Georgia T-Bone Accident Lawyer in Atlanta
Let a T-Bone Accident Attorney Aggressively Fight for Your Rights
Traffic intersections can be dangerous places. With so many different vehicles heading in so many different directions, car accidents are bound to happen. One of the most common intersection accidents is a T-bone collision, also known as a broadside collision or side impact accident.
So, what is a T-bone accident? This type of crash involves one car driving into the side of another car, forming a "T" shape. When these accidents occur at an intersection in Georgia, knowing what to do afterward can be confusing. That's why it's important to talk to an experienced Georgia T-bone accident lawyer about your crash right away.
In Georgia, accident victims regularly rely on the knowledge and experience of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Our Atlanta auto accident attorneys know what to do after a serious intersection accident. That's because we have handled many complicated car accident cases throughout the state.
Experience matters — and so does your case. Put your trust in us. Contact us today.
“Gary Martin Hays and Sarah Jett did an amazing job with my case. They handled my injury case professionally so I could focus on trying to g“They were great. Constant communication, emails. I was never in the dark. They are worth every penny of their attorney fee because they worked hard for me while I was able to just focus on getting well.”
– Chanel E.
Google Average Rating: 4.5 stars from 150 reviews
FAQs About T-Bone Accident Claims in Georgia
- Who is at fault in a T-bone accident at an intersection?
- What should I do immediately after a T-bone accident to protect my legal rights?
- What are the most common causes of T-bone accidents in Georgia?
- Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured in a T-bone crash caused by another driver running a red light or stop sign?
- What types of injuries are most common in T-bone accidents, and how can they impact my claim?
- What damages can I recover in a T-bone accident lawsuit in Georgia?
- How do I prove the other driver was at fault in an intersection accident?
- Are T-bone accident claims different if a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver caused the crash?
- What is the average compensation for T-bone accidents?
- What if my loved one was killed in a T-bone accident in Atlanta — can I file a wrongful death claim?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a T-bone accident in Georgia?
- How do insurance companies try to avoid paying full compensation for T-bone accident claims?
- Why are intersection accidents in Atlanta so dangerous, and how do Georgia traffic laws affect liability?
- How can a lawyer help me recover the maximum compensation after a T-bone accident?
- How much does it cost to hire a T-bone accident lawyer in Atlanta, and do I have to pay upfront?
In this video, attorney Gary Martin Hays explains what needs to be proved in a car accident claim.
Who is at fault in a T-bone accident at an intersection?
Establishing liability (meaning who is legally at fault) in these accidents can be complicated. Generally, the at-fault driver is the one who failed to yield the right-of-way, took an unlawful left turn, or ran a red light or stop sign.
However, that is not always clear. Factors such as road conditions, traffic signals, and drunk driving can all play a role in determining who is at fault. This is why you need an experienced T-bone accident lawyer. An attorney can evaluate your case and find important evidence that proves the other driver was at fault.
What should I do immediately after a T-bone accident to protect my legal rights?
The moments after a T-bone accident are critical for both your physical well-being and your legal case. Taking the right steps can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and strengthen any claim you may need to file against the at-fault driver. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries do not seem severe at first, internal injuries, concussions, and spinal damage can have delayed symptoms.
- Call the Police: A police report is crucial for documenting the accident, identifying witnesses, and recording any citations issued to the at-fault driver.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, intersection, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain Witness Information: Witness testimony can help establish fault, especially in cases where the at-fault driver denies responsibility.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements to the other driver or their insurance company that could be used against you later.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurer, but do not agree to any recorded statements or settlements without legal advice.
- Consult an Attorney Before Accepting Any Offers: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for far less than victims deserve.
Following these steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim. Speaking with an experienced lawyer can help ensure that evidence is preserved, liability is properly assigned, and you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
What are the most common causes of T-bone accidents in Georgia?
Intersection accidents happen for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes of intersection accidents and T-bone crashes include:
- Distracted driving (especially texting while driving or using a cell phone)
- Speeding drivers (especially drivers who run a red light)
- Drivers who are under the influence (including DUI and drugged driving)
- Falling asleep at the wheel
T-Bone accidents happen for many other reasons. And in each case, accident victims need to explore their legal rights. That's why we want to meet with you right away.
Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured in a T-bone crash caused by another driver running a red light or stop sign?
If another driver ran a red light or stop sign and caused a T-bone accident, you can file a lawsuit for damages. In Georgia, fault is determined by negligence, and traffic violations like running a red light can be strong evidence of liability. However, insurance companies may still try to dispute fault, claiming you were speeding or failed to react in time. An attorney can help gather intersection surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements to prove the other driver’s negligence and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
What types of injuries are most common in T-bone accidents, and how can they impact my claim?
