Common Causes of Car Accidents in Georgia
Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons, and most of them have to do with driver negligence and human error. If you were injured in a car accident in Georgia due to another driver’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. At Weaver Law Firm, our attorneys work hard to help you demand the full financial recovery you deserve in the wake of a serious car accident.
Contact us now to discuss your case in a free consultation. Our skilled car accident lawyers will be ready to launch an investigation into the cause of your crash to determine who should be held responsible. We will do this at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost to you. In fact, you only pay us if we recover payment for you.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents in Georgia?
While there are many factors that could lead to a car accident, here are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes that we see at Weaver Law Firm:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Examples of distracted driving include texting, adjusting the radio, using a GPS while a vehicle is in motion, eating and drinking, talking on the phone, talking to other passengers, applying makeup, grooming, and daydreaming. Distracted driving has been exacerbated by the age of the smartphone, unfortunately, and can result in dangerous accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Intoxicated driving greatly increases the risk of an accident. Intoxicated driving involves alcohol, drugs, and even prescription medication such as benzodiazepines or painkillers that impair a person’s ability to focus. Driving under the influence impairs a driver’s judgment, concentration, reaction time, and vision and can lead to fatal or life-altering injuries.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving endangers other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who share the road. Reckless driving occurs when a driver blatantly disregards traffic laws and signage, changes lanes suddenly and without warning, or ignores the speed limit.
- Fatigued or drowsy driving: Drivers who are overtired or dozing off are a hazard to themselves and others on the road. Sometimes drivers who have been behind the wheel for hours at a time can become drowsy. According to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 91,000 reported U.S. crashes involved drowsy drivers in one recent year, which led to 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths.
- Speeding: Speeding is dangerous, particularly in areas of high traffic where cars are constantly entering, exiting, or changing lanes. Approximately one-third of all U.S. motor vehicle fatalities involve speeding. In Georgia, drivers are permitted to travel no faster than 70 miles per hour on rural interstate highways and 65 miles per hour on urban interstates.
- Tailgating: Tailgating occurs when a driver is following another car too closely. When a driver fails to maintain a safe distance from the car in front and traffic slows or comes to a stop, the driver has less time to react, which can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Failure to yield: When drivers don’t yield the right-of-way, accidents happen. For instance, some drivers attempt to turn through intersections while pedestrians are crossing. Failing to yield the right-of-way when turning in either direction can cause severe and even fatal collisions with other motor vehicles, walkers, cyclists.
- Failure to stop: Some drivers try to speed through intersections before a light turns red. This can lead to accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians entering an intersection. Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs aren’t just endangering others. They’re breaking the law.
- Inexperienced drivers: Inexperienced drivers often don’t know what to do when they encounter hazardous road conditions, inclement weather, or rapidly changing traffic conditions. New drivers should always take a defensive driving course before getting on the road and should refrain from texting or talking on the phone once they start driving.
- Unsafe lane changes: When drivers change lanes suddenly and unexpectedly, accidents can occur. Drivers should use their blinker signals to alert other drivers of their intention to change lanes and always check blind spots before switching lanes.
- Dangerous turns: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way when making turns pose a hazard to all nearby motorists. Left turns are particularly dangerous since some drivers misjudge the speed of other vehicles, miscalculate the distance they have to travel, or fail to look for all vehicles, such as motorcycles.
- Vehicle defects: Sometimes, car accidents are caused by defective vehicle parts rather than by negligent drivers. Drivers should make sure they stay vigilant for any recall notices and take their vehicles in for maintenance and inspection on a regular basis to ensure their vehicles are road safe. Automakers and vehicle parts manufacturers can sometimes be held liable in cases where injuries and property damage were caused by a vehicle defect.
- Poor weather or road conditions: Driving in inclement weather such as rain, snow, sleet, or fog increases the risk of a car accident occurring. This is particularly true if drivers are distracted, impaired, fatigued, or not following applicable traffic laws.
What to Do If You Have Been Hurt in a Crash in Georgia
If you are the victim of a car accident in Georgia, there are simple but important steps you should take following the crash to protect your health and your right to pursue compensation. These include:
- Seek medical treatment. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the car accident to ensure you have the best chance of a full and rapid recovery. Seeing a doctor will also create medical records that will be important evidence in your injury claim.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Attend every follow-up appointment and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Doing so will help your recovery while failing to do so could give the insurance company reason to doubt your claim.
- Gather documentation. Collect any and all documentation related to the accident and your injuries. This includes the other driver’s contact and insurance information, the police report of the accident, witness contact information, medical bills, medical records, accident photos, pay stubs to show lost income and vehicle repair estimates.
- Contact an experienced attorney. A skilled car accident attorney can help you build a strong case for full compensation for your losses. You may be entitled to payment for your current and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Our Lawyers Can Help Victims of Georgia Car Accidents
At Weaver Law Firm, we understand that a car accident can change your life in an instant. Our team of knowledgeable car accident lawyers could help you by:
- Meticulously investigate the car accident that injured you to determine who is responsible for your losses
- Helping you find the physicians you need to get appropriate treatment for your injuries
- Handling all communication with the at-fault party’s insurer and attorneys to protect you from saying something that could be used against your case
- Negotiating skillfully for the fair car accident settlement you deserve
- Representing you in court, if necessary, to fight for maximum compensation
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia
If you are struggling with serious injuries suffered in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the Georgia personal injury attorneys at Weaver Law Firm right away. We’ll take the time to discuss the crash and how it has impacted your life and the lives of your loved ones. We’ll be ready to explain your legal options and answer all your questions during a completely free case evaluation. Call us or contact us online today. We’re ready to listen.