Side-impact collisions, sometimes known as “T-Bone” or “broadside” collisions, are some of the most serious we see. These accidents are especially dangerous for passengers when seated on the side of the vehicle that receives direct impact. If you were injured in a side-impact collision and someone else was to blame, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including things like medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. The personal injury lawyers at Butler Kahn have decades of experience helping injury victims throughout Georgia secure the compensation they deserve. We are ready to put that experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Roswell T-Bone accident lawyer.
Butler Kahn is a Roswell personal injury law firm that represents people seriously hurt in T-bone accidents throughout North Fulton County. T-bone collisions, also called side-impact or broadside crashes, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often causing devastating injuries to occupants on the impact side. If you or someone you love was injured in a T-bone accident in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, or the surrounding North Fulton communities, our attorneys can help you pursue full compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
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Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact collisions are a leading cause of death on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), of the 24,019 passenger vehicle fatalities that occurred in 2020 alone, nearly one in four were caused by side-impact collisions. T-bone accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic harm because vehicle doors and side panels offer far less protection than front or rear crumple zones.
In Roswell and throughout North Fulton County, T-bone crashes commonly occur at busy intersections along GA 400, Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta Highway, and Canton Street. Common contributing factors in T-bone accidents include:
Distracted driving– Thousands of lives are lost each year due to distracted driving. Drivers distracted by phones, navigation systems, and other passengers often fail to yield the right of way at intersections and in merge zones. Georgia’s hands-free law prohibits holding a phone while driving, but violations remain common and frequently lead to severe side-impact collisions.
Impaired driving– Intoxicated drivers are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people are killed every day in the United States in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. Impaired drivers may struggle with slowed reaction time, lowered depth perception, and reduced spatial awareness, making it harder for them to avoid side-impact collisions. If a drunk driver caused your T-bone accident, you may be entitled to punitive damages.
Aggressive driving– This is a broad category of behavior that includes things like speeding, tailgating, lane-weaving, and passing where prohibited. Aggressive drivers are more likely to make mistakes and endanger the lives of others, including by increasing the risk of side-impact collisions.
Running red lights and stop signs– One of the most common causes of T-bone accidents is when a driver fails to stop at a traffic signal or stop sign. In busy Roswell intersections, running a red light often results in a direct side-impact collision with vehicles lawfully crossing the intersection.
Failing to yield– Drivers making left turns or entering traffic from side streets must yield to oncoming vehicles. When they misjudge the speed of approaching traffic or fail to check properly, T-bone collisions frequently result.
Mechanical defects– Some side-impact crashes occur due to mechanical defects in the vehicles themselves. Defects may include things like worn brakes, defective steering systems, and malfunctioning airbags. These defects may be caused by manufacturing error or poor maintenance. Either way, responsible parties may be liable for resulting injuries. Our Georgia product liability attorneys handle cases involving defective vehicle components.
Road conditions– Poor road conditions are a contributing factor in many auto accidents, including those involving side-impact collisions. All drivers are responsible for adjusting their driving to account for things like adverse weather conditions. However, when accidents are caused by poor road maintenance—for example, malfunctioning traffic signals and missing road signage—responsible parties may be on the hook for compensating injured victims.
Common Injuries Sustained in T-Bone Accidents
Side-impact collisions often result in severe, life-threatening injuries. Vehicle occupants sitting closer to the zone of impact are particularly vulnerable because the side of a vehicle provides minimal protection compared to the front or rear. T-bone accidents cause a wide range of injuries, and the severity often depends on factors like vehicle speed, angle of impact, and whether the vehicles had modern side-impact airbags.
Among other things, side-impact collisions may lead to:
Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
T-bone accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries because the sudden lateral force can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Even when victims do not hit their head on a window or door frame, the violent side-to-side motion can cause concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries. If you experienced any loss of consciousness, confusion, headaches, or memory problems after a T-bone crash, seek medical attention immediately and contact a Roswell personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a T-Bone Accident?
