Statistics from the National Safety Council reveal that an overwhelming 44.9% of fatal collisions with other vehicles are angle collisions, also known as T bone car accidents.
If you’ve experienced a T bone crash in Georgia, then it’s necessary to quickly seek out medical help, identify who or what caused the crash, and determine your options for recovery. In situations where another party was at fault, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and property loss.
Here at Singleton Law Firm, our team of experienced Atlanta T bone accident attorneys can help you unpack what happened and work towards determining your options for recovery. Find out everything you know to navigate the aftermath of your accident successfully below.
What is a T-Bone Accident?
A T bone car accident occurs when one vehicle hits another vehicle at a perpendicular (or T shaped) angle. This type of side-impact crash is especially dangerous for any passengers who absorb the main impact of the other vehicle directly, which is why it causes so many fatal accidents.
Definition and Causes of T-Bone Collisions
A car accident can involve multiple vehicles or just one, but a t bone crash always involves two vehicles that wind up colliding at a perpendicular (T-shaped) angle. These types of crashes typically happen at intersections when one car fails to properly yield to the other vehicle’s right of way. A T-bone collision can also happen at left turns or in parking areas.
Why T-Bone Accidents Are Often Severe
A T bone car accident has the potential to be very severe for multiple reasons. For one, angled accidents mean that the injured person usually takes on the brunt of the impact of the other car’s front end. For another, vehicles traditionally have less structural protection on the sides than they do in the front or rear, so an angled crash leaves the injured person in the most vulnerable spot they could be in.
Some of the most common types of injuries after an angled crash are traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones and fractures, organ damage, and lacerations. A t bone crash can also lead to a wrongful death situation if the injured person suffers a fatal injury.
Georgia’s Right-of-Way Laws
To understand who was at fault for an accident, you first need to be aware of Georgia’s right-of-way laws. Below, we’ll go into detail about what you need to know.
Intersection Right-of-Way Rules
In Georgia, two vehicles who are approaching an intersection without traffic signals or stop signs should follow this rule – drivers on the left must yield to drivers on the right. Drivers approaching from a highway must yield to all vehicles. When a traffic light or stop signal is present, all motorists are expected to obey the traffic signals.
Left-Turn Liability in T-Bone Accidents
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-71, drivers who intend to make a left turn onto any road, driveway, or alleyway must first ensure that no vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction in the intersection. Drivers must yield to vehicles that are close enough to create a safety hazard. If this driver t bones another vehicle, then they will be liable for the damages since the other car had the right-of-way.
Stop Sign and Traffic Light Violations
Motorists must make a full stop at stop signs and red lights. Violations can result in a t bone accident because other motorists have the legal right-of-way.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Exceptions
In Georgia, pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing the road on a crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians even if they are walking across the road on a green light or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
How Fault is Determined in a Georgia T-Bone Crash
After a T bone car accident, fault will be determined based on an investigation by police and a thorough review of all the possible evidence related to the crash. The first step in determining fault is documenting what happened and preserving the right evidence.
Evidence Used to Prove Liability
The top forms of evidence used to prove liability include police reports, witness statements, and video footage of the accident. Other common types of evidence include findings from an accident reconstruction expert’s analysis, photographs, vehicle damage reports, and black box data.
Police Reports and Witness Statements
When the police arrive at your accident scene, they’ll immediately begin an investigation into what happened. They’ll file an official report noting their findings, while also documenting any early evidence they find that supports their initial determination of fault. At the scene, witness statements can also be used to prove what happened and who caused the crash.
Traffic Camera Footage and Dashcams
Another great source of evidence comes in the form of video evidence. Dashcams or footage from traffic cameras can show exactly what happened and prove who caused the collision.
Common At-Fault Parties
Typically, the driver who fails to properly yield to the other driver’s right-of-way will be considered at fault for the t bone crash. Many t bone incidents are caused by drivers who are distracted, speeding, reckless, or intoxicated.
Distracted or Speeding Drivers
One of the biggest causes of t bone accidents is distracted or speeding drivers who fail to yield to traffic appropriately. These drivers run red lights, speed through stop signs, or make unsafe left turns in traffic.