T-bone accidents can result in a range of serious injuries due to the lack of protection the side of a car provides compared to the front and rear bumpers. Common T-bone accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head Injuries
- Chest injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Pelvic and hip injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
What damages can I recover in a T-bone accident lawsuit in Georgia?
T-bone accidents often cause severe injuries, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term hardships. A lawsuit can help recover compensation for all financial and personal losses. The damages that may be available include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: Compensates for time missed from work due to injuries, as well as future lost earning potential if the injuries prevent returning to the same job.
- Pain and Suffering: Accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and recovery process.
- Property Damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing a totaled or severely damaged vehicle.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Provides compensation for permanent injuries that affect quality of life or require ongoing care.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Recognizes the limitations placed on daily activities, hobbies, and overall lifestyle due to accident-related injuries.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a T-bone crash, surviving family members may be entitled to funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other compensation.
Knowing what damages you can pursue is essential to ensuring you are not left covering costs on your own. An attorney can evaluate the full impact of your accident and fight for the maximum compensation available under Georgia law.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault in an intersection accident?
Proving fault in a T-bone accident can be challenging, especially when both drivers claim they had the right of way. Strong evidence is necessary to establish that the other driver was responsible. Key ways to prove fault include:
- Traffic Camera Footage: Many Atlanta intersections, such as those along Peachtree Street or near I-85, have traffic cameras that can provide critical video evidence.
- Police Report Findings: If the responding officer issues a citation to the other driver for running a red light, failing to yield, or reckless driving, this can support your claim.
- Witness Statements: Independent witnesses can confirm what happened and provide unbiased accounts of the accident.
- Vehicle Damage Analysis: The location of impact and the severity of damage can help reconstruct how the accident occurred.
- Skid Marks and Road Conditions: Evidence from the accident scene, such as skid marks and debris, can indicate speed, braking distance, and driver reaction times.
- Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, phone records may prove the driver was texting or on a call at the time of the crash.
An attorney can gather this evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build a compelling case to establish the other driver’s negligence.
Are T-bone accident claims different if a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver caused the crash?
Yes, T-bone accident claims become more complex when a commercial truck, delivery van, or rideshare driver is involved. Commercial drivers are often backed by large corporate insurance policies that will aggressively defend against claims. Rideshare accidents, such as those involving Uber or Lyft, may involve multiple policies, including the driver’s personal insurance and the company’s coverage. An attorney can identify all available sources of compensation and navigate the legal complexities unique to commercial and rideshare claims.
What is the average compensation for T-bone accidents?
T-bone accidents have no average payout because every accident case is unique. How much money a T-bone accident is worth can vary due to multiple factors, including the severity of injuries, lost wages, and the impact on a victim's life.
Considering all these factors, compensation amounts can differ significantly from case to case. Some T-bone accidents might result in relatively minor injuries and damages, while others could lead to more serious damages.
What if my loved one was killed in a T-bone accident in Atlanta — can I file a wrongful death claim?
Yes, Georgia law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one was killed in a T-bone accident caused by another driver’s negligence. Surviving spouses, children, or parents can seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss. Fatal T-bone crashes frequently happen at dangerous intersections like Moreland Avenue and Memorial Drive or near busy areas like the I-75/I-85 connector. Since wrongful death cases involve complex legal and financial factors, an attorney can ensure surviving family members receive the full compensation they deserve.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a T-bone accident in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit after a T-bone accident is two years from the date of the crash. This deadline applies to cases in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, whether the accident happened at an intersection in Buckhead or on a rural highway like US-78. If a government entity is involved, such as a city-maintained intersection where a malfunctioning traffic light contributed to the crash, the deadline may be even shorter. Missing this deadline means losing your right to seek compensation, so contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is essential.
How do insurance companies try to avoid paying full compensation for T-bone accident claims?
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they often use aggressive tactics to reduce the compensation victims receive. Some of the most common strategies include:
- Shifting Blame: Insurers may argue that the victim was partially or fully responsible for the accident, even if the evidence suggests otherwise.
- Downplaying Injuries: Insurance adjusters often claim that injuries are not as serious as reported or that they were pre-existing conditions.
- Pressuring Victims to Settle Quickly: Initial settlement offers are often far below the actual value of the claim, hoping victims will accept before consulting a lawyer.
- Delaying Claims: Some insurers intentionally delay processing claims, hoping financial stress will force victims into accepting a low settlement.
- Disputing Medical Treatment: Insurance companies may claim that certain treatments were unnecessary or unrelated to the accident.
Understanding these tactics can help victims avoid costly mistakes. A lawyer can handle all negotiations, push back against unfair denials, and ensure the insurance company pays what is truly owed.
Why are intersection accidents in Atlanta so dangerous, and how do Georgia traffic laws affect liability?
