Side Impact Collisions

Atlanta car accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert has dedicated his career to personal injury law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented victims of negligence harmed in side impact collisions and other traffic accidents. The Law Office of Stephen M. Ozcomert provides personalized attention at no up-front cost to you.

Head-on collisions used to be the deadliest crashes on the road. Over the last decade, thanks to improved front bumpers and dual airbags, they have declined. Side-impact collisions, on the other hand, have increased over 20 percent due to the greater number of SUVs and higher vehicle speeds. These crashes account for 1 in 3 fatalities in children, almost always due to head trauma. Although side airbags are standard in newer models, the majority of vehicles generally have only 8 inches of steel shielding rear passengers. Unlike fenders and bumpers, this thin structural protection exposes the human skeleton to injury. Atlanta side impact collision attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert knows how serious these types of crashes can be, and has the knowledge and experience necessary to fight for your rights.

Most states have prohibited talking on the phone while driving largely because of the effort of one mother who lost her infant in a side-impact collision. The negligent motorist had “t-boned” her car as he was talking on his cell phone. This type of behavior is an example of negligence, or the failure to exercise reasonable care. Although unintentional, negligent conduct causes injury and even death. Negligent driving in side-impact collisions may involve:

• Speeding
• Mobile use
• Left, U-turns
• Four-way stop
• Failure to yield
• Substance abuse
• Passing red light
• Distracted driving
• Insufficient braking distance

Georgia law prohibits texting while driving, an increasing source of accidents in the United States. Young drivers are prohibited from using any hand-held or hands-free device while driving, which includes sending and receiving messages through a wireless device. The novice ban complies with the latest crash data showing an alarming increase in young distracted drivers.

Without a reinforced crumple zone or rear side airbags, passengers have little protection against an oncoming car. If the approaching vehicle is large, like an SUV or truck, the impact can be deadly. When the human skeleton absorbs this force, non-fatal injuries may include:

• Whiplash
• Herniation
• Brain injury
• Hemorrhage
• Crushed limb
• Punctured lung
• Cranial swelling
• Complex fracture
• Blunt head trauma
• Closed head injury
• Spinal cord damage
• Permanent disability

These injuries do not only require expensive medical treatment, but continuing rehabilitation and care in many cases. Life-changing crashes take victims out of work because they are no longer able to perform the same duties or return to employment at all. Negligent drivers are liable for these losses.

Georgia law holds negligent motorists liable for injuries sustained in side-impact collisions. All losses proximately caused by the crash are compensable. These may include:

• Lost property
• Repairs, rentals
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost companionship
• Present, future wages
• Funeral and burial costs
• Wrongful death benefits

Because insurance companies are reluctant to accept liability, they often deny such claims. An experienced Atlanta side impact attorney can help accident victims and families recover full compensation.

If you were injured in a side-impact collision, Atlanta personal injury attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert can help. For over 20 years, he has obtained substantial verdicts and settlements for car accident victims and others harmed by negligence. As a seasoned litigator, Mr. Ozcomert has extensive experience negotiating the best award possible and is always prepared to protect your rights in court. Call (404) 370-1000 for a free consultation or contact us online.