An experienced Douglasville car accident lawyer is always prepared to face a difficult claim, with very high damages when a client was involved in a T-bone accident This is because, among all types of car crashes, this has the highest rate of fatalities and life-changing injuries.
In this article, we will explain why so many people suffer severe injuries in side-impact collisions and what to do to protect your chances of getting fair compensation.
Why Are Side-Impact Collisions so Dangerous?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published a study showing that the T-bone accident has the highest risk of fatality among passengers. The reasons for this are varied.
One of them is provided by comprehensive analysis on side collisions involving older vehicles. They were made in a period where the focus was on providing safety only for the driver and front seat passenger. The metallic frames around the back seat were not properly reinforced. Also, back seat passengers were not protected by airbags.
The Mechanics of T-Bone Accidents and Effects on Passengers
Lawyers and accident reconstruction experts know that the severity of a side-impact accident is also influenced by the angle at which one vehicle strikes the other. A direct side impact often leads to deaths or catastrophic injuries. This is due to the fact that the full force of the hit is concentrated on a small area.
If the collision happens at an oblique angle, the impact is less severe. In this case, the force is distributed over a larger surface, thus it is felt with a lesser strength.
Moreover, the likelihood of fatalities or severe injuries in a T-bone accident is influenced by the direction of the impact:
- Far side of the passengers’ seats in the car: it has a lower risk of death
- Near the passenger’s side: it results most often in death or life-changing injuries
How to Seek Compensation after a Side-Impact Collision
When you consult with a Douglasville car accident lawyer, they will ask to hear what happened after the crash, in as much detail as possible. The reason for this is that certain mistakes may be exploited by the insurance company in order to reduce the value of your claim.
You should always remember to take these steps that protect your legal right to win compensation:
1. Report the Accident and Remain at the Accident Scene
In Georgia, all traffic accidents that result in death, bodily injury and/or at least $500 in property damage must be reported to the police. When you call 9-1-1, assess the condition of the other people involved in the crash, and ask for ambulances for those with severe injuries.
Remain at the crash scene until police officers arrive to investigate. In the meantime, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
2. Gather Evidence at the Crash Scene
Do not rely only on the police to document the accident scene. If you did not suffer severe injuries in the side-impact collision, take your phone and photograph the entire accident scene in detail.
Also, look for any eyewitnesses and ask them to give you a short statement and their contact details. Your attorney will reach out to them later to obtain an official deposition.
3. Go to the Nearest Hospital for Diagnosis and Treatment
You must prioritize your safety and never assume that you are alright. Car crashes can cause severe internal injuries, which are not immediately apparent. Also, by getting diagnosed a short time after the crash, you can prove without a doubt the cause of your injuries.
People who wait several days before seeing a doctor have a weaker claim. Insurance adjusters immediately say that the source of the injuries cannot be proven with precision. They will claim that you could have suffered an unrelated accident later and decided to file an accident claim to get your medical care costs paid by the insurer.
4. Do Not Talk to an Insurance Adjuster without a Lawyer
Speaking of adjusters, do not give them a recorded statement or sign any paper they give you. In fact, do not answer any questions, because insurance adjusters know how to trick accident victims into admitting fault or making contradictory statements that weaken their credibility.
Tell the adjuster that your lawyer will contact them soon to file your claim.
5. Consult with an Experienced Douglasville Car Accident Lawyer!
Last but not least, make sure that you contact Hartley, Rowe & Fowler as soon as your doctors release you from hospital. An experienced Douglasville car accident lawyer at our firm will handle all the aspects of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
As a new client, you benefit from an initial free consultation, so call us at 678-825-6004!