Drivers Under the Influence (DUI)
Another common at-fault party for t bone crashes is drivers who are under the influence. Impaired driving results in reduced reaction speeds, altered judgment, and reduced overall visibility. If one driver is impaired, then they will likely be found at fault for the accident, since driving under the influence is always illegal.
Georgia’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can file compensation for your losses after an accident even if you were partially at fault. As long as you were less than 50% at fault for the incident, you can still seek out reimbursement.
Average Payout for a T-Bone Accident in Georgia
Every car accident in Georgia is unique, so the payout you receive will be directly relatable to the facts and circumstances of your accident. Since t bone collisions are often severe, it makes sense that the average payout typically ranges anywhere from $5,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Factors Impacting Compensation
To get a rough idea of how much your t bone claim could be worth, you’ll need to know what factors impact your compensation award. Below, we’ll go over exactly what will influence your settlement award.
Medical Bills and Long-Term Care
The number one factor that will impact compensation is the severity of your injury. In general, more severe injuries result in higher medical bills and long-term care costs. This leads to bigger settlement awards since the injured party will be entitled to these damages.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Another important factor that will impact your case is how significantly your injuries impact your ability to work. If you have serious injuries, then you might have a reduced earning capacity overall without much chance of improvement. Otherwise, you could be eligible for a few weeks or months’ worth of lost wages that you could’ve earned if you didn’t get hurt.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Depending on how significantly your injury caused emotional or mental pain and suffering, you could be entitled to these non-economic damages, too. This form of damages will be calculated based on the injury’s impact on your overall quality of life as well as any physical distress you’ve gone through due to the injury. Pain and suffering could also cover losses you sustain due to developing trauma from the accident.
Settlement vs. Trial Verdict Examples
Your compensation award will be provided either through a settlement reached outside of court or a trial verdict. Settlements are usually agreed upon after the two parties negotiate outside of court, whereas a trial verdict is obtained after your case is heard by a judge or jury. Settlements are faster, but a trial could potentially lead to higher compensation awards.
Why Hire an Atlanta T-Bone Accident Lawyer?
The right Atlanta t bone attorney will be your best legal advocate and source of knowledge regarding filing and maximizing your claim. The right lawyer will get started right away, ensuring that the right evidence is collected in a timely manner. They’ll be skilled and prepared to negotiate a fair settlement or take your claim to court if necessary.
Investigation the Crash Scene
One way your lawyer will ensure you get the maximum settlement award possible is by coordinating an in-depth investigation of the crash scene. Your attorney will make sure you have all the evidence you need to prove what caused your accident, who was at fault, and the significance of your losses.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
By compiling the strongest possible case, your lawyer will already be a step ahead of the other party’s insurance company, putting you in a great position to negotiate a fair settlement. Most cases are resolved at this stage.
Proving Negligence in Court
If your case does go to court, then you definitely want a good lawyer to help represent your arguments and claims in court. An attorney will have the right experience to help you succeed and get what you’re entitled to under the law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia T-Bone Accidents
Do you have more questions about your Georgia t bone accident? To get the most accurate advice, it’s best to discuss the specific facts of your situation with an attorney. A lawyer can provide specific, personalized answers to your questions. That said, we’ll go over some general answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these types of accidents below.
How Long Do I Have to File a T-Bone Accident Claim?
In Georgia, you have up to two years from the date of the t bone crash to file a claim for compensation.
What If the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?
If the other driver is responsible for your accident and they’re uninsured, then you can still possibly get compensation. One option is to pursue a claim with your own insurance provider through an uninsured motorist claim. Another option is to pursue a personal lawsuit against the other driver.
Can I Recover Damages if I was Partially at Fault?
According to Georgia’s car accident laws, you can recover damages after an accident as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the incident. When you pursue a claim and are partially at fault, your overall settlement award will be reduced based on your perceived percentage of fault.
Protect Your Rights After a T-Bone Crash
Experiencing a T bone car accident can be traumatizing, especially if it leads to significant or long-term injuries. The good news is that the laws here in Atlanta protect your rights to compensation when you’ve been injured or suffered losses due to the actions of another driver.
The best way to confidently advocate for yourself is to hire a legal representative to leverage your rights and pursue a claim. Here at Singleton Law Firm, our team’s 30+ years of experience can help you recover the maximum settlement award possible in your situation.
Get started on pursuing justice after your accident today by reaching out to our team now.