Atlanta has some of the most congested intersections in Georgia, and T-bone accidents are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles. Factors that make these crashes so hazardous include:
- High-Speed Collisions: Busy intersections like Northside Drive and 10th Street or Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive see frequent T-bone crashes at dangerous speeds.
- Red-Light Running: Many accidents happen when drivers ignore traffic signals, a major issue on roads like Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
- Left-Turn Crashes: Some of the most severe T-bone accidents occur when drivers fail to yield while making a left turn at intersections without protected signals.
- Distracted Driving: Phones, GPS devices, and other distractions increase the risk of drivers running red lights or failing to stop at intersections.
- Traffic Law Violations: Georgia’s failure-to-yield laws and red-light camera enforcement can help establish liability in T-bone crash claims.
Understanding how these factors contribute to accidents can strengthen a legal claim. An attorney can analyze traffic laws, obtain video footage, and determine liability to maximize a victim’s recovery.
How can a lawyer help me recover the maximum compensation after a T-bone accident?
T-bone accident victims often face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, making legal representation critical. A lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering police reports, video footage, and witness statements to establish fault.
- Calculating Total Damages: Ensuring all medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term care expenses are included in the claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Pushing back against low settlement offers and delaying tactics used by insurers.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can take the case to court.
- Ensuring All Deadlines Are Met: Georgia’s statute of limitations requires filing a lawsuit within two years, and missing this deadline can prevent victims from recovering damages.
With so much at stake after a serious T-bone accident, having an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in securing full and fair compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a T-bone accident lawyer in Atlanta, and do I have to pay upfront?
Most personal injury lawyers in Atlanta handle T-bone accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you, typically receiving a percentage of the final settlement or court award. This arrangement allows injured victims to access legal representation without worrying about immediate costs. Since insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, having a lawyer negotiate on your behalf can significantly increase the amount of compensation you receive.
Our Atlanta T-Bone Accident Lawyers Will Fight for You
When you have our Georgia intersection accident lawyers on your side, you can take an aggressive stance against insurance companies and anyone else who stands in your way of justice. As your attorney, we can prove who is at fault. We investigate your wreck and help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your intersection accident.
Armed with the facts, we can negotiate with the other driver's insurance company and demand a fair settlement offer. And if they refuse to cooperate, we're prepared to take them to court and file a lawsuit on your behalf against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company.
Remember, you didn't do anything wrong. You shouldn't have to pay for someone else's reckless behavior. Find out how our broadside collision attorneys can help you. If you were T-boned in Georgia, schedule your free case evaluation today. Call 1-800-898-HAYS.
Common causes of T-Bone car accidents
Intersection accidents happen for many different reasons.
Some of the most common causes of intersection accidents and T-bone crashes include:
- Distracted driving (especially texting while driving or using a cellphone)
- Speeding drivers (especially drivers who run a red light)
- Drivers who are under the influence (including DUI and drugged driving)
- Falling asleep at the wheel
T-Bone accidents happen for many other reasons. And in each case, it's important for accident victims to explore their legal rights. That's why we want to meet with you right away.
Common T-bone accident injuries
T-bone accidents can result in a range of serious injuries due to the lack the protection the side of a car provides compared to the front and rear bumpers. Common T-bone accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head Injuries
- Chest injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Pelvic and hip injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
Who is at fault for a T-bone accident?
Establishing liability (meaning who is legally at fault) in these accidents can be complicated. Generally, the at-fault driver is the one who failed to yield the right-of-way, took an unlawful left turn, or ran a red light or stop sign.
However, that is not always clear. Factors such as road conditions, traffic signals and drunk driving can all play a role when determining who is at fault. This is why you need an experienced T-bone accident lawyer. They can evaluate your case and find important evidence that proves the other driver was at fault.
What is the average compensation for T-bone accidents?
There is no average payout for T-bone accidents because every accident case is unique. How much money a T-bone accident is worth can vary due to multiple factors, including the severity of injuries, lost wages, and the impact on a victim's life.
Take all these factors into consideration and compensation amounts can differ significantly from case to case. Some T-bone accidents might result in relatively minor injuries and damages, while others could lead to more serious damages.
Our legal team can fight for you
When you have our Georgia intersection accident lawyers on your side, you can take an aggressive stance against insurance companies and anyone else who stands in your way for your justice. As your attorney, we can prove who is at fault. We investigate your wreck and help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your intersection accident.
Armed with the facts, we can negotiate with the other driver's insurance company and demand a fair settlement offer. And if they refuse to cooperate, we're prepared to take them to court and file a lawsuit on your behalf against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company.
Remember, you didn't do anything wrong. You shouldn't have to pay for someone else's reckless behavior. Find out how our broadside collision attorneys can help you. If you were T-boned in Georgia, schedule your free case evaluation today at one of our six Georgia offices today. Call 1-800-898-HAYS.
Find a location near you