LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Stephen R. Hasner
Managing Partner at Hasner Law PC
July 18, 2025

An Atlanta T-bone collision lawyer provides essential legal guidance after a serious side-impact crash. Also known as broadside or angle collisions, these accidents are particularly violent because the point of impact is often directly next to an occupant, with only a thin car door for protection. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), angle collisions are among the deadliest types of crashes for vehicle occupants.

T-bone accidents most often occur at intersections when a driver makes a reckless mistake, such as running a red light or failing to yield. These crashes can cause severe injuries that require extensive medical care and a lengthy recovery period.

If you’ve been injured in a side-impact crash, caused by another driver’s negligence, an experienced attorney can help you fight for the resources needed to rebuild your life.

Call Hasner Law PC today at 678-888-HURT (4878) for a free and confidential case evaluation.

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Atlanta T-Bone Collision Guide

Why Choose Hasner Law for Your Atlanta T-Bone Accident Claim

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Following a side-impact collision, you may be facing painful injuries, growing medical expenses, and uncertainty about how to move forward.

While you focus on your recovery, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is already working to limit its financial liability. Their goal is often to minimize the seriousness of your injuries, shift blame, or push for a quick settlement that does not reflect the true impact of the crash.

At Hasner Law, our team of experienced attorneys is prepared to take immediate action on your behalf. When you hire an Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer from our firm, we assume full responsibility for the legal process so you can concentrate on your health and recovery.

We promptly begin a thorough investigation, which is especially critical in intersection collisions where liability is often disputed. To support your case, we work quickly to gather critical evidence, including traffic camera footage, data from the vehicles’ event recorders (black boxes), and statements from eyewitnesses who observed the incident. We also coordinate with trusted accident reconstruction specialists who can help establish how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

Our legal team manages all interactions with the insurance companies involved, shielding you from high-pressure tactics and attempts to obtain recorded statements or early, undervalued settlement agreements. With more than 80 years of combined experience, we understand how to build a compelling case by thoroughly documenting your injuries, financial losses, and the lasting effects of the crash.

At Hasner Law, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal process and advocating for the compensation you may be entitled to under Georgia law.

Common Causes of T-Bone Accidents at Atlanta Intersections

In a T-bone crash, proving who caused the accident is often the most important part of the case. Unlike rear-end collisions, where fault is usually clear, side-impact crashes at intersections often involve conflicting accounts. An experienced Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer can help gather the facts needed to show how the other driver’s actions caused the crash.

These types of collisions often happen on high-traffic roads like Memorial Drive, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and at busy downtown intersections where traffic is dense and unpredictable. Several common driver mistakes frequently lead to intersection-related crashes.

Failure to Yield on a Left Turn

One of the most frequent causes of side-impact crashes is a driver making a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-71), drivers turning left must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Our investigation may include reviewing dashcam video, vehicle data, and eyewitness accounts to determine right-of-way.

Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

This is one of the clearest examples of negligence at an intersection. Our legal team will seek out any available traffic camera footage, dashcam video from nearby drivers, or independent witness statements to confirm the violation.

Distracted Driving

A driver who is reading a text or scrolling through their phone cannot safely check for signals or cross traffic. In these cases, we may subpoena the at-fault driver’s phone records to create a timeline of activity leading up to the crash.

Impaired Driving

Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs pose a serious danger at intersections, where sound judgment and quick reaction times are critical. In these cases, we collect evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, and other records to determine if impairment played a role in the crash.

When alcohol or drug use is involved, the case may support a claim for punitive damages. Under Georgia law, punitive damages are awarded only when the defendant’s conduct is proven to be especially dangerous or malicious. 

These damages are subject to statutory caps and are granted at the discretion of the court. Our team can assess whether your case qualifies for punitive damages and will pursue them vigorously when appropriate.

Each of these examples reflects a preventable mistake that can cause serious harm. By gathering evidence that proves the other driver acted negligently, we are able to build a case that supports your right to seek compensation.

How Our Atlanta T-Bone Accident Lawyers Prove Fault

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Determining fault in T-bone collisions is often disputed, especially in Atlanta’s busier areas, where both drivers may assert they had the green light or the right-of-way. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer on your side.

We use a combination of expert analysis and factual evidence to show what happened and who was responsible. To support your claim, our legal team may use the following tools:

  • Accident reconstruction professionals who review the crash scene, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions
  • Cell phone records to help prove the other driver was distracted at the time of the crash
  • Traffic camera or dashcam video to show signal violations or unsafe driving
  • Vehicle data recorders (black boxes) to analyze speed, braking, and turning at the moment of impact
  • Eyewitness statements and additional documentation when police reports are incomplete or inaccurate

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40 percent of all traffic crashes happen at intersections. Proving what happened in a side-impact crash requires detailed investigation and a legal strategy built on evidence.

