your career.
- Pain and suffering – T-bone crashes can cause debilitating emotional and physical pain and suffering.
- Property damage –Your compensation can also help pay for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
If you have suffered severe injuries in a T-bone crash, our car accident lawyers can pursue compensation on your behalf. We have a proven track record of recovering maximum compensation on behalf of injury victims. We’ve successfully recovered more than $300 million for people just like you. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?
You have two years from the date of a T-bone accident to file a personal injury claim under Georgia’s statute of limitations. If you don’t file within that time, you’ll lose the chance to recover compensation for your losses and expenses.
Given Georgia’s strict deadline on personal injury claims, it is important to act quickly and contact a car accident lawyer to help you through the legal process. The sooner you start working on your case, the better positioned you’ll be to recover fair compensation.
Contact an Atlanta T-Bone Accident Lawyer at Bayuk Pratt
If you’ve been injured in a T-bone accident, it is essential that you seek legal help right away. The fearless legal advocates at Bayuk Pratt can evaluate your claim to determine liability and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you move forward after a T-bone collision.