When we think of auto-accident liability, we normally think of a straightforward crash between two drivers. However, depending on the circumstances of the crash, numerous parties may be potentially liable for compensating injured victims. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, which means you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
If you were involved in a side-impact collision in Roswell or the surrounding North Fulton area, any of the following parties could be partially or fully liable for your injuries and other losses:
Drivers directly involved in the side-impact collision
Other motorists or road users, such as pedestrians who caused a driver to swerve
Employers of at-fault drivers who were working at the time of the crash
Mechanics liable for poor workmanship or negligent repairs
Parts manufacturers responsible for defective components
Government entities responsible for poor road maintenance or malfunctioning traffic signals
Property owners whose landscaping or signage obstructed visibility at an intersection
At Butler Kahn, we are ready to review your case and identify all sources of potential liability for your injuries. Understanding how fault is determined after a car accident is essential to maximizing your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
What Compensation Is Available After a T-Bone Accident?
If you are injured in a side-impact collision in Georgia, you may be entitled to a wide variety of compensation from the at-fault parties. The specific types of compensation available depend on the circumstances of your case, but may include:
Medical expenses incurred for the treatment of crash-related injuries, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
Future medical expenses for anticipated treatment needs
Incidental expenses, such as mileage costs for medical travel
Lost wages from any time you missed at work due to your injuries
Lowered future earning potential if the crash causes long-term disability
Subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving, reckless behavior, or intentional misconduct
What Should I Do After a T-Bone Accident?
There are many steps you can take early on in the life of your case to protect yourself and your legal right to compensation for your injuries. Where possible, take the following steps after being injured in a side-impact collision:
Seek medical care as soon as possible to make sure all of your injuries are identified, treated, and documented. Carefully follow your doctor’s care plan and attend all follow-up appointments. The medical treatment records your doctors create will turn into critical evidence in your case.
Collect information from all other drivers involved in the wreck, including their contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurer names, and insurance policy numbers. Also, be sure to identify all witnesses of the accident and collect their contact information.
Gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos of the wreck, your injuries, and road conditions. Photograph traffic signals, stop signs, skid marks, and any obstructed sightlines.
Keep track of important documents related to the injuries and losses you sustained in the crash, including medical bills, bank statements, proof of income, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Record your ongoing symptoms in a daily “pain journal.” This can later be used to prove the true value of your injuries in settlement negotiations and trial.
Watch what you say to others about your accident. It is best to let your attorney handle communications with the at-fault party and any insurers involved in your case. Because anything you say can be used against you, it is also best to avoid posting about your accident and injuries on social media.
Consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to make sure you know your rights and are not taken advantage of. The injury attorneys at Butler Kahn are here to help.
Is There a Deadline in Georgia for Filing a T-Bone Accident Lawsuit?
Yes, accident victims in side-impact collisions must comply with an important deadline known as the statute of limitations when filing a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. Georgia law gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file suit against the at-fault party. If you attempt to do so after the deadline has passed, your case will most likely be dismissed, thereby gutting your right to seek compensation through the court system.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of majority. For wrongful death claims, different deadlines may apply. Because these rules are complex and the consequences of missing a deadline are severe, it is critical to speak with a Roswell car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your T-bone collision.
Why Roswell Residents Choose Butler Kahn
Butler Kahn is not a high-volume personal injury mill. We take fewer cases on purpose so we can do deeper work on each one. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because that’s how you get insurance companies to take claims seriously. Our approach has resulted in significant verdicts and settlements for clients throughout Georgia, including many who were injured in T-bone and other side-impact collisions.
When you hire Butler Kahn, you get:
Direct access to experienced trial attorneys, not just case managers
Thorough investigation of your accident, including accident reconstruction when necessary
Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies who try to undervalue your claim
Willingness to go to trial when the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation
A local office in Roswell on Canton Street, convenient for North Fulton residents
View our case results and client testimonials to see why injured Georgians trust Butler Kahn with their serious injury cases.