Severe Injuries Caused by Side-Impact Collisions

T-bone crashes often cause serious harm because there is little to protect occupants from the impact. Standard car doors offer minimal protection, allowing the force of the collision to push directly into the passenger area and cause life-changing injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Side impacts can cause the head to hit the window, door frame, or pillar, resulting in traumatic brain injuries such as concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal damage. These conditions may result in lasting cognitive issues, memory loss, personality changes, and loss of independence. 

Chest, Torso, and Internal Organ Damage

Direct intrusion into the cabin can break ribs, collapse a lung, or damage vital organs such as the liver or spleen. These injuries are often life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.

Pelvic, Hip, and Limb Fractures

Because the point of impact is often at hip level, pelvic fractures are common and can be especially difficult to recover from. Limbs may also be crushed or broken, often requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The sudden sideways motion in a T-bone crash can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord. This may lead to partial or complete paralysis. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, and side-impact collisions are a major contributor.

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Compensation You May Recover After a T-Bone Accident in Georgia

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A side-impact crash can leave you with serious injuries, high medical bills, and a long recovery. If another driver caused the crash, a skilled Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills, including future treatment and rehabilitation
  • Lost income if you missed work or cannot return to your job
  • Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
  • Car damage and any personal property lost in the crash
  • Loss of companionship, if your injuries affect your family life
  • Punitive damages, if the other driver was drunk, speeding, or driving recklessly

At Hasner Law, we carefully look at how the accident has affected your life and help you pursue the full amount you may be entitled to under Georgia law.

Georgia Laws That May Affect Your Atlanta T-Bone Accident Claim

If you were hurt in a side-impact crash at an intersection in Atlanta, Georgia law will play a key role in whether you can recover compensation. These cases can involve strict deadlines and shared fault rules that may affect the outcome. A knowledgeable Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer can explain how these laws apply and help you take the right steps to protect your case.

The Two-Year Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia

In Georgia, the law gives most injured people two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the two-year deadline, known as the statute of limitations, the court may not allow your case to move forward, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.

Because side-impact crashes often require thorough investigation, it is crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly gives your legal team time to gather traffic camera footage, interview witnesses, and review crash data.

How Georgia’s Comparative Fault Rule Can Affect Your T-Bone Accident Case

In many intersection accidents, both drivers might claim they had the green light or the right-of-way. The insurance company may try to assign partial fault to you, such as by arguing that you were speeding or did not react quickly enough. Georgia uses a system called modified comparative fault to resolve these disputes.

Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation if you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.

Importantly, if you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. This threshold makes it vital to have a legal team ready to challenge any inaccurate assessments of fault.

An experienced Atlanta T-bone accident lawyer can use traffic records, vehicle data, and eyewitness accounts to build a strong case and protect your right to compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a T-Bone Accident in Atlanta?

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While many T-bone crashes are caused by a single driver, some cases involve other parties who may also be at fault. Identifying every responsible party can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries and related losses.

People or entities who may be liable include:

  • The other driver, especially if they ran a red light, failed to yield, or were distracted
  • A company or employer, if the driver was working when the crash happened
  • A vehicle manufacturer, if your injuries were made worse by faulty safety features
  • A city or county agency, if poor road design or a broken traffic signal contributed to the crash

Claims against manufacturers or government agencies involve distinct legal procedures and strict deadlines. For example, if your claim involves a government entity, Georgia law requires you to file an ante litem notice within a specific time frame, which is often as short as six to twelve months, depending on the agency involved.

Our attorneys understand the procedural requirements for third-party claims and will ensure your case complies with all notice and filing deadlines under Georgia law.

Speak With an Experienced Atlanta T-Bone Collision Lawyer Today

A T-bone collision is a traumatic event that can cause serious injuries, emotional strain, and financial hardship. The legal process that follows is rarely straightforward, especially when insurance companies work to limit their liability.

At Hasner Law, we understand the complexities these cases present and the toll they take on victims and their families. Our team draws on deep experience with intersection-related accidents to investigate thoroughly, build a strong claim, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

You should not have to navigate this challenging time alone. Call our Atlanta office at 678-888-HURT (4878) to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.

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Hasner Law: Atlanta Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339

Ph: (678) 888-4878

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Managing Partner at Hasner Law PC
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Stephen Hasner is the founder and managing partner of Hasner Law PC. Since being licensed in Florida in 1997 and in Georgia in 1999, Stephen has worked tirelessly to help Georgia residents navigate the legal process following a serious injury. This includes injuries sustained at work, in motor vehicle accidents, and in cases of personal injury. The team at Hasner Law is dedicated to securing compensation for their clients who have been injured through no fault of their own.