T-Bone Accident Cases We Handle in North Fulton
Our Roswell office serves clients throughout North Fulton County and the surrounding areas. We regularly handle T-bone accident cases for victims injured in:
Roswell – Including crashes on GA 400, Holcomb Bridge Road, Canton Street, Alpharetta Highway, and near Roswell Town Center
Alpharetta – Including intersections along North Point Parkway, Old Milton Parkway, and GA 400
Johns Creek – Including State Bridge Road, Medlock Bridge Road, and McGinnis Ferry Road
Milton – Including Birmingham Highway, Freemanville Road, and GA 9
Mountain Park – Including crashes near Birmingham Falls and Bethany Bend
Sandy Springs – Including Roswell Road, Hammond Drive, and GA 400 interchanges
We also represent T-bone accident victims throughout Fulton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County. If you were injured anywhere in the greater Atlanta metro area, our attorneys can help.
Dangerous Intersections in Roswell
T-bone accidents in Roswell frequently occur at high-traffic intersections, including:
GA 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road
Alpharetta Highway and Mansell Road
Canton Street and Mimosa Boulevard
Holcomb Bridge Road and Old Alabama Road
GA 9 (Alpharetta Highway) and Crossville Road
If you were injured at any of these locations or elsewhere in the Roswell area, contact our office to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About T-Bone Accidents in Roswell
Who is usually at fault in a T-bone accident?
The driver who failed to yield the right of way is typically at fault in a T-bone accident. This often means the driver who ran a red light, failed to stop at a stop sign, or made an improper left turn. However, fault is determined based on the specific facts of each case, and sometimes both drivers share responsibility.
How much is my T-bone accident case worth?
The value of a T-bone accident case depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of fault assigned to each party. Cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or wrongful death typically result in higher compensation.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
No. Insurance companies frequently make lowball initial offers hoping you will accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. Many T-bone accident injuries, particularly brain injuries and soft tissue damage, may not become fully apparent for weeks or months. Speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement.
What if the other driver says I was at fault?
Do not admit fault at the accident scene or to insurance adjusters. Georgia’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Your attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and build a case to counter false accusations of fault.
How long do I have to file a T-bone accident lawsuit in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims have different deadlines. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek compensation through the courts, so it is important to consult with an attorney promptly.
Do I need a lawyer for a T-bone accident case?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, T-bone accidents often involve disputed liability, complex medical evidence, and aggressive insurance tactics. An experienced attorney can investigate your crash, document your damages, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary. Read our guide on when to hire a car accident lawyer.
What evidence is important in a T-bone accident case?
Important evidence includes the police report, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, traffic camera footage, medical records, and sometimes accident reconstruction expert testimony. Your attorney should act quickly to preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
Georgia’s seatbelt law allows defendants to argue that failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries, potentially reducing your recovery. However, not wearing a seatbelt does not bar you from filing a claim entirely. The reduction depends on whether the seatbelt would have prevented or reduced your specific injuries.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Georgia law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, though you may have declined it. Your attorney can review your policy and identify all available sources of compensation.
How long will my T-bone accident case take to resolve?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take a year or more.
What is a side-impact airbag, and does it affect my case?
Side-impact airbags are safety features designed to protect occupants in T-bone collisions. If your vehicle had side airbags that failed to deploy or deployed improperly, you may have a product liability claim against the vehicle or airbag manufacturer in addition to your claim against the at-fault driver.
Can I sue if a traffic light was malfunctioning?
Yes. If a malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to your T-bone accident, you may have a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the signal. These claims have special procedural requirements and shorter notice deadlines, so it is important to consult an attorney immediately.
What if my T-bone accident caused a loved one’s death?
If a T-bone accident killed your spouse, parent, or child, you may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. Georgia’s wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to recover compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
How much does it cost to hire Butler Kahn?
We handle T-bone accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no charge for your initial consultation, and we advance the costs of investigating and litigating your case.
Contact a Roswell T-Bone Accident Lawyer
If you are reading this page because you or a loved one has been hurt in a T-bone accident in Roswell or anywhere in North Fulton County, we hope you are receiving the medical care you need and are making a strong recovery. We hope the information on this page has been helpful.
If you would like to talk with Butler Kahn about your situation, call us at (770) 766-1056 or contact us online. There is no charge to talk with us about your case.
Our Roswell Office
Butler Kahn – Roswell Personal Injury Lawyers
1255 Canton St, Unit E
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: (770) 766-1056
Our Roswell office is located on Canton Street near the Roswell Historic District, with convenient parking available. We serve clients throughout North Fulton, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Mountain Park.